tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24472319114729536812024-03-04T22:11:37.535-08:00Meyrick Jones RacingMJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.comBlogger377125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-7264461420957635122012-03-12T00:44:00.000-07:002012-03-23T09:39:09.568-07:00Invictus<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxORooeL5IxJheMyeWPZSvuXaSaxK7iDAWzEZDkZDqEiAIwlhKSOQe-5tZb975XQXdiXQ-qr7gUhIum7nrlIqQysTBa71wYqa4iBoFOtDia2h6U9C41Wm6MQRtxma-TGW573_hU24reJQ/s1600/Picture+8.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 289px; height: 147px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxORooeL5IxJheMyeWPZSvuXaSaxK7iDAWzEZDkZDqEiAIwlhKSOQe-5tZb975XQXdiXQ-qr7gUhIum7nrlIqQysTBa71wYqa4iBoFOtDia2h6U9C41Wm6MQRtxma-TGW573_hU24reJQ/s400/Picture+8.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459161986338051234" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:medium;" ><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I was just reading about the poem <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invictus">Invictus</a></i> by <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Ernest_Henley">William Ernest Henley</a>. (It's below)</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I first came across it when I was in school in Ireland at about the age of 16... in English Literature class. I loved the poem back then... mostly because as a 16 year old boy, hard core poems about "bludgeoning" and "blood" go over well.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I didn't know any of the history of the poem.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Briefly:</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span></p><blockquote><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">1. Henley wrote it in 1875 when he was 26 and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Ernest_Henley">it was about losing his leg below the knee to tuberculosis.</a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">2. Nelson Mandela kept it on a scrap of paper in his cell during his 27 year incarceration.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">3. In the recent movie, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Invictus, </span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Mandela (Morgan Freeman) gives the captain of the South African rugby squad (Matt Damon) a copy of the poem before the final game of the 1995 World Cup in which they are to face the heavily favoured New Zealand All Blacks. The Springboks (South Africans) go on to win.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">4. In reality Mandela gave the Springbok captain (Francois Pienaar) an excerpt from The Man in the Arena speech by Theodore Roosevelt. This quote has always been one of my favourites - see it on the sidebar.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">5. Invictus is latin for unconquered.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">For these reasons <i>Invictus</i> has now joined the excerpt from <i>Man in the Arena</i> as my favourite pieces of literature. What amazing stories and coincidences.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;">Invictus</span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></span></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Out of the night that covers me,</span></span></span></div><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Black as the pit from pole to pole,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I thank whatever gods may be</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">For my unconquerable soul.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div></span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">In the fell clutch of circumstance</span></span></span></div><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I have not winced nor cried aloud.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Under the bludgeonings of chance</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">My head is bloody, but unbowed.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div></span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Beyond this place of wrath and tears</span></span></span></div><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Looms but the Horror of the shade,</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">And yet the menace of the years</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">Finds and shall find me unafraid.</span></span></div></span><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 19px; "></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">It matters not how strait the gate,</span></span></span></div><span style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">How charged with punishments the scroll,</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I am the master of my fate:</span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">I am the captain of my soul.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'courier new';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">- William Ernest Henley, 1875</span></span></div></span></span></span><p></p></span>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-82382552600145286482010-02-08T13:27:00.001-08:002010-02-08T13:54:47.670-08:00Buntzen Lake Hike<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xh8jqnIHejRB0ryZLKm_7jHihkQTxFc6p0Wst44jIqAaem660kO6bjDE2cEGdmiGn2ZV4CRI6wMErvlNd1yLlG310WC1apTMyNLfE4myKxD2RbVzltrWl8Uew8cREPMSQBimwaDhrWo/s1600-h/IMG_9386.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Xh8jqnIHejRB0ryZLKm_7jHihkQTxFc6p0Wst44jIqAaem660kO6bjDE2cEGdmiGn2ZV4CRI6wMErvlNd1yLlG310WC1apTMyNLfE4myKxD2RbVzltrWl8Uew8cREPMSQBimwaDhrWo/s400/IMG_9386.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435988914474301730" /></a><br />Buntzen Lake is about 10 minutes from our new facility in Port Moody. The loop around the lake makes an awesome hike of about two hours if you are moving steadily.<br /><br />Yesterday (pre-Superbowl) 22 customers and friends, 3 IF staff, 3 dogs and one baby took on the hike around the lake. It was a little rainy so I thought the turnout might suffer but nobody was deterred - great start!<br /><br />We are one week into the facility Nutrition Challenge (essentially a cleanse combined with a challenge to increase your exercise) - it lasts 28 days. (Note: That's why the cakes pictured in the previous post were so torturous!) This hike was worth a solid 20 points, so 22 out of 40 Challengers were in attendance... solid.<br /><br />The hike is approx. 10km and there are some steep uphill and downhill sections. Some great lake views, great people and lots of time to chat away from the facility made it a awesome start to the day.<br /><br />I did the hike with Viggo in the backpack - he's getting a bit heavy for this type of distance... but it was a great workout! My glutes, quads and calf are all sore this morning. Feels good!<br /><br />Enjoy the pictures!<br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ma5pErFM9m8_usk4c9IRS37sMD80-9oNQQ0PnSeLyTHsf_ddFLx2yXTFE-eaCC-g_J_aj7RWHVPXdiigEYcmXyFN-ICduo96XlsHxAHaoCV17qwkQ9bClXHKadeoLL7Rv-hxNo6CVfY/s1600-h/IMG_9338.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ma5pErFM9m8_usk4c9IRS37sMD80-9oNQQ0PnSeLyTHsf_ddFLx2yXTFE-eaCC-g_J_aj7RWHVPXdiigEYcmXyFN-ICduo96XlsHxAHaoCV17qwkQ9bClXHKadeoLL7Rv-hxNo6CVfY/s400/IMG_9338.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435988878408988754" /></a>Jen breaking down the route... <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienXrKbON2f__hbt3ucLSbdaozCfIex_lu95l2XKemvANb88gWk-CkgutUtWVHHSQyTuTVXCHCNsKjBFvRRacumUIq98eINLRbO6-zcIRu9XeVEG0fykQ-Pka6iYHnaT7eiDoPOhuHvs0/s1600-h/IMG_9340.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienXrKbON2f__hbt3ucLSbdaozCfIex_lu95l2XKemvANb88gWk-CkgutUtWVHHSQyTuTVXCHCNsKjBFvRRacumUIq98eINLRbO6-zcIRu9XeVEG0fykQ-Pka6iYHnaT7eiDoPOhuHvs0/s400/IMG_9340.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435988885771857250" /></a>Off we go...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ngU1ypu1DVwI3raGoxwaUQ78Mk-dgXRGWKFgq1VHZZOgBfDZHQ7LOxnB8vJJBRXyifq3v9jyvLAXvFWrdeT3_ALJf0pxRT-3n8GraE9e53CsCpy85z2mDaiV3gR2JIfYDVaIL5e_EWM/s1600-h/IMG_9348.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ngU1ypu1DVwI3raGoxwaUQ78Mk-dgXRGWKFgq1VHZZOgBfDZHQ7LOxnB8vJJBRXyifq3v9jyvLAXvFWrdeT3_ALJf0pxRT-3n8GraE9e53CsCpy85z2mDaiV3gR2JIfYDVaIL5e_EWM/s400/IMG_9348.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435988894738476258" /></a>The trees are epic around the lake - moss covered and towering</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2LZ_8NJebOuxB1K-YKFEjkg_lYZKrXmRs_RU_zMTMUYdaoBMSvsskJWKQZweP6jrQ3dTkEy9596mwHVzJum09Vz7FOsRNi2qt3ca5H04UJTYU7ADr0HnMctV63kfeXL714CTZvXON9Y/s1600-h/IMG_9382.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB2LZ_8NJebOuxB1K-YKFEjkg_lYZKrXmRs_RU_zMTMUYdaoBMSvsskJWKQZweP6jrQ3dTkEy9596mwHVzJum09Vz7FOsRNi2qt3ca5H04UJTYU7ADr0HnMctV63kfeXL714CTZvXON9Y/s400/IMG_9382.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435988905661449410" /></a>Viggo's backpack... It distributes the weight really well... HIGHLY RECOMMEND to any parents looking to get out with their kids. Also please note V's olympic spirit - Quatchi hat and Team Canada jersey... he's a proud Canadian!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssjTZLwQSShoadmU76HTTcpgQ9JoRBYME3xLbE-Coe4dM09mAUtJ30MdYllDZFOI3SGpRK_AXyXnvYvl557j2FRP5ZOY9LUGAx3X2hkuU2WJU4RmitNvaHS6FxRqZM_7YnKnvbWnNHC4/s1600-h/IMG_9398.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhssjTZLwQSShoadmU76HTTcpgQ9JoRBYME3xLbE-Coe4dM09mAUtJ30MdYllDZFOI3SGpRK_AXyXnvYvl557j2FRP5ZOY9LUGAx3X2hkuU2WJU4RmitNvaHS6FxRqZM_7YnKnvbWnNHC4/s400/IMG_9398.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435989629862773106" /></a><br /><br /></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-56596336110816472092010-02-07T15:06:00.001-08:002010-02-07T15:10:29.127-08:00Superbowl XLIVThe sad part is that I can't eat either of them.... Who are you picking?<div><br /></div><div>MJ's Superbowl prediction: Colts by 3</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5YTevr_iaN6svXOtg3RgkZOcU8GhcEjrDD3Mi6pUI9fomCD1oDEzn8h8DaS5i3kQMIJINMV_2SuHd3Kn5wPR2Ugw4n6HIL_JRRCy0eBkGGHj3bIaRDYKv0X6iGex87x_6Yu8rsKICTY/s1600-h/Superbowl.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga5YTevr_iaN6svXOtg3RgkZOcU8GhcEjrDD3Mi6pUI9fomCD1oDEzn8h8DaS5i3kQMIJINMV_2SuHd3Kn5wPR2Ugw4n6HIL_JRRCy0eBkGGHj3bIaRDYKv0X6iGex87x_6Yu8rsKICTY/s400/Superbowl.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435642122070586050" /><br /></a><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /><br /></div></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-39462238862809624092010-01-12T09:05:00.000-08:002010-01-12T09:14:10.768-08:00Grand Opening Party!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38RZFxBDClSukunHJwxwL0HROJLgLcw7cWNPeHJIOSHBCEp5WQuQBlnfymruDYYEhjXoSKscdxo0bEZObOYjxwjzb1a3oV06kgWtiKdnlAG6A_wNSfGu6F2B6HsNNAMuMBuUFeSLa54M/s1600-h/1794183.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 257px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg38RZFxBDClSukunHJwxwL0HROJLgLcw7cWNPeHJIOSHBCEp5WQuQBlnfymruDYYEhjXoSKscdxo0bEZObOYjxwjzb1a3oV06kgWtiKdnlAG6A_wNSfGu6F2B6HsNNAMuMBuUFeSLa54M/s400/1794183.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425902601074142610" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div>This Thursday is our Grand Opening Party.<div><br /></div><div>It has been such a journey to get to this point - a lot of sweat but a lot of fun too! We are going to enjoy ourselves on Thursday and take a moment to reflect before we put the head back down and keep working.</div><div><br /></div><div>Please stop by and join us!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-43288378280815449492009-12-24T08:52:00.000-08:002009-12-24T08:58:59.208-08:00Happy Holidays!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhqeEmzWek1iqUkEwdmSMEWfZcenVuNyMWdHJIZan9d8IwsTfIhkTfPYJB3rRABCZXsIOVUzQIKc-UUrdSKobU40MIHvZzk1QSleZajSoKh8r_Y7zuTxfB6KawtTLM1qaB3j2Z28HoXA/s1600-h/Unknown.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhhqeEmzWek1iqUkEwdmSMEWfZcenVuNyMWdHJIZan9d8IwsTfIhkTfPYJB3rRABCZXsIOVUzQIKc-UUrdSKobU40MIHvZzk1QSleZajSoKh8r_Y7zuTxfB6KawtTLM1qaB3j2Z28HoXA/s400/Unknown.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418847147797856338" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">May your Holiday Season be filled with family, friends and good health!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas from the Jones Family!</div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-56753045875563522562009-12-05T08:03:00.000-08:002009-12-05T18:53:53.956-08:00Thoughts After Two Weeks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHuApfvzjHsbjsH2VPoQcoP64DKyPh-5J2XUzrUNf81hf_3YE44MVry3jjbXrcMLZ4xzDRdg85rPG0GYNK2M2VjJNs2pemXNwkenCJhDdo2clocYiOzn6ckcdumaKHNDLI9GdLSll-XQ/s1600-h/P1040411.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheHuApfvzjHsbjsH2VPoQcoP64DKyPh-5J2XUzrUNf81hf_3YE44MVry3jjbXrcMLZ4xzDRdg85rPG0GYNK2M2VjJNs2pemXNwkenCJhDdo2clocYiOzn6ckcdumaKHNDLI9GdLSll-XQ/s400/P1040411.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411942995082974354" /></a><div>On Monday it will have been two weeks since we opened the doors of our sparkling new <a href="http://www.innovativefitness.com/">Innovative Fitness</a> facility in Port Moody. It has been the busiest time of my life... There hasn't been much family time to speak of. That's why tonight's "Penguins vs. Capitals" game in front of our house was just what the doctor ordered. Penguins won by the way (as always.)</div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div>Some thoughts about the last two weeks:</div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">- People:</span> It has been a long time since I was meeting new people every day. I didn't miss it in my life because I didn't think about it... but it's one of my favourite things about the last two weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68FWh4prH4NI4_ZpJT2nYmtA4A2hHoN2G-x_SaVN2nCVhRmNx7epVriWZKbCCxJlUFEO04e6CcM8x2gLLqAKd5n6HeEmqJp6P_bqghyV1z3TgPGr84kLCRMh1fU7aiJ7Nucjc1xKXz6k/s1600-h/IMG_8711.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68FWh4prH4NI4_ZpJT2nYmtA4A2hHoN2G-x_SaVN2nCVhRmNx7epVriWZKbCCxJlUFEO04e6CcM8x2gLLqAKd5n6HeEmqJp6P_bqghyV1z3TgPGr84kLCRMh1fU7aiJ7Nucjc1xKXz6k/s400/IMG_8711.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411946243469988194" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh68FWh4prH4NI4_ZpJT2nYmtA4A2hHoN2G-x_SaVN2nCVhRmNx7epVriWZKbCCxJlUFEO04e6CcM8x2gLLqAKd5n6HeEmqJp6P_bqghyV1z3TgPGr84kLCRMh1fU7aiJ7Nucjc1xKXz6k/s1600-h/IMG_8711.jpg"></a><br /><div>Every few minutes somebody walks through the door - will this person end up being a great friend? Will they be beside me on a trip to Moab, Machu Picchu, the New York Marathon or the Himalayas this year? It's exciting - because <i>I was that person walking through the door</i>. When they sign on the dotted line I have a pretty good idea of what lies ahead for them. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Port Moody IF community is growing fast, and already I find myself looking forward to seeing friends every day, watching them progress and celebrating the victories we all have along the way.</div><div> </div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">- Team:</span> I love being on teams. I always have. It is so rewarding to be working HARD side by side with teammates - especially when the going gets tough. As one of the "team managers", I hoped we would all work well together, but you don't know for sure until the opening whistle blows and the team gets tested.</div><div> </div><br /><div>I remember being on my high school rugby team, preparing for games - the things people would say, the looks on their faces, and how much pride we all took in "doing our job" on the field. Before each home game we would play <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwxJ46HWXbA">AC/DC's Hells Bells</a> (loud) in the locker room to get pumped up. I loved it. This is as close as I have been in a long time - (we even play AC/DC from time to time!)</div><div> </div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">- Balance:</span> <- A word I barely deserve to even <em>type</em> right now. An important goal for the coming weeks is to steadily begin re-activating all of the other parts of my life that have been on hold. It was important to put 100% into the business, but now it is critical to find a healthy, happy and sustainable balance. That should result in a little more blog posting in the coming weeks... no promises - but I hope so.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC0000;">- Training:</span> This week I started training again and it felt great (in that "I haven't trained for three weeks" way...) I have some exciting plans for the coming race season... but that's another post!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you are having a great weekend!</div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDiEtUiSBt5NS0LdS5GhOuodVFTGGY0dfMnoGkisKZ0-htdahPvQ-vaRV8X2iiMYaaA5eI5ef8ZwtStMNqImO__zHZo6XoygIcnHCTg-CL7r7_CAnxKTZDtFF26TNhMT50diG_LHRBdo/s1600-h/P1040387.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDiEtUiSBt5NS0LdS5GhOuodVFTGGY0dfMnoGkisKZ0-htdahPvQ-vaRV8X2iiMYaaA5eI5ef8ZwtStMNqImO__zHZo6XoygIcnHCTg-CL7r7_CAnxKTZDtFF26TNhMT50diG_LHRBdo/s400/P1040387.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411942688556825234" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbDiEtUiSBt5NS0LdS5GhOuodVFTGGY0dfMnoGkisKZ0-htdahPvQ-vaRV8X2iiMYaaA5eI5ef8ZwtStMNqImO__zHZo6XoygIcnHCTg-CL7r7_CAnxKTZDtFF26TNhMT50diG_LHRBdo/s1600-h/P1040387.jpg"></a>Aia and her teammate Natalie...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82uBkcV7V3r6UKrPsuWya0lGG0MIBuMNk0c7bHCpmFQfWdFfvbLfkIWC54n7DolOsUIlYIrje4Xwxa2Z2u4p_kBjnbE4kziYHgyeg_6c69MOnmNsdIQ6s_sizvY3qwSFxOw1Zcxgqmts/s1600-h/P1040384.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82uBkcV7V3r6UKrPsuWya0lGG0MIBuMNk0c7bHCpmFQfWdFfvbLfkIWC54n7DolOsUIlYIrje4Xwxa2Z2u4p_kBjnbE4kziYHgyeg_6c69MOnmNsdIQ6s_sizvY3qwSFxOw1Zcxgqmts/s400/P1040384.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411942686758855842" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 291px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg82uBkcV7V3r6UKrPsuWya0lGG0MIBuMNk0c7bHCpmFQfWdFfvbLfkIWC54n7DolOsUIlYIrje4Xwxa2Z2u4p_kBjnbE4kziYHgyeg_6c69MOnmNsdIQ6s_sizvY3qwSFxOw1Zcxgqmts/s1600-h/P1040384.jpg"></a>Aia running after a loose ball...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJj6ZokfmJ6OTlAvUSrBuF9dAAGeLHmJN7mpjntxJpIikirFYW12P5fU1vlSUfgNNAPR3qtDhM_1dWn_KMCrcCbGNGhqvcdxs2hwZ008CKmKujqpQ3glqcOvX1Zo6vU7Tqy__tz3THsc/s1600-h/IMG_8723.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJj6ZokfmJ6OTlAvUSrBuF9dAAGeLHmJN7mpjntxJpIikirFYW12P5fU1vlSUfgNNAPR3qtDhM_1dWn_KMCrcCbGNGhqvcdxs2hwZ008CKmKujqpQ3glqcOvX1Zo6vU7Tqy__tz3THsc/s400/IMG_8723.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411942673872644130" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJj6ZokfmJ6OTlAvUSrBuF9dAAGeLHmJN7mpjntxJpIikirFYW12P5fU1vlSUfgNNAPR3qtDhM_1dWn_KMCrcCbGNGhqvcdxs2hwZ008CKmKujqpQ3glqcOvX1Zo6vU7Tqy__tz3THsc/s1600-h/IMG_8723.jpg"></a>Kris setting up Circuit Class this morning - Every Saturday at 9am by the way! Call us at 778-355-9800 for details.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyjSSC1vTGpp3y-XKvcukYDyQVJIHDy35Ss3F9Fozqh2gm5BkEZRuAvavdcq88bX9fprGKhI9ZxXAsuPdS0Ho3g5QcdvkMtx_7NrlJU20SLrFzxm1jHF7Eg-DqJ4-vs-nRcWX9slbyEA/s1600-h/IMG_8709.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyjSSC1vTGpp3y-XKvcukYDyQVJIHDy35Ss3F9Fozqh2gm5BkEZRuAvavdcq88bX9fprGKhI9ZxXAsuPdS0Ho3g5QcdvkMtx_7NrlJU20SLrFzxm1jHF7Eg-DqJ4-vs-nRcWX9slbyEA/s400/IMG_8709.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411942277802040066" style="cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIyjSSC1vTGpp3y-XKvcukYDyQVJIHDy35Ss3F9Fozqh2gm5BkEZRuAvavdcq88bX9fprGKhI9ZxXAsuPdS0Ho3g5QcdvkMtx_7NrlJU20SLrFzxm1jHF7Eg-DqJ4-vs-nRcWX9slbyEA/s1600-h/IMG_8709.jpg"></a>One of our new signs... They came on Friday.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3O3lW39IgR4T8hlLB2MWDywHn4SnvdCQI0mnzlg4UbIFszaeWOhBagtVymOAA5GBQLm8JE0jE9ih3AawvNHkU2gh87K19hAlM7ktnLhJkIkXbyWDAj_cNpM5kE5rkNheSD2AP_OknJeQ/s1600-h/IMG_8677.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3O3lW39IgR4T8hlLB2MWDywHn4SnvdCQI0mnzlg4UbIFszaeWOhBagtVymOAA5GBQLm8JE0jE9ih3AawvNHkU2gh87K19hAlM7ktnLhJkIkXbyWDAj_cNpM5kE5rkNheSD2AP_OknJeQ/s400/IMG_8677.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411942272592213330" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3O3lW39IgR4T8hlLB2MWDywHn4SnvdCQI0mnzlg4UbIFszaeWOhBagtVymOAA5GBQLm8JE0jE9ih3AawvNHkU2gh87K19hAlM7ktnLhJkIkXbyWDAj_cNpM5kE5rkNheSD2AP_OknJeQ/s1600-h/IMG_8677.jpg"></a>We did a Pinecone Toss competition for the Christmas event in our neighbourhood... There were probably 3000 people circulating through the streets - it was a blast!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEIkf7n_Fmy0O9OWGrNKNgVWqNyzVvx7WLj6ilqYd2er2oGY64rT2qWV9bq0kVwXkD0VFrm26MpgVxK_R40iYacntrgW6unD_AGjdtm0Q5idJFhCOgT5ucZVta3hhGv68Tup5G3t4aiI/s1600-h/IMG_8675.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEIkf7n_Fmy0O9OWGrNKNgVWqNyzVvx7WLj6ilqYd2er2oGY64rT2qWV9bq0kVwXkD0VFrm26MpgVxK_R40iYacntrgW6unD_AGjdtm0Q5idJFhCOgT5ucZVta3hhGv68Tup5G3t4aiI/s400/IMG_8675.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411942268916288450" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguEIkf7n_Fmy0O9OWGrNKNgVWqNyzVvx7WLj6ilqYd2er2oGY64rT2qWV9bq0kVwXkD0VFrm26MpgVxK_R40iYacntrgW6unD_AGjdtm0Q5idJFhCOgT5ucZVta3hhGv68Tup5G3t4aiI/s1600-h/IMG_8675.jpg"></a>Kids getting ready to toss pinecones.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-UDZv5TmreVzSAKha6DkkjUxa1pitYeSOGtW5HZAYu047JMSRP7q3XZoNttJX7ssZSy8Bsqyh38Cq1zIltksHlFGZXW-TbqPIbmOG8iO80lbPWVkAXHMzRt-ZX0VEBKoJhJUE1zKKfg/s1600-h/IMG_8660.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-UDZv5TmreVzSAKha6DkkjUxa1pitYeSOGtW5HZAYu047JMSRP7q3XZoNttJX7ssZSy8Bsqyh38Cq1zIltksHlFGZXW-TbqPIbmOG8iO80lbPWVkAXHMzRt-ZX0VEBKoJhJUE1zKKfg/s400/IMG_8660.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411942257224643186" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV-UDZv5TmreVzSAKha6DkkjUxa1pitYeSOGtW5HZAYu047JMSRP7q3XZoNttJX7ssZSy8Bsqyh38Cq1zIltksHlFGZXW-TbqPIbmOG8iO80lbPWVkAXHMzRt-ZX0VEBKoJhJUE1zKKfg/s1600-h/IMG_8660.jpg"></a>Jen, Cathy and Sacha... They worked the crowds all night in close to freezing temperatures. Thanks ladies!<br /><div> </div><div><br /></div></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-89893950286848272062009-11-26T21:57:00.000-08:002009-11-27T00:04:57.859-08:00The Start Line<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi774zEXo1TvNo3gCJJD0dhXG5_ked6azDBwT96nduZwzOaIjZFIr6dyKfoqx9TSOKxKq1NgzwtuT2kZP2ERj0nLKJkcyQ37T33fVuIdr3Wu2-RlZ7EFV80ravkFDWStiW2JmmbvDmhto/s1600/IMG_8653.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi774zEXo1TvNo3gCJJD0dhXG5_ked6azDBwT96nduZwzOaIjZFIr6dyKfoqx9TSOKxKq1NgzwtuT2kZP2ERj0nLKJkcyQ37T33fVuIdr3Wu2-RlZ7EFV80ravkFDWStiW2JmmbvDmhto/s400/IMG_8653.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408687633941206658" /></a>If you've ever woken up early, brushed your teeth, and headed in to open the doors of a new business on day #1 then you are part of a small but hardy group. It isn't easy to get to the Start Line.<div><br /></div><div>Let's say you have an idea. Almost everyone does...</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Starting:</span> The hardest part for sure. You have to have courage... and you have to find money (usually). Then you have to wade through tons of governmental bullcr&p... Now you have a bunch of paper (BC865446776 or something like that) and a bill from a lawyer. Congrats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to get started.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Planning:</span> Locations, sticky leases, irritating landlords, pesky holdbacks, confusing clauses, 80 page contracts, quirky lawyers, bearded accountants. And bills. Now you have an empty building. Congrats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to get started.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKHAr12goHkX2DYD_BK0JdRXf2b_EfY06wTSFuf0F5Ph4N6B61L0Ig5O-kzpLHILO045kLhJhThjIUFlwxlS4Onps7QBvZGP9u8UX025lB6w4AEn1mEwpaM1qKx6nAZCHeMPu-UyPIRI/s1600/IMG_7388.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkKHAr12goHkX2DYD_BK0JdRXf2b_EfY06wTSFuf0F5Ph4N6B61L0Ig5O-kzpLHILO045kLhJhThjIUFlwxlS4Onps7QBvZGP9u8UX025lB6w4AEn1mEwpaM1qKx6nAZCHeMPu-UyPIRI/s400/IMG_7388.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408675045604556578" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Creating:</span> Busy builders, tough negotiating, expensive designers, expensive millwork, better go with the less expensive computers, choose the lighting & flooring, order the equipment, delays, decisions, decisions, decisions. And bills. Now you have a concept for your empty building. Congrats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to get started.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Build it!</span> Crews, electrical, plumbing, framing, drywalling, painting, debating, second guessing. Lots of bills. Bills. Bills. Now you have a business under construction. Congrats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to get started.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPTtYevOcFKweOzB4DyG6MM6fAxHevWtLXhXriVFZZ7JFk4jVpzO8Yn4vCLRG3OD3LIaFr97zt9CvvVho9rHMrdeY-2IMTKSf7UCjxEBhWWOLiBeb604JNc3rbJl9whqAok-DhPPNwj0/s1600/P1040149.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPTtYevOcFKweOzB4DyG6MM6fAxHevWtLXhXriVFZZ7JFk4jVpzO8Yn4vCLRG3OD3LIaFr97zt9CvvVho9rHMrdeY-2IMTKSf7UCjxEBhWWOLiBeb604JNc3rbJl9whqAok-DhPPNwj0/s400/P1040149.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408675821464984658" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Planning (yes, again):</span> Marketing, studying, learning, networking, monitoring construction, counting the days, worrying, dreaming. Now the construction is done and you feel ready. Congrats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to get started.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhbdBa-5rK8tlv3efuNkjuH0wLaviGJoldc20Jlfr-Y_SPTVwSZrWdDkuzJ_b-2O72SCs2TjYUnAtxPU2j6tFCjcoR4SXqkwJB7iIG6v1vzWzRurXbvVFkSZentRybU9tVk8E_tRCGJk/s1600/IMG_8266.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhbdBa-5rK8tlv3efuNkjuH0wLaviGJoldc20Jlfr-Y_SPTVwSZrWdDkuzJ_b-2O72SCs2TjYUnAtxPU2j6tFCjcoR4SXqkwJB7iIG6v1vzWzRurXbvVFkSZentRybU9tVk8E_tRCGJk/s400/IMG_8266.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408682293612135810" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Preparing:</span> Cleaning, arranging, shopping - Home Depot, Staples, Ikea, Canadian Tire, Costco, London Drugs, and more. Bills everywhere! This place is stocked! ...better mark this occasion with a celebration. Congrats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to get started.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFn41uGiFcyJOGsF3OFtFChn3-adwJ2qemLFt6Z7EB67ZyPyo50jA06Gk-j-rusdVbhd7GYlL3x32Up5OEJgoyxAm6QyJRmOtKUjQ6Xmnh7j1fCKC9pRiuq15T0pLR62YCUngPRibuf7s/s1600/IMG_8587.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFn41uGiFcyJOGsF3OFtFChn3-adwJ2qemLFt6Z7EB67ZyPyo50jA06Gk-j-rusdVbhd7GYlL3x32Up5OEJgoyxAm6QyJRmOtKUjQ6Xmnh7j1fCKC9pRiuq15T0pLR62YCUngPRibuf7s/s400/IMG_8587.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408684849743196242" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Celebrate:</span> The IF crew, 1 jumpsuit, 1 wig, several beers, Browns, St. James, The Point. Taxis, tylenol, lost phones, a few hours of sleep. (Clean again.) Congrats (you're alive.)</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to get started.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48LOAo3DLXoc2Zo10IpZULfSznVkD7H4uc6m7IYCLdsdW9l02yF-r225gbLT17OqqCPacsUu_U0ZJAyBSZYLKAvHRTHbG7y8kI9MRj9hTn8fPnVdTGNBsuNXnxEDsFqIGfQjol1eqEWA/s1600/IMG_8589.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48LOAo3DLXoc2Zo10IpZULfSznVkD7H4uc6m7IYCLdsdW9l02yF-r225gbLT17OqqCPacsUu_U0ZJAyBSZYLKAvHRTHbG7y8kI9MRj9hTn8fPnVdTGNBsuNXnxEDsFqIGfQjol1eqEWA/s400/IMG_8589.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408684842429808786" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS9UG1sEAe9OR1Rr3I9UX9nXDU_8mNgdW5GRVkaJU3ad4PirU36a8Q94GYPKiatwRyLyk92-g9mAvi8Zlp4DeQuclB0VDR4xcVI6sFd0roD_kHjcxUmpbdAXnsQpMtNdwng4waPArH10/s1600/IMG_8593.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSS9UG1sEAe9OR1Rr3I9UX9nXDU_8mNgdW5GRVkaJU3ad4PirU36a8Q94GYPKiatwRyLyk92-g9mAvi8Zlp4DeQuclB0VDR4xcVI6sFd0roD_kHjcxUmpbdAXnsQpMtNdwng4waPArH10/s400/IMG_8593.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408684838017053090" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Opening Day!</span> The doors swing open at 6. The music is on and our first customer is warming up on the bike. He is followed by one more - then the place is empty again - hopefully not for long. We made it to the START LINE. Congrats.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now it's time to get started.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-4Uuo9OwJus8403hfQ6IytHdFpMDjvnp-4ElIVUBSHRqQC5Co1XQ9Ezk06BhiXQXZjfGPXvRszMVQvpEyO5ps9HsXiL8Nty5E_HWoHfxsgVV1zyuPKQT4oEQWUtazb92F5QZVXZdeuQ/s1600/IMG_8603.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju-4Uuo9OwJus8403hfQ6IytHdFpMDjvnp-4ElIVUBSHRqQC5Co1XQ9Ezk06BhiXQXZjfGPXvRszMVQvpEyO5ps9HsXiL8Nty5E_HWoHfxsgVV1zyuPKQT4oEQWUtazb92F5QZVXZdeuQ/s400/IMG_8603.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408685638400938514" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Epilogue:</span></div><div><br /></div><div>We are doing really well. Four days in we find ourselves ahead of our projections for the first month - which is great - but we've barely started. We are the swimmer exploding from the blocks but yet to hit the water...</div><div><br /></div><div>Other photos from Day 1:</div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LrOqmO68CNSbCm0RvLHpx8xswvFecae_VvEZ4SBu87ucL3kLcv61vwVZvkPCwqDpFemCbJlh9eDA-A46CANHid3qV4SsMAUr8YMYtYy7jJxrqDNBGlENmG0HI_p5RMXh0HW9pIlGZWo/s1600/IMG_8615.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_LrOqmO68CNSbCm0RvLHpx8xswvFecae_VvEZ4SBu87ucL3kLcv61vwVZvkPCwqDpFemCbJlh9eDA-A46CANHid3qV4SsMAUr8YMYtYy7jJxrqDNBGlENmG0HI_p5RMXh0HW9pIlGZWo/s400/IMG_8615.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408688439467663122" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kUm3xXv-P73zQ8mGYqy9D4GTw6n12FAxrP_ofJtRo2MjSwi9N82czymyyUkTzyFxDGL4zB8-ONJk_mX5116bSndgd1ZUUiwpDg6T2jKgaaI44rTWahqMdYyALi1T2X47xjja5gpnII0/s1600/IMG_8604.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kUm3xXv-P73zQ8mGYqy9D4GTw6n12FAxrP_ofJtRo2MjSwi9N82czymyyUkTzyFxDGL4zB8-ONJk_mX5116bSndgd1ZUUiwpDg6T2jKgaaI44rTWahqMdYyALi1T2X47xjja5gpnII0/s400/IMG_8604.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408688430005244738" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IM1dZWZIpRpxawBhXA9pJ2iuwQn1zSG1S5yBx25r30kykUhfoYxcbgnRcAzEaJUieb4Squaqgu7Z7neXPXn6IQX9B_l3bMdYbAOgPCDvy9uNf5xkJafkmVSV8qxDAp2EblXg1eTbtX0/s1600/IMG_8617.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IM1dZWZIpRpxawBhXA9pJ2iuwQn1zSG1S5yBx25r30kykUhfoYxcbgnRcAzEaJUieb4Squaqgu7Z7neXPXn6IQX9B_l3bMdYbAOgPCDvy9uNf5xkJafkmVSV8qxDAp2EblXg1eTbtX0/s400/IMG_8617.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408688423755486994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXnBhKEeQ-ooDcsI76I9OcHxCZwUpnUdhod1Zk8zVVxsf3qjtMqCfroV7B2LQ4qhUA_-vZ39vJCv7HHtQGLV9tX3uuJMMV0buskm6_AzS3LfJl1Nmaf2zo271NEF5uMz8ZNdu4V7HdJE/s1600/IMG_8622.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 137px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsXnBhKEeQ-ooDcsI76I9OcHxCZwUpnUdhod1Zk8zVVxsf3qjtMqCfroV7B2LQ4qhUA_-vZ39vJCv7HHtQGLV9tX3uuJMMV0buskm6_AzS3LfJl1Nmaf2zo271NEF5uMz8ZNdu4V7HdJE/s400/IMG_8622.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408688419205096194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaQ7nLKfo39eokGt5gNQeECWANk9FAAUvhoi7592aqCIqq6uHGsEqXP8_hpvfqF95HVZ7xuVcAJgTTBRoCySngu_div8qUpS2pqhUNe2P8Eifhr9pn94br0ZyIZkIZrMyYOhYPOMDiaw/s1600/IMG_8624.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnaQ7nLKfo39eokGt5gNQeECWANk9FAAUvhoi7592aqCIqq6uHGsEqXP8_hpvfqF95HVZ7xuVcAJgTTBRoCySngu_div8qUpS2pqhUNe2P8Eifhr9pn94br0ZyIZkIZrMyYOhYPOMDiaw/s400/IMG_8624.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408687892013650722" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHdEM4pa4M0nxqu6b6xElC2oNY_5hDl8j-dXO8w00E9GYBF1BE9flqzhMuHeHEp9xmQx6J8wlitixBNihI1zS_krj1F8XhmwKjZ3Ae8QJaHVtfQOyxENPHg3KNJ9vIpTFHI-x3tLLZzE/s1600/IMG_8627.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHdEM4pa4M0nxqu6b6xElC2oNY_5hDl8j-dXO8w00E9GYBF1BE9flqzhMuHeHEp9xmQx6J8wlitixBNihI1zS_krj1F8XhmwKjZ3Ae8QJaHVtfQOyxENPHg3KNJ9vIpTFHI-x3tLLZzE/s400/IMG_8627.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408687890152792034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamejuS0Q03KqrtlrSQJwHV240LTqpZI_kvurngIk2wOvjbsT2XCBkHcPPZHJtaWaOP0GCLzn7YxD0-ZootuKeigVK8-w_byhF9A14VDBzg64k3XeFITEiovqynyPZIma2uZXlzbb1prc/s1600/IMG_8633.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhamejuS0Q03KqrtlrSQJwHV240LTqpZI_kvurngIk2wOvjbsT2XCBkHcPPZHJtaWaOP0GCLzn7YxD0-ZootuKeigVK8-w_byhF9A14VDBzg64k3XeFITEiovqynyPZIma2uZXlzbb1prc/s400/IMG_8633.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408687882594278642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSrGyEI3bnAfAMsxWhAD2AbFm5Z0Td3hPyntHc2ZQ_gAkMsjkIGqgk9ws2DDyUvj5u9UVH7-8Sjl8OVZUsltYq7wKM8yTr27f44qZ2fKK9H7IXO6WRzbFRWr2VVGMR4LX1IlMGL8K6QU/s1600/IMG_8635.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQSrGyEI3bnAfAMsxWhAD2AbFm5Z0Td3hPyntHc2ZQ_gAkMsjkIGqgk9ws2DDyUvj5u9UVH7-8Sjl8OVZUsltYq7wKM8yTr27f44qZ2fKK9H7IXO6WRzbFRWr2VVGMR4LX1IlMGL8K6QU/s400/IMG_8635.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408687882193336258" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDUh1SQNfh5OwMP9jt93-cdLEMOzALc-BEVkwqcU4j2aT_7vPTaIvRIhwI6Jnu0mCTUbEBoKnslr2LsaAfrizQBXDvghfty7Jzp5jsrRrGsz9bawo6NLVNm1g5J5KLcB3ZWWkoE3v4ZM/s1600/IMG_8647.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDUh1SQNfh5OwMP9jt93-cdLEMOzALc-BEVkwqcU4j2aT_7vPTaIvRIhwI6Jnu0mCTUbEBoKnslr2LsaAfrizQBXDvghfty7Jzp5jsrRrGsz9bawo6NLVNm1g5J5KLcB3ZWWkoE3v4ZM/s400/IMG_8647.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408687872163296562" /></a><br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-8871001312291167852009-11-17T08:45:00.001-08:002009-11-17T18:51:41.877-08:00A Different Kind of Coaching<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2fNzmbpV117VgOqX1LS1qzsSBExBgezekVLTOOsW7IF_2_LSAdJVPqLUHX12ESlnSPMENQvTeMIGvDO11SZ798gx4See59Uosic5DA28j9hm-1gWd1YB5VCiRWZ0RycClSp3H4mxOl4/s1600/IMG_6881.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE2fNzmbpV117VgOqX1LS1qzsSBExBgezekVLTOOsW7IF_2_LSAdJVPqLUHX12ESlnSPMENQvTeMIGvDO11SZ798gx4See59Uosic5DA28j9hm-1gWd1YB5VCiRWZ0RycClSp3H4mxOl4/s400/IMG_6881.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405118762749855074" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><div>I am a big believer in coaching. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've invested time and time again - fitness, swimming, triathlon, cycling, skiing... If I took up darts next week? ...well, I'd probably hire a coach.</div><div><br /></div><div>As important as my athletic pursuits are to me, they are really kind of inconsequential compared to my role as a parent. Yet, until very recently, it had never occurred to me to hire a parenting coach.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have never really spent any time writing about the challenges of parenthood... but that's not because being a parent is a breeze. It's not. Our family of 5 is an ever-changing, ever-challenging, mixture of personalities - and sometimes that mix works better than other times.</div><div><br /></div><div>As educated, intelligent parents it's easy to feel like you should be able to solve just about any parenting issue. In our case, Sacha and I have 7.5 years of parenting under our belts - that's just over one "dog year" for those of you without kids. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd like to say that harmony abounds and there is nothing but "cumbaya" around our house, but lately Sacha and I have been running up against a short (but complicated) list of parenting challenges. The self-conscious parent in me will add that these "challenges" are likely nothing abnormal (at least I hope), but they are intensely irritating and generally distracting from the enjoyment of life for all involved. The result is stress - not just for us adults, but for the kids - their little brains and little hearts. It's not cool and we needed help.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tonight we met with a Parenting Coach.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first, and probably most interesting thing about the meeting, was that both Sacha and I came away agreeing with 100% of what she said. WOW - let's just say we haven't been in agreement on how to handle these issues - ever. We could barely agree on how to describe them!</div><div><br /></div><div>We came away with a better understanding of the issues, tools to help us navigate through them, and methods to support each other when challenges crop up. In short, we have a plan, we know how to execute it and we are a team again. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pretty great coaching.</div><div><br /></div></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica;font-size:12px;"><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrFfDx82Vleze33R8SBKIOUB_i7PqX3eUJGiDUuRkGncJRGcZ5HBf73NcSKb1wf8M0vqW-A2MOQ7TtciICbm-DVPrJwvVFkCIUN3Z0VTAEFiAcAWiGEWcjfZeL5BdsBUb3iBSdCUYBi8/s1600/IMG_6877.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrFfDx82Vleze33R8SBKIOUB_i7PqX3eUJGiDUuRkGncJRGcZ5HBf73NcSKb1wf8M0vqW-A2MOQ7TtciICbm-DVPrJwvVFkCIUN3Z0VTAEFiAcAWiGEWcjfZeL5BdsBUb3iBSdCUYBi8/s400/IMG_6877.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405118755059361042" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: medium; "><div><br /></div><div>The other HUGE lesson learnt for me is that we didn't need to stumble through the parenting process without help. </div><div><br /></div><ul class="MailOutline"><li>When I was 5 a baseball coach taught me to choke up on the bat - I hit the ball a lot better! </li><li>When I was 14 a rugby coach taught me that TEAM was all that mattered - by ourselves we are nothing.</li><li>When I was 21 a physiotherapist taught me that setting goals was an important part of achieving my dreams - she taught me to walk again too.</li><li>When I was 30 a personal trainer taught me to challenge myself beyond my comfort zone - I found my passion in endurance sports.</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul class="MailOutline"><li>Tonight a parenting consultant taught me how to be a better coach and dad for my kids - which means that a bare minimum of 5 lives were improved in 90mins at the local coffee house.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>If you were pulling your hair out earlier today, have a sticky issue or just want to raise your game to <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#AC0A1F;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:130%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; ">be the best parent you can be</span></span></span> I highly recommend getting some coaching. </div><div><br /></div><div>If you happen to live in or around Vancouver you need look no further than:</div><div><br /></div><div>Karen Hoffman BA, CCFE, RPC</div><div><br /></div><div>Canadian Certified Family Educator</div><div>Registered Professional Counsellor</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="mailto:kfhoffman@yahoo.ca">kfhoffman@yahoo.ca</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Her blog is here: <a href="http://atouchofparenting.blogspot.com/">http://atouchofparenting.blogspot.com/</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks Karen! </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: -webkit-xxx-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div></span></span></span></div></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfalNfvMdX-EXZzTcXIiRWCmozc_CjJBc-OihinZtmBBk4L7pRJTMxmhWfWv4ZuETLdiymBA3PtC_Wh78n43-TkDfhpknvqGFIsZeSczIvLNx1X6icNyB58RzHG2PtoRUT0i8GWcQqNWk/s1600/P1030142.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfalNfvMdX-EXZzTcXIiRWCmozc_CjJBc-OihinZtmBBk4L7pRJTMxmhWfWv4ZuETLdiymBA3PtC_Wh78n43-TkDfhpknvqGFIsZeSczIvLNx1X6icNyB58RzHG2PtoRUT0i8GWcQqNWk/s400/P1030142.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405118769792265858" /></a>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-23489262067464000492009-11-16T11:24:00.000-08:002009-11-16T11:45:50.503-08:00Fall Classic - I.F. Port Moody on the Board!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyRhar3TWtPlN0Knkvy6rkeWRbNBSMtGn8QO7edjmnigRwwxogA6e5JmsKnYufOiXpyBL6a82pYlwj0prFHrvG1wWmAYVJoMYK_QqXxWWhjpJrFyFLPDzMN2v8Gs_klh2nXWH_bBU1Rk/s1600/Fall+Classic+2009+010.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfyRhar3TWtPlN0Knkvy6rkeWRbNBSMtGn8QO7edjmnigRwwxogA6e5JmsKnYufOiXpyBL6a82pYlwj0prFHrvG1wWmAYVJoMYK_QqXxWWhjpJrFyFLPDzMN2v8Gs_klh2nXWH_bBU1Rk/s400/Fall+Classic+2009+010.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404788662130786018" /></a><br />Yesterday was the Fall Classic out at UBC.<div><br /></div><div>The last time I ran at the Fall Classic it was a small race - 5 or 6 six foot tables set up in the Student Union Building for registration - pretty minimal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nowadays it is entirely different.</div><div><ul><li>Three distances - 21.1 km, 10km, 5km</li><li>Hundreds (maybe more than a thousand) runners</li><li>A massive stage with an Elvis impersonator, TV personalities as hosts, and more...</li><li>Chili after!!  (Best ever after a cold, wet race...)</li></ul><div>As far as running events go the Fall Classic is pretty mega now.</div><div><br /></div><div>But all of that was secondary compared to the importance of this event for Kris, myself and two important people that I'll tell you about in a moment.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">This was the first official destination for IF Port Moody customers! </span></span> </div><div><br /></div><div>Kris ran the half marathon with Julie.  It was her first in quite a while and despite the terrible conditions - cold, windy, rainy - she toughed it out to finish in an admirable time.  She'll be building from that in future events for sure!</div><div><br /></div><div>I ran the 5km with Eric.  It was his first run of this type for several years.  We set a goal prior to the race and proceeded to DESTROY it by an entire minute!  Eric really dug deep and cranked it up in the final 2 km for a negative split.  It was a blast running with him.</div><div><br /></div><div>Julie and Eric were pretty much our first customers out in Port Moody and it was awesome to see them getting results already...</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday was also a great moment for Kris and I....  It's exciting to be helping people make progress and reach goals already...  that's why we chose this career.  There's a lot more to come and our doors don't open for another week!</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm60uFTQF2S-MlKBWa0oANIvS6QdhjS0j5baZcb3MQr3gKmX4ADx9X5FN9XjuORsmpIjCQwQi9AVv33RsE_v89yzB0twWOcNqM89S7icITdhevD6pJd7sk3Rysfzm9qTNUibKPXMNNYY/s1600/JulieandKrisFinishline.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsm60uFTQF2S-MlKBWa0oANIvS6QdhjS0j5baZcb3MQr3gKmX4ADx9X5FN9XjuORsmpIjCQwQi9AVv33RsE_v89yzB0twWOcNqM89S7icITdhevD6pJd7sk3Rysfzm9qTNUibKPXMNNYY/s400/JulieandKrisFinishline.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404788678974714578" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa_IYuNKdf1_TrfOrndKHg4GqkIMu_bFBzQC-MwrZmrxWa0qF4tmwQXSCpv_-mRCD057P9N3wI_D_rOIscrle7OXYGiOEzut5Wz__lO5996JAzzMXEwzp-VLgRJzWe56xkj8hcsx0lW8/s1600/Fall+Classic+2009+002.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa_IYuNKdf1_TrfOrndKHg4GqkIMu_bFBzQC-MwrZmrxWa0qF4tmwQXSCpv_-mRCD057P9N3wI_D_rOIscrle7OXYGiOEzut5Wz__lO5996JAzzMXEwzp-VLgRJzWe56xkj8hcsx0lW8/s400/Fall+Classic+2009+002.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404788668276912914" /></a><br /></div><div>  </div></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-44219805087859852792009-11-06T09:25:00.000-08:002009-11-06T10:07:28.750-08:00New Venture - Innovative Fitness Port Moody!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMKKhAnIGj6LpScyxSxdqxnK2O4IddRlEVpeXlu-8KvYmLtEOoRNhBNt79-axeJU8SWnA5dsCHovGE7YNocx47D3Jb-XJOqMQa2v8zAPHZI8SjgexkgUTAmm8snIhwTfj69Ghk-4T16M/s1600-h/Unknown-6.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDMKKhAnIGj6LpScyxSxdqxnK2O4IddRlEVpeXlu-8KvYmLtEOoRNhBNt79-axeJU8SWnA5dsCHovGE7YNocx47D3Jb-XJOqMQa2v8zAPHZI8SjgexkgUTAmm8snIhwTfj69Ghk-4T16M/s400/Unknown-6.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401051866479240386" /></a><br />The space you see above will soon be a part of the training floor of <a href="http://www.innovativefitness.com/">Innovative Fitness</a> in Port Moody.<div><br /></div><div>If my post frequency has been down a little lately this is why....</div><div><br /></div><div>For those of you who may not know, I am opening an Innovative Fitness franchise with a partner out in Port Moody, BC.  (That's about 30mins from where I live.)</div><div><br /></div><div>We are scheduled to open on November 23rd, 2009....  which is right around the corner!</div><div><br /></div><div>This venture is a really exciting step for me - it signifies the first time in my life that "passion" and "career" can be uttered in the same breath.  I intend to write a more thoughtful post on this in the near future.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think I can count on one hand the number of times I have mentioned work in this blog...  "work", "career", "paying the bills" has simply not been something that excited me in any way for a long time.  I'm not blaming anyone - after all I have been an entrepreneur, so I only have myself to blame!  It was, however, something I wanted to change - in a big way!  You don't win the Game of Life by toiling away without passion every day...</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately, that phase of my working life seems to be ending...  with this new entrepreneurial venture I am watching my passion and my career merge for the first time and it is very exciting.  Waking up for "work" in the morning has a totally different feel already!</div><div><br /></div><div>These days there is a mountain of tasks to be seen to - Mt. Innovative.  New businesses need a lot of time and effort (whether you are passionate about them or not).  It has required a shift of priorities - a good thing really.  All of the most important things in life (for me) are now nicely aligned at the top of my priority list.</div><div><br />I look forward to sharing lots more about this venture, and its place in my "bigger picture", on these pages....  hopefully it will be of interest to my readers.   </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For opening details, location, offers and lots of current news you can follow Innovative Fitness in Port Moody on Twitter.... <a href="http://twitter.com/IFportmoody"> CLICK HERE!</a></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRE89m_bNhu1SZVxo928kHu_0E2gtf-SKLYH8mwnMtuxPLIsbe_I6y42ojjDSK7kDEpIDIRBNEeU99Ao660tKWGsERVO3kf2ZbTpSqVz3iDN3jiLnvTpVCdeac9jaZR2kp4vQs8h0Eq4/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRE89m_bNhu1SZVxo928kHu_0E2gtf-SKLYH8mwnMtuxPLIsbe_I6y42ojjDSK7kDEpIDIRBNEeU99Ao660tKWGsERVO3kf2ZbTpSqVz3iDN3jiLnvTpVCdeac9jaZR2kp4vQs8h0Eq4/s400/Picture+14.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401053481475323490" /></a><br /></div><div>In other news...  I also have a new season of racing and training to plan!  That will be fun to do over the next few weeks.  You'll be the first to know!</div><div><br /></div><div>Some photos from November!!!  (This is not normal November weather in Vancouver!)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTALzieig_ySvT63o57VciTje6gBzCXdeVqJYZJzRHyZUBcMssREw1KedXJjn_FrF-8B3NH00AjhbckYlSBwhYPydouOYND-MqU1tGRh2jvyAUrwcH0VrYN7XR1Cv9n9h7rgn3Fd5dByE/s1600-h/Unknown-5.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTALzieig_ySvT63o57VciTje6gBzCXdeVqJYZJzRHyZUBcMssREw1KedXJjn_FrF-8B3NH00AjhbckYlSBwhYPydouOYND-MqU1tGRh2jvyAUrwcH0VrYN7XR1Cv9n9h7rgn3Fd5dByE/s400/Unknown-5.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401044057313439538" /></a></div><div>Lighthouse Park with the kids.  Mattias is there too but out of sight.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivC-iU2v-OliD2RxbfquxQFiCuLlkh9jqdI4OkNuXU_3rkUlY27FJE31WVeBMuoNnChX7dYkMDajc-olV3kX4_xQvTnhbA990Hk9tgokV1k6H3sZ0B0BHk8bi03FOkCvmtqH7AJAoQbO0/s1600-h/Unknown.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivC-iU2v-OliD2RxbfquxQFiCuLlkh9jqdI4OkNuXU_3rkUlY27FJE31WVeBMuoNnChX7dYkMDajc-olV3kX4_xQvTnhbA990Hk9tgokV1k6H3sZ0B0BHk8bi03FOkCvmtqH7AJAoQbO0/s400/Unknown.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401043835322682034" /></a></div><div>Viggo is still small enough for this....  It's fun to hear his "dada" chatter in my ear...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h4Q8Q2r1Nbd8AozI5BwoeH51wZIp1pS7f5qa0dvp1FpuJsIEwuzwl9-m6rGK8mYRRVPKJw1BNuQsujXGojGONsdnBZfF7Eu8XRRYU9kXtsH4qFfkhJK9PmHn4KDR3rGXCPwPBcX1RJI/s1600-h/Unknown-4.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4h4Q8Q2r1Nbd8AozI5BwoeH51wZIp1pS7f5qa0dvp1FpuJsIEwuzwl9-m6rGK8mYRRVPKJw1BNuQsujXGojGONsdnBZfF7Eu8XRRYU9kXtsH4qFfkhJK9PmHn4KDR3rGXCPwPBcX1RJI/s400/Unknown-4.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401043829124192546" /></a></div><div>Beautiful day with dozens of sailboats off Point Atkinson.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMoKIQMqNbAhvKChlOSYekWUqcOX-wk37YxwUiSDGXfXMhtxGAmIDyB7GmPlT3I78h0QjRq5dzYNmG0cufTQhE5S-uAR7DhCLuf-zMcR6AQX48sFC6UtmSntLah8kgxkfSh5EajQ-i6k/s1600-h/Unknown-3.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZMoKIQMqNbAhvKChlOSYekWUqcOX-wk37YxwUiSDGXfXMhtxGAmIDyB7GmPlT3I78h0QjRq5dzYNmG0cufTQhE5S-uAR7DhCLuf-zMcR6AQX48sFC6UtmSntLah8kgxkfSh5EajQ-i6k/s400/Unknown-3.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401043823117170354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQdSsIPekXMTOJDJ-Ewq8BGHtkdt5mEMDisl4o_-rER4HnCEvKdlMcYIJSH_bghkWMk7RyF4_KFsHn_DBjITd8I_L4BjnxNgPqjaC4x9_-RwTRUAiENrIY7ytEWMc9UklGVom8-z_JFw/s1600-h/Unknown-2.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdQdSsIPekXMTOJDJ-Ewq8BGHtkdt5mEMDisl4o_-rER4HnCEvKdlMcYIJSH_bghkWMk7RyF4_KFsHn_DBjITd8I_L4BjnxNgPqjaC4x9_-RwTRUAiENrIY7ytEWMc9UklGVom8-z_JFw/s400/Unknown-2.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401043816291161090" /></a></div><div>Timer shot....  not bad.  Had to photoshop it a bit but I liked the effect.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_4fUKMJ0yadHOk7b_Ponb5WAQ-99f0tqcCAWg5UCjLVQL2equvKf93iOSvGVdOxeR3XI16hR-nAZzKVAabc0_h7wOpOoPWIHOa-IRlQg2fXQmMlgwf2rxi9CIuulYkJIoKQ816UTXb0/s1600-h/Unknown-1.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_4fUKMJ0yadHOk7b_Ponb5WAQ-99f0tqcCAWg5UCjLVQL2equvKf93iOSvGVdOxeR3XI16hR-nAZzKVAabc0_h7wOpOoPWIHOa-IRlQg2fXQmMlgwf2rxi9CIuulYkJIoKQ816UTXb0/s400/Unknown-1.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5401043814732649186" /></a><br /></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-30942560602000924012009-10-30T22:12:00.001-07:002009-10-30T22:13:11.134-07:00Happy Halloween!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38dmmx0dIVvrhQ5-iqZVGxttHseY66g0Y3EJP50jUY2pEzIPAtPpmyvSK63Mbd_20hO_f-zZyG1Rapxn5w2z6JtTsnMLEz8YwmL9ChuJ1E0iUPzt6i_xWAmRgyl6V9gvjrjIjYYF78Kw/s1600-h/IMG_8107.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh38dmmx0dIVvrhQ5-iqZVGxttHseY66g0Y3EJP50jUY2pEzIPAtPpmyvSK63Mbd_20hO_f-zZyG1Rapxn5w2z6JtTsnMLEz8YwmL9ChuJ1E0iUPzt6i_xWAmRgyl6V9gvjrjIjYYF78Kw/s400/IMG_8107.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398627708389317474" /></a>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-73984990792601032982009-10-27T17:06:00.000-07:002009-10-27T18:17:56.188-07:00Hallow's Eve RecapThe Hallow's Eve 10km on Sunday was a lot of fun.<div><br /></div><div>It's been quite a while since I ran a race with over a dozen people I know so that made it different for sure. Here are some of the IF crew... many not pictured.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iG_jOkXY-gGfJf8cM5WwsQD0DaL1pbh7MdPcJWxaVnfT7uGrtQ_7aZz6TddjrZXyD6xtRI_u3xShIZU2oPBvhNLLB11vgPzA20BmopnbbLA0P6jk6FWmiHb7pC_P1rDraQBdOgn9d8I/s1600-h/12142_177367867528_94292762528_2899529_1489626_n.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iG_jOkXY-gGfJf8cM5WwsQD0DaL1pbh7MdPcJWxaVnfT7uGrtQ_7aZz6TddjrZXyD6xtRI_u3xShIZU2oPBvhNLLB11vgPzA20BmopnbbLA0P6jk6FWmiHb7pC_P1rDraQBdOgn9d8I/s400/12142_177367867528_94292762528_2899529_1489626_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397452429273317330" /></a><br /></div><div>I went into the race with no plan whatsoever other than to enjoy myself. I knew I wanted to check in on the group from <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/">lululemon</a> and that I wanted to run with some of the <a href="http://www.innovativefitness.com/">IF</a> folks for a bit but that I also wanted to run a few sections "for myself".</div><div><br /></div><div>So that's exactly what I did. At the start I ran with some friends from IF including my old coach (from a year or so ago) James. Then I slowed down and waited to run with the lulu girls for a while. Then I sped back up and ran with Virginia and Antony (who was in Moab with me)... </div><div><br /></div><div>The course was pretty challenging (do I ever NOT say that?) There were LOTS of stairs, and lots of wooden walkways that were wet (this is pretty sketchy with my running leg). There were lots of uphills and some really fun downhills too.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQOqnz466j3WhU0n7-jAAYiAG9tcb4D4I67Ek0yFe-wl1ey9PW_pev4Lp3ENMge3yyVlHLNO6zcs5kDW6mEmwABtATxTuhfQRqJglKVmMtJW37vylupuwHocwuB5r7NO1VGexOc4BJLA/s1600-h/12565_177810712528_94292762528_2904464_6601210_n.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQOqnz466j3WhU0n7-jAAYiAG9tcb4D4I67Ek0yFe-wl1ey9PW_pev4Lp3ENMge3yyVlHLNO6zcs5kDW6mEmwABtATxTuhfQRqJglKVmMtJW37vylupuwHocwuB5r7NO1VGexOc4BJLA/s1600-h/12565_177810712528_94292762528_2904464_6601210_n.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="text-align: left;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoQOqnz466j3WhU0n7-jAAYiAG9tcb4D4I67Ek0yFe-wl1ey9PW_pev4Lp3ENMge3yyVlHLNO6zcs5kDW6mEmwABtATxTuhfQRqJglKVmMtJW37vylupuwHocwuB5r7NO1VGexOc4BJLA/s400/12565_177810712528_94292762528_2904464_6601210_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397452434241304242" /></a><br /></div><div>I was having a blast running with a group of about 6 runners for several km until I caught my leg on a root and actually dislodged it! That has never happened to me in any race... it was actually off for a second... somehow I didn't go down - just hopped and reattached.</div><div><br /></div><div>That broke my momentum, I lost my group, and though I got the leg back on, it was very sloppy - the liner had been pulled down a bit...</div><div><br /></div><div>Fortunately I was only a km or 2 from home and didn't need to do a full reset.</div><div><br /></div><div>My next post may have to be a prosthetic leg make-over... my running leg is in ROUGH shape after the last two or three trail runs and also the 3 Peaks... It is definitely in need of some TLC.</div><div><br /></div><div>Congrats to everyone from IF and lululemon!!</div><div><br /></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-49462721287659769382009-10-24T23:55:00.000-07:002009-10-25T00:00:10.325-07:00Cross Country CanadaFound this video the other day... These fellas are getting ready to host (and hopefully beat down) the rest of the world in February.<div><br /></div><div>Although this video might be slightly over-the-top, there is some awesome footage of the training these guys put in... which is massive.</div><div><br /></div><div>You'll come away pumped for some Winter Olympic action...</div><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/xezFTzckKKo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/xezFTzckKKo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-67909263031782260612009-10-22T16:22:00.000-07:002009-10-22T16:41:56.281-07:00Hallow's Eve Half Marathon & 10km<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv1OSNk9ETexqHENFAzlW90I-ApQznn8_N1EMnuYQ7sZhMXYg-sUydmmvIK-HQ5EAiEpO2lw5ukZRhDOVFyO_hW-KAY30EtmHYGxHk86qOXQMM0t4GScc164_PldYECpIK7d6ui5Ntoc/s1600-h/Picture+11.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv1OSNk9ETexqHENFAzlW90I-ApQznn8_N1EMnuYQ7sZhMXYg-sUydmmvIK-HQ5EAiEpO2lw5ukZRhDOVFyO_hW-KAY30EtmHYGxHk86qOXQMM0t4GScc164_PldYECpIK7d6ui5Ntoc/s400/Picture+11.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395570180884171122" /></a><br />Just a quick note to invite anyone reading to come down and take part in the Hallow's Eve Half Marathon and 10km.  These are trail races so dig out your trail shoes.<div><br /></div><div>I will be opting for the 10km and running it with some of the folks from <a href="http://www.lululemon.com/">lululemon</a> and/or some other folks from <a href="http://www.innovativefitness.com/">Innovative Fitness</a>...  (I have cool sponsors!)  </div><div><br /></div><div>The misleading part about the "Hallow's Eve" race is that it takes part in the morning...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">Sunday October 26th @ 9am to be precise.</span></span>  </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Check <a href="http://www.runthenorthshore.com/qs/page/5621/3696/-1">HERE</a> for other details.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Call:  604-990-6888 to register!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">See you there!</div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-58736703541115960722009-10-21T10:28:00.001-07:002009-10-21T12:25:54.855-07:00POM Wonderful - Review<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrrQ8KM-ol7kxCxja72l_5cVj7nDWR-eAcHI66ZCJcWUs-cXqpVa1-k0yACUbM-oL7CFJ1vsdgxl8ihifzoIZv9xkieeHdUCTIAXfkO49AtvGPbknK8xc5_diPwVbp_69Nsu10kfz2b8/s1600-h/IMG_8087.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKrrQ8KM-ol7kxCxja72l_5cVj7nDWR-eAcHI66ZCJcWUs-cXqpVa1-k0yACUbM-oL7CFJ1vsdgxl8ihifzoIZv9xkieeHdUCTIAXfkO49AtvGPbknK8xc5_diPwVbp_69Nsu10kfz2b8/s400/IMG_8087.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395106782581076946" /></a><div><br /></div><div>While it's true that "owning" a blog isn't all VIP parties, limos and Cristal, there are a few benefits... Like the other day when Janny emailed me regarding <a href="http://pomwonderful.com/">POM Wonderful</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Not another 6 figure sponsorship offer..." I thought to myself.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, no, it wasn't... she just wanted to give it to me to try... feedback was all she asked for. The relief was immediate, those six-figure deals are more trouble than they're worth...</div><div><br /></div><div>So, after giving her the green light, we hammered out an intricate deal whereby I would consume three or four bottles of POM Wonderful and issue an opinion. I drive a hard bargain, nobody takes MJ to the cleaners...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">The Review</span></div><div><br /></div><div>With the word "Wonderful" in the name this beverage has a lot to live up to... not just that but it has a price tag of $4.99 per bottle (473 ml)!</div><div><br /></div><div>At first I was a bit outraged by the price (though it was free for me as a result of my wheeling and dealing). I found myself almost hoping that it would be gross so that I couldn't develop a $4.99/day habit. Just as that thought crossed my mind I stopped to think about my morning latte - $4.30 from Starbucks. I'm not sure how Starbucks has programmed me to be OK with $4.30 for a latte, but POM should employ the same techniques...</div><div><br /></div><div>NOTE: 473ml (16ozs) is meant to be a TWO DAY supply. So, really, the price of POM Wonderful isn't much more than a lot of other high quality juices. I just didn't realize this until much later.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Benefits</span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRP76TfOi_DCD1vr-EAVVwXLGLWsaNL_IyWg6xbqNs91FfiAA1xinL2SukG5prNc0lAginhBboH8BRaeRWkOJQpt_7vVtLDpuZKC5wrLQxlsPkAw67wqt6dDNoa9Srs_BzNY5c25jgm4/s1600-h/Picture+14.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 229px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRP76TfOi_DCD1vr-EAVVwXLGLWsaNL_IyWg6xbqNs91FfiAA1xinL2SukG5prNc0lAginhBboH8BRaeRWkOJQpt_7vVtLDpuZKC5wrLQxlsPkAw67wqt6dDNoa9Srs_BzNY5c25jgm4/s400/Picture+14.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395134461600775586" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /></div><div>Unlike my morning latte, guzzling POM Wonderful pomegranate juice offers several health benefits:</div><div><br /></div><div>- <a href="http://pomwonderful.com/health/research/">Cardiovascular Health Benefits</a></div><div>- <a href="http://pomwonderful.com/health/research/">Prostate Health Benefits</a></div><div>- <a href="http://pomwonderful.com/health/research/">Erectile Function Benefits</a></div><div>- <a href="http://pomwonderful.com/health/pom-is-the-antioxidant-superpower/">Antioxidant Potency</a></div><div>- and more</div><div><br /></div><div>I know the one you're looking at... here are the study results:</div><blockquote><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Compared to patients taking a placebo, those men drinking 8 oz. of 100% pomegranate juice daily for four weeks were 50% more likely to experience erectile improvement in this study of 53 subjects.</span></i></div></blockquote><div></div><div>I would imagine those results compare favourably to the products mentioned in the emails I get from time to time...</div><div><br /></div><div>In case you are doubting the legitimacy of all of these health claims... POM Wonderful has spent an incredible $32 million since 1998 to fund scientific research on pomegranate juice. </div><div><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Fi2ddA7a7IPfndv57U7aZJ4RSv0CbaOpueSewSx0H00prK8R_S0_c2V1q9P90Ou9149b9KCUOS-yJar6Zncc0oxI95MFGZYDR77MRZ5GsWIKnVZW5AZimm5oohizfczkDum9LLBMipQ/s1600-h/Picture+17.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9Fi2ddA7a7IPfndv57U7aZJ4RSv0CbaOpueSewSx0H00prK8R_S0_c2V1q9P90Ou9149b9KCUOS-yJar6Zncc0oxI95MFGZYDR77MRZ5GsWIKnVZW5AZimm5oohizfczkDum9LLBMipQ/s400/Picture+17.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395134452047127746" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Taste</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Testers: Meyrick, Sacha, Mattias (7), Aia (5), Viggo (18 months)</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Pomegranate flavour</span> - The juice is pretty potent. It tastes exactly like pomegranate seeds which Sacha and I like a lot. There is a tartness very similar to grape juice.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000099;">Bluberry Pomegranate flavour</span> - The blend makes the juice quite a bit sweeter and much less tart. The kids liked this flavour a lot more than the pure Pomegranate.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#CC9933;">Mango Pomegranate flavour</span> - Still good but we liked the blueberry blend more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Sacha and I liked the Blueberry Pomegranate the best.</div><div><br /></div><div>The kids found all three a bit too powerful at first... after we diluted the POM with sparkling water they LOVED it a lot. In fact they ask for it every time now and have begun calling the resulting cocktail a POM Spring... which I think is catchy!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWzc9MMZ3PFrbkwNKXtvnta4jHN6yb8kcoaKrm9ujUdf41_QQWwB2aDnLKkR-QEyTuLmnaxfs1aeaWc7NrBtjr0N80ItkrZvOSxAgBLLVZozRE9ikgf-RTEbmy6fJpbvFqsYY7AmhzWM/s1600-h/IMG_8100.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVWzc9MMZ3PFrbkwNKXtvnta4jHN6yb8kcoaKrm9ujUdf41_QQWwB2aDnLKkR-QEyTuLmnaxfs1aeaWc7NrBtjr0N80ItkrZvOSxAgBLLVZozRE9ikgf-RTEbmy6fJpbvFqsYY7AmhzWM/s400/IMG_8100.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395130003443865314" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Conclusion</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Once you realize that the bottle is not a single serving, and/or you water it down for some sparkling POM Springs it actually goes a long way... and the price becomes a lot more palatable. It tastes far better the next day than the second half of your Starbucks latte would...</div><div><br /></div><div>I am sure we'll be buying more - Sacha and I both enjoyed the juice, but more importantly it's not everyday you hear 5/7 year olds begging for a "treat" that is as healthy as this.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG7SSEpMAQJVW0xU29-ggCZFKM_F9Uq0iqBPoTf7qhTueGBnL5mq8NpzzgW-jHFYrc7bf1pjxf6bXV7UVnypU_PNezRSQLzB-IA6lQ1YY_CXoPNuHNKOd0X30pl00ogB6ImK9UTzEED0/s1600-h/Picture+15.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaG7SSEpMAQJVW0xU29-ggCZFKM_F9Uq0iqBPoTf7qhTueGBnL5mq8NpzzgW-jHFYrc7bf1pjxf6bXV7UVnypU_PNezRSQLzB-IA6lQ1YY_CXoPNuHNKOd0X30pl00ogB6ImK9UTzEED0/s400/Picture+15.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395134471098869970" /></a>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-73137546704109951482009-10-18T22:42:00.000-07:002009-10-19T02:30:35.253-07:00Moab Mountain Biking<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXEJ9XG1N_dOlMjhisd1E0-whTfSSNVc3x1NfnjQ08MpNIUv130-SLllTe5LFgdXxcvfhDYRqztf_Z0UjEnnWYV7JaWy54vB-fC87SqAPsaA3lSfnuhxtm0yK2JAQhlAeVC8xhVPygvA/s1600-h/Picture+13.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpXEJ9XG1N_dOlMjhisd1E0-whTfSSNVc3x1NfnjQ08MpNIUv130-SLllTe5LFgdXxcvfhDYRqztf_Z0UjEnnWYV7JaWy54vB-fC87SqAPsaA3lSfnuhxtm0yK2JAQhlAeVC8xhVPygvA/s400/Picture+13.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394222954387801026" /></a><br />I just returned from Moab, Utah where I spent three days mountain biking with an awesome group of riders from <a href="http://www.innovativefitness.com/">Innovative Fitness</a>.<div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRCEu2_Y5rHzCMt8iPsNmqPf12cyZOlV3rqNqfqhvWIlReqQIy4hHd5stB3etghDbXM_IYaPCQ-a3i4kPRHswHa57Are6U8sj85qyzawf6sgGSobyV8OD7w-MQ2cmGyax32wxH6ZRfC4/s1600-h/8826_1259512565662_1165103322_2280382_7309035_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRCEu2_Y5rHzCMt8iPsNmqPf12cyZOlV3rqNqfqhvWIlReqQIy4hHd5stB3etghDbXM_IYaPCQ-a3i4kPRHswHa57Are6U8sj85qyzawf6sgGSobyV8OD7w-MQ2cmGyax32wxH6ZRfC4/s400/8826_1259512565662_1165103322_2280382_7309035_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394227126304000386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&rls=en&q=moab&oe=UTF-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=Moab,+UT&ei=rx_cSqDwHJL0sQOUmNyxCQ&sa=X&oi=geocode_result&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CAwQ8gEwAA">Moab</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Cool little town in the midst of seemingly endless amounts of awe inspiring red rock, desert-like terrain. TONS of world renowned mountain biking. If you like to ride, you should DEFINITELY put Moab on your "list" (you do have a list right?)</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxK1W8d7F9WEbi0TbdYXe6nbeEyFgTis2mcHqNpfJqoQcQDV31Tz9cxcGNwcHSRaXD8SL3kVNJ8HrpPIN5lP6pEUni8_jxR6sClzf_2y1oBXBhib-ywcMLDRDFpMvlNs-l6jyAVA50S8/s1600-h/Picture+12.png" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxK1W8d7F9WEbi0TbdYXe6nbeEyFgTis2mcHqNpfJqoQcQDV31Tz9cxcGNwcHSRaXD8SL3kVNJ8HrpPIN5lP6pEUni8_jxR6sClzf_2y1oBXBhib-ywcMLDRDFpMvlNs-l6jyAVA50S8/s400/Picture+12.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394223224428929378" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 289px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>We spent three 4-6 hour days riding mostly intermediate to expert level terrain - some awesome downhills, some technical, rocky trail, plenty of "ledgy drops", lots of slickrock.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrqav_1W1Vc597YrwAhJODSln8x-RPsLO3CVNUGRnVR49yLunfQ2ndy76tEO3Uf35PtEoS1H6D3WDyevj6ulFJVpdeNGrXjc4oomtq1gO4GZvQeQbuVrWJ3GJkYRjO-w5ZY4MnkyLmEU/s1600-h/8826_1259513045674_1165103322_2280394_6285634_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrqav_1W1Vc597YrwAhJODSln8x-RPsLO3CVNUGRnVR49yLunfQ2ndy76tEO3Uf35PtEoS1H6D3WDyevj6ulFJVpdeNGrXjc4oomtq1gO4GZvQeQbuVrWJ3GJkYRjO-w5ZY4MnkyLmEU/s400/8826_1259513045674_1165103322_2280394_6285634_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394227147055161058" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8WB9fKv-XeAQ2Hel38ZXmKF1tghJQJ57hN5ctis_C6J_Sb5MpiQHQ83VpfO_i6hLZqV0tJByTQnaxOVtLLCwxgCx_AFad4ZhajwFwepfJSlb8kYzjobSVDuqf6mAe3rjJlT4OUgsa_s/s1600-h/8826_1259513205678_1165103322_2280398_704381_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8WB9fKv-XeAQ2Hel38ZXmKF1tghJQJ57hN5ctis_C6J_Sb5MpiQHQ83VpfO_i6hLZqV0tJByTQnaxOVtLLCwxgCx_AFad4ZhajwFwepfJSlb8kYzjobSVDuqf6mAe3rjJlT4OUgsa_s/s400/8826_1259513205678_1165103322_2280398_704381_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394227166451531810" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The final day was the highlight for me. We drove to 8,400 ft, rode to about 9,000, then descended to about 4,000. That, my friends, is about 10 minutes up and a couple of hours down, in other words, a ratio that = FUN. We were blasting down Hazard County, Upper and Lower Porcupine Rim, and Kokopelli until my rear tire couldn't handle the fun anymore and punctured about 3/4 mile from the end.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFsdfNW99dgELAOLUnXVbky5cJzXV85fIqApR-oJo40lMmzi5_pgRqGymI5MeClji8Ii2wsEaRDrQ9YR3-xgL4L19OaMg_p2sHHT9OkBzzo1ZOQBGWm_HwitLl-PI0FkDf71kcQ9j2OM/s1600-h/8826_1259513285680_1165103322_2280400_1142286_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiFsdfNW99dgELAOLUnXVbky5cJzXV85fIqApR-oJo40lMmzi5_pgRqGymI5MeClji8Ii2wsEaRDrQ9YR3-xgL4L19OaMg_p2sHHT9OkBzzo1ZOQBGWm_HwitLl-PI0FkDf71kcQ9j2OM/s400/8826_1259513285680_1165103322_2280400_1142286_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394227174300898946" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I know many Innovative Fitness customers and trainers read this... if you are looking for a fun destination that is manageable for almost every skill level GO TO MOAB!! Our local guides (Rim Tours - Brooks and Sylvie in particular) did a great job of splitting groups up when appropriate, so everyone got to ride to their ability and enjoy every minute.</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-18pFJNyXgDlzZHsRNC_Sj2FmTMJakCOBZAhrUP8nyUrCk6C84KoJTVWHANzA6s0ZeKXIKhp5-y4LZk9cmZyXdornIkND_sW81AOACNR0V0JgFGkVMbCR7GIhMOz43QGLpDx1mPOwdOM/s1600-h/8826_1259513325681_1165103322_2280401_4281477_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-18pFJNyXgDlzZHsRNC_Sj2FmTMJakCOBZAhrUP8nyUrCk6C84KoJTVWHANzA6s0ZeKXIKhp5-y4LZk9cmZyXdornIkND_sW81AOACNR0V0JgFGkVMbCR7GIhMOz43QGLpDx1mPOwdOM/s400/8826_1259513325681_1165103322_2280401_4281477_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394228058598494594" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was totally awesome. I may be able to procure some video from a friend who sported a helmet cam. We'll see...</div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime some more pictures:</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQrqav_1W1Vc597YrwAhJODSln8x-RPsLO3CVNUGRnVR49yLunfQ2ndy76tEO3Uf35PtEoS1H6D3WDyevj6ulFJVpdeNGrXjc4oomtq1gO4GZvQeQbuVrWJ3GJkYRjO-w5ZY4MnkyLmEU/s1600-h/8826_1259513045674_1165103322_2280394_6285634_n.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcpdhMWNoMbrDGh7i5ht0NT1dFIJV9tI2WsqpABOuZsSzBw0EvaRXi257lyighyphenhyphenGRilP0H9JXI5emd-zNZ9F02qW-TWS0og_eVT6tfJCVCKxZIJRfp9T7e1F2rHDKd0i3Xx05X0OZ6wc/s1600-h/8826_1259512685665_1165103322_2280385_60506_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitcpdhMWNoMbrDGh7i5ht0NT1dFIJV9tI2WsqpABOuZsSzBw0EvaRXi257lyighyphenhyphenGRilP0H9JXI5emd-zNZ9F02qW-TWS0og_eVT6tfJCVCKxZIJRfp9T7e1F2rHDKd0i3Xx05X0OZ6wc/s400/8826_1259512685665_1165103322_2280385_60506_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394227133706681154" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div>This was Day 2 at Bartlett Wash - an awesome area for enjoying the Slickrock. Home to SuperBowl (site of the weekend's worst crash by poor Simon - check <a href="http://www.facebook.com/meyrickj">my facebook profile</a> to see the video...).</div><div><br /></div><div>These next three I call <i>Unnatural Van Fixation</i>... I just love vans (esp. vw) and bikes and the two together meant I had to take a lot of photos...</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiQHaVQ2-RR8K5T8diXDtZIUgTTtfFsnui4UjiMjanmp6ow7PUB60MfdAihXlEUrZqQsQW1aC9y0zraEdNm6DRBAiqPjbUQHdYMcZOSfI_m_b1zDTx84Hd1cndVtrSmasOJSOF1iukkA/s1600-h/P1040351.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTiQHaVQ2-RR8K5T8diXDtZIUgTTtfFsnui4UjiMjanmp6ow7PUB60MfdAihXlEUrZqQsQW1aC9y0zraEdNm6DRBAiqPjbUQHdYMcZOSfI_m_b1zDTx84Hd1cndVtrSmasOJSOF1iukkA/s400/P1040351.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394228085213042082" style="cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZQtq-0GOYQ9sqPz03T68upGXXC3DhlZXk1QMvb1yPq1LswvN7mEMW3O29OV6QAfU9hXeFYKyrwadxEDuP6IFOI1cYWkFSGIgv-Y6pjrYq5GWY6iKB_ZZidw5IcGGzIFOrdsjKaQpsps/s1600-h/36757577-1.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZQtq-0GOYQ9sqPz03T68upGXXC3DhlZXk1QMvb1yPq1LswvN7mEMW3O29OV6QAfU9hXeFYKyrwadxEDuP6IFOI1cYWkFSGIgv-Y6pjrYq5GWY6iKB_ZZidw5IcGGzIFOrdsjKaQpsps/s400/36757577-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394228083968795074" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFoBZO5thVN9cjGWdSgrDS-2RUkWfSNX7yje1lqw3ZAuV1k097vBRxal4RDFN6iG89uOQam8WPN_k0PmsYeHdeaXbR8n2xElzgpXSbQQKjHgDtWdsv1uOPPwCWrLgB4TKjag0GVAADF0/s1600-h/P1040275.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFoBZO5thVN9cjGWdSgrDS-2RUkWfSNX7yje1lqw3ZAuV1k097vBRxal4RDFN6iG89uOQam8WPN_k0PmsYeHdeaXbR8n2xElzgpXSbQQKjHgDtWdsv1uOPPwCWrLgB4TKjag0GVAADF0/s400/P1040275.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394228626206984178" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On Day 3 I had a minor tumble and smacked my shin on a rock.... have a look (go ahead, click to enlarge.) It was visually disturbing to say the least... but not that painful (thank goodness).</div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXB7sYvRdps2qL9Yq6TXr-7_diRD90GBIABsX32kk0B8R-2XuvfOUKTj0LW_XCnZkjGMPTsMxTS_Pa6mgyGnFtnTn9FueQtXWhjcLXnZT0ryx_8MLeaMPct1BrsJH9vsZzckDjGjr1D4/s1600-h/8826_1259513565687_1165103322_2280406_7246011_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXB7sYvRdps2qL9Yq6TXr-7_diRD90GBIABsX32kk0B8R-2XuvfOUKTj0LW_XCnZkjGMPTsMxTS_Pa6mgyGnFtnTn9FueQtXWhjcLXnZT0ryx_8MLeaMPct1BrsJH9vsZzckDjGjr1D4/s400/8826_1259513565687_1165103322_2280406_7246011_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394228064296363362" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Day 1 at "Baby Steps".<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifjeKr-_bjlkuQ4Dw_x04XZpfIiaF541ILMZDetE1PaUIJNY0IJrVytfAa_P4o37IE7Wrl8MJuyBdXhkpMN8OvOa83mWWLucD8TSk8am0kDmhuWfaMcZCBQr9_fFkKhvE9yJRSek48Tc/s1600-h/P1040290.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgifjeKr-_bjlkuQ4Dw_x04XZpfIiaF541ILMZDetE1PaUIJNY0IJrVytfAa_P4o37IE7Wrl8MJuyBdXhkpMN8OvOa83mWWLucD8TSk8am0kDmhuWfaMcZCBQr9_fFkKhvE9yJRSek48Tc/s400/P1040290.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394228462860756578" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqS6RAZWwp3BmxA5m_8MuMDfrXGXw5r32wuJqU8Rep2Q8u9sOrrChDBt_oMJAhezjTUsSVX0o_N0Fta0ODZ80HyftSKUni9zqHYcNxQtTf_QmsxSLi-3VEtnLtaF4HU1HD1_bmTtJf-RY/s1600-h/P1040300.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqS6RAZWwp3BmxA5m_8MuMDfrXGXw5r32wuJqU8Rep2Q8u9sOrrChDBt_oMJAhezjTUsSVX0o_N0Fta0ODZ80HyftSKUni9zqHYcNxQtTf_QmsxSLi-3VEtnLtaF4HU1HD1_bmTtJf-RY/s400/P1040300.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394228444288114754" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqS6RAZWwp3BmxA5m_8MuMDfrXGXw5r32wuJqU8Rep2Q8u9sOrrChDBt_oMJAhezjTUsSVX0o_N0Fta0ODZ80HyftSKUni9zqHYcNxQtTf_QmsxSLi-3VEtnLtaF4HU1HD1_bmTtJf-RY/s1600-h/P1040300.jpg"></a>Day 2 at Bartlett Wash. (I need a new pose...)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcE5Sg0QlZ-GQye_L0VBU9nHLDSN_RrNULQj2i313Iws1c28U9QCTo66wx7AsASydHObnzufR691tK90q6YO0rTCqnov5y8mAGLxWBGDeobCUbrrq2Qh7W-VkP2NPPhyhfi_pINK_HP_w/s1600-h/P1040312.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcE5Sg0QlZ-GQye_L0VBU9nHLDSN_RrNULQj2i313Iws1c28U9QCTo66wx7AsASydHObnzufR691tK90q6YO0rTCqnov5y8mAGLxWBGDeobCUbrrq2Qh7W-VkP2NPPhyhfi_pINK_HP_w/s400/P1040312.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394228431899269378" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a><br /><br /></div><div>Brooks (our lead guide) - 62 and a damn good rider. He made everything look easy. Powering up slickrock sections that I swear are 45°+. Unbelievable... hat's off.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMDq9R7nuA6ZH8idC-fYFTpScuZ6keO3412ASsCKSMhOkNayAn95Fjv7yeGfwQOWbWJn_j9Dusy6tfld4XMKYr_TavIp8Fm9qFw8MCsHp7U8YDEIjXLE5FUGW-9UWr7tzLI9EqgE0710/s1600-h/8826_1259513725691_1165103322_2280410_2919607_n.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMDq9R7nuA6ZH8idC-fYFTpScuZ6keO3412ASsCKSMhOkNayAn95Fjv7yeGfwQOWbWJn_j9Dusy6tfld4XMKYr_TavIp8Fm9qFw8MCsHp7U8YDEIjXLE5FUGW-9UWr7tzLI9EqgE0710/s400/8826_1259513725691_1165103322_2280410_2919607_n.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394228075984084386" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>These trees are beautiful... don't know what kind they are...</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvMDq9R7nuA6ZH8idC-fYFTpScuZ6keO3412ASsCKSMhOkNayAn95Fjv7yeGfwQOWbWJn_j9Dusy6tfld4XMKYr_TavIp8Fm9qFw8MCsHp7U8YDEIjXLE5FUGW-9UWr7tzLI9EqgE0710/s1600-h/8826_1259513725691_1165103322_2280410_2919607_n.jpg"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99qL_5zoQLgys1zTKRI-eySD8wwgrRNwuhkmJ4GNA40pso5sRqvvRvWO54U9EoE-ZBBPyXa2PXaG4BBHW4dG1wNr1gTx4bkcm4p6bMVIXaznIpSvDJgaF94kfZXwIi6KK2vII4t0WeAs/s1600-h/P1040295.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99qL_5zoQLgys1zTKRI-eySD8wwgrRNwuhkmJ4GNA40pso5sRqvvRvWO54U9EoE-ZBBPyXa2PXaG4BBHW4dG1wNr1gTx4bkcm4p6bMVIXaznIpSvDJgaF94kfZXwIi6KK2vII4t0WeAs/s400/P1040295.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394228451301777458" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99qL_5zoQLgys1zTKRI-eySD8wwgrRNwuhkmJ4GNA40pso5sRqvvRvWO54U9EoE-ZBBPyXa2PXaG4BBHW4dG1wNr1gTx4bkcm4p6bMVIXaznIpSvDJgaF94kfZXwIi6KK2vII4t0WeAs/s1600-h/P1040295.jpg"></a>It was an awesome group, a spectacular location, unbelievable weather, and tremendous riding by everyone. </div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks for reading!<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span></span></div></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-33274309923938313972009-10-14T18:47:00.000-07:002009-10-14T18:47:00.425-07:00Part III - The LionsThree Iconic Hikes - One Day.... Part III - The Lions<br /><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">The Lions - 5,408 ft</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Distance: ~16km</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Elevation Gain: 4,500 ft</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Time: 5:39:00</span></li></ul></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNt2ICGIZNH2zyv16TfsVK4Tip8dWzt6e-dIrjHfFxRn5oOnh2wJAbFioHuYnfW9rWb7xa_takB4-Zy93JFy2gaw4SilxoflbGzKVafWOgdGvmEFUdmG17mn5v-ZVkJD_AVE5S7RAp_dY/s1600-h/vancouver-cdn1079.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNt2ICGIZNH2zyv16TfsVK4Tip8dWzt6e-dIrjHfFxRn5oOnh2wJAbFioHuYnfW9rWb7xa_takB4-Zy93JFy2gaw4SilxoflbGzKVafWOgdGvmEFUdmG17mn5v-ZVkJD_AVE5S7RAp_dY/s400/vancouver-cdn1079.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392339559955452034" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOp0DwVZH_ud9WT3jCWv2UUp-ddJbUBtpLywl0GZY8_yQ0hUxe4IjswQTyl3dYsQOZh1cUmXoWdqKhQHnCcnTC5BqwtVErS6mHq_zwwFzG0JJu6fak8YMZQ50asCIJROjlj9KiZd5nGg/s1600-h/Picture+9.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOp0DwVZH_ud9WT3jCWv2UUp-ddJbUBtpLywl0GZY8_yQ0hUxe4IjswQTyl3dYsQOZh1cUmXoWdqKhQHnCcnTC5BqwtVErS6mHq_zwwFzG0JJu6fak8YMZQ50asCIJROjlj9KiZd5nGg/s400/Picture+9.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392339550855941282" /></a><br />Another 25 minute drive, two sandwiches, half a can of coke later and we were parked in Lions Bay at the trailhead for The Lions. I think we both knew this was where the work was going to truly start.</div><div><br /></div><div>I had been envisioning this moment for a few weeks... I knew it might be REALLY hard to <i>want</i> to start The Lions after Black Tusk and The Chief. It wasn't as bad as I expected. </div><div><br /></div><div>At this point we could feel things were going our way - the weather was great, we were ahead of schedule and there had been no issues thus far. We wanted to bag all three peaks and I, for one, will admit that anything less would have felt like a failure. I wouldn't have wanted to even talk about it... so silly, ridiculous in fact, but true.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiij6XBjINTdxvLqaqlqpIlDb0SdUHy455ltrjFPxRtruMj6TzIOso5wru1cQAF3umkcbaBsyHcxGMZp1I6m_YTWNf0hdcyTCrDLO2wrIiLUmLal48wtJfZvd8ITFJjqMJ-V1AJEXI8G98/s1600-h/P1040235.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiij6XBjINTdxvLqaqlqpIlDb0SdUHy455ltrjFPxRtruMj6TzIOso5wru1cQAF3umkcbaBsyHcxGMZp1I6m_YTWNf0hdcyTCrDLO2wrIiLUmLal48wtJfZvd8ITFJjqMJ-V1AJEXI8G98/s400/P1040235.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392337120674025026" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We set out on the trail a lot quieter than on the day's previous missions. The first 40 minutes was sheer hell. It was a simple logging road... nothing technical, but it was steep, boring, and the rocks were a bit too large to get really good uphill traction. Hard work on the calves (or the calf in my case...)</div><div><br /></div><div>Keith and I were pretty silent until we both admitted we were HATING this section. It was pure "work" - not satisfying, not interesting, just head down grinding. We didn't talk until we decided we had to take a picture of it just so we'd remember how bad it was..... we knew that it would look easy in the picture!</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJN8IOl8p3z-4UJInW44HoC9VWdYfrizEiItMiLQKryQ13nz6ak6aTery0p_Xt2p45BLv7nYh9CJyliR1hvKmzJMr8KlnB6BlYTq-e1EM1e4G-6j5bNE_HvZ2OobhEQHFD75zqlqNP2I/s1600-h/P1040236_2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYJN8IOl8p3z-4UJInW44HoC9VWdYfrizEiItMiLQKryQ13nz6ak6aTery0p_Xt2p45BLv7nYh9CJyliR1hvKmzJMr8KlnB6BlYTq-e1EM1e4G-6j5bNE_HvZ2OobhEQHFD75zqlqNP2I/s400/P1040236_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392337125382313650" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finally, we got out of that section and our spirits lifted A LOT. The trail flattened for a km or so and we jogged it. It was amazing how a new surface (pine needles!) and a flatter pitch made all the difference to our emotions. I remember thinking that we were moving into a new phase of the day... the phase where you start to mentally pay for the effort expended. After 10 or 11 hours moods change for better or worse in an instant. This is a stage you don't get to training for olympic distance triathlon.</div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwzVKOHa2Sn21FsIjvzDmZeR62AzGE9pWJIQTVi75WS090qKRhqebEYBcSgpy-HcmVhx2i2pP2khmJ2qDQowQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Soon enough, it got brutally difficult again. Massive rock fields to pick our way up, intensely steep trails... I felt like I stopped every 10 steps... probably did.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT-CA8PdtCOIW1wuuRB9aZ8hPjZAACFKrlL8_8OJiW7U7IdIXM1q94mEurnphoTOSYSFujHzO9vdVwC4n5qmUXCM6iHaI-dE2Me6h7L_3RSfF8e22Dip4le1sxcBDkYhyTBjTpJgzRck/s1600-h/P1040241.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwT-CA8PdtCOIW1wuuRB9aZ8hPjZAACFKrlL8_8OJiW7U7IdIXM1q94mEurnphoTOSYSFujHzO9vdVwC4n5qmUXCM6iHaI-dE2Me6h7L_3RSfF8e22Dip4le1sxcBDkYhyTBjTpJgzRck/s400/P1040241.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392337138313395906" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Mentally, I was in a work zone. I was actively trying not to think about anything but moving up the mountain. It was a struggle... I kept thinking about how far we had to go then getting mad at myself for having those very thoughts. As the exhaustion kept increasing I wondered what would happen if I cramped up or fell or, or, or... </div><div><br /></div><div>It didn't help that on our way up we passed approximately 50 people coming down, and EVERY SINGLE ONE said:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">"Late start today hey guys?"</div><div style="text-align: center; ">or</div><div style="text-align: center; ">"You guys aren't trying for the top are you?"</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Apart from getting a tad annoying, it began to plant a seed of fear in my mind... were we crazy?</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzPtoB2s5aV_H3u4vSgmSUj6W_xrLiMP6IZ7mHNcst251bKwxBzdTDcNW0jM-DTrJvFxF_tLO-xSv0tfcVb3g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Eventually we got a glimpse of the peak and it looked 1,000 km away. I'm not kidding... it REALLY hurt to see how far we had to go. I wanted to poke my eyes out so I wouldn't look to the top again.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">I kept telling myself not to look again. But all I could think about was the snapshot indelibly printed on my mind of that distant peak.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPgDu0F2KwtsUrDc55IdVQ-oYm5lXX3hdYdokkQR7G1YDrohXRuli2nhjC8Fp8Q4zEIlvsJRdthw9piL5dX4rDmOv_37oLHrdkrt3UzI-xYFNPzHGxLpyI7onmEgqSLTPFUSiMymFd04/s1600-h/P1040247.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCPgDu0F2KwtsUrDc55IdVQ-oYm5lXX3hdYdokkQR7G1YDrohXRuli2nhjC8Fp8Q4zEIlvsJRdthw9piL5dX4rDmOv_37oLHrdkrt3UzI-xYFNPzHGxLpyI7onmEgqSLTPFUSiMymFd04/s400/P1040247.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392337149401565090" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">As I clambered over huge rocks, grabbing the odd tree to keep upright and carefully placing EVERY footstep, one after the other I started to assess my systems:<br /></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">- Brain: Still functional. Not a lot of variety in my thoughts. More like chants. Short ones - the kind that take three or four steps. Repeat 3,000 times. Avoid thinking about how much is left... think about each step being one step closer. Annoyingly started singing that song <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">"One step closer to you..."</span></div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">- Balance: Deteriorating. With the muscle fatigue and mental exhaustion I was beginning to have little trips, little stumbles, momentary losses of balance. Not enough to fall, just enough to remind me to that I had to ratchet the focus up even more.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">- Muscular: Not bad but my right quad was handling every large step - up and down. I tried to share the work when I could but it was too late to start asking for more from my weaker left leg and prosthesis - also many of the 1,000s of individual steps of this last climb were too technical (or just plain large) to use my left leg as the "go to" leg. Hence, my right quad was WORKED. To it's credit it kept going... thank goodness.</div><div style="text-align: left; "><div style="text-align: left; "><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSVMyAX9f5V6rZ_qAu3xdXwz_yFKjcDuE8Tf6luim1S2Lp5h0vpeY0dR44Hi-zwLfyj1PH5mnSGSkZbeSUK8EmmcZsFUYLvAslo4biQQpHv4r6W5G479WrCB0oTKK-Tofzk1PiwHDMGA/s1600-h/P1040248.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtSVMyAX9f5V6rZ_qAu3xdXwz_yFKjcDuE8Tf6luim1S2Lp5h0vpeY0dR44Hi-zwLfyj1PH5mnSGSkZbeSUK8EmmcZsFUYLvAslo4biQQpHv4r6W5G479WrCB0oTKK-Tofzk1PiwHDMGA/s400/P1040248.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392343199826735538" /></a><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">Unbelievably, after a lot more hard work we started to get close enough that I could look for the top again. It still looked a long way off though...</div><div style="text-align: left; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: left; ">We arrived with about 50 minutes of daylight remaining and enjoyed the peak by ourselves. I have to say the peak came quicker than I expected. For LONG stretches I was sure we wouldn't make it. There was a point I said to Keith "We must have an hour left?" (Looking up at the peak...). It was about 15 minutes. </div></div><div><br /></div>Keith on top of The Lions with Vancouver in the distant background.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTNSq8Lud-tCLDE4baQnlv3Iwe1xaIEXo9lOzWF6a7xrOftdfeLN90oTghfJ9QTENVeSx28YUxz520z6mtn5YI4vRYO_GtLiaco5vdbDX5UkqpICcffvXJHPenGFkMlPubHilEQ-noUA/s1600-h/P1040253.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrTNSq8Lud-tCLDE4baQnlv3Iwe1xaIEXo9lOzWF6a7xrOftdfeLN90oTghfJ9QTENVeSx28YUxz520z6mtn5YI4vRYO_GtLiaco5vdbDX5UkqpICcffvXJHPenGFkMlPubHilEQ-noUA/s400/P1040253.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392343226207313042" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7-vy-l-SUYH8knYLiAGMBmjDrQEFP9l0x9gjmNYio_OmbVm3b23wBmTU_tcVzxkI5z82RZs0GMkcQ6AKfOoA0Imd7CZzHSPBSZUopt8Z1khvgMfNrHD4NzyRS88wq0tH5gq0ZosqsTk/s1600-h/P1040252.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo7-vy-l-SUYH8knYLiAGMBmjDrQEFP9l0x9gjmNYio_OmbVm3b23wBmTU_tcVzxkI5z82RZs0GMkcQ6AKfOoA0Imd7CZzHSPBSZUopt8Z1khvgMfNrHD4NzyRS88wq0tH5gq0ZosqsTk/s400/P1040252.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392343222072807026" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIr2fssp39kHK_9qVr2-ptIWAIyzBLHqPL8EPGJmPX8FzwrB4JgQGho-gHv2CfM40NIUaIz0sN4o5YjarIhtjjzAloBrQ8k83C0GIXyQd56qKnfIpzV5b5CNhC4EWY0SHEgPMIzOWcHs/s1600-h/P1040255.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOIr2fssp39kHK_9qVr2-ptIWAIyzBLHqPL8EPGJmPX8FzwrB4JgQGho-gHv2CfM40NIUaIz0sN4o5YjarIhtjjzAloBrQ8k83C0GIXyQd56qKnfIpzV5b5CNhC4EWY0SHEgPMIzOWcHs/s400/P1040255.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392345679729972738" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyx5Bl8sHQyX6eQdVAIHGAMZck5oSXR5wy2U99353nxZsJOg2R8x8s5BMp8SuazJ7Ub5CtR3Nx4a_c4Hb9H1LUyTcLQkgGOXkC_Fg0kG4M01IGsgvoGL7NZ8l85fDrjRb5eM9NVNeHtM/s1600-h/P1040254_2.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXyx5Bl8sHQyX6eQdVAIHGAMZck5oSXR5wy2U99353nxZsJOg2R8x8s5BMp8SuazJ7Ub5CtR3Nx4a_c4Hb9H1LUyTcLQkgGOXkC_Fg0kG4M01IGsgvoGL7NZ8l85fDrjRb5eM9NVNeHtM/s400/P1040254_2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392345670096455362" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU50bYwbsR-iNZmYFIbmFiOcZuyCkPyX20XZPFqd9pX5l3B92YoK3NFVLkU6_WqHQ-or0HqSfv3Ge3Rt-MqND2k1zL11RUr9JMkjD_fyMy2SuLiNQpeboP4onQqlLmO2TxWoctHQ3xIA/s1600-h/P1040256.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU50bYwbsR-iNZmYFIbmFiOcZuyCkPyX20XZPFqd9pX5l3B92YoK3NFVLkU6_WqHQ-or0HqSfv3Ge3Rt-MqND2k1zL11RUr9JMkjD_fyMy2SuLiNQpeboP4onQqlLmO2TxWoctHQ3xIA/s400/P1040256.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392345690341409746" /></a><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU50bYwbsR-iNZmYFIbmFiOcZuyCkPyX20XZPFqd9pX5l3B92YoK3NFVLkU6_WqHQ-or0HqSfv3Ge3Rt-MqND2k1zL11RUr9JMkjD_fyMy2SuLiNQpeboP4onQqlLmO2TxWoctHQ3xIA/s1600-h/P1040256.JPG"></a>I had said hours earlier that we just needed to get to the top of The Lions because we would, of course, be able to make it down. (Note: Later I realized this very thought has probably killed people on bigger tougher climbs. I think they call it "Summit Fever". Descending may be easier but you can still get lost, fall, meet a bear, bonk, get separated etc.)</div><div><br /></div><div>On this day Keith, our planner, had judged things quite perfectly though. We enjoyed the peak for about 5 minutes and headed right back down, covering a long section of difficult terrain before it got dark.</div><div><br /></div><div>Video of the descent (Note: There is a swear word in this one, and for that Keith apologizes...)</div><div><br /></div><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dybhYwvQ8SMieGWIfQpE_pmeMggLTzd4klf0mbH47uwm-DRVXqIim9t21hOAfw35I_pywP33dHuvQvkMEzJdA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Sunset on the descent:<br /><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitU50bYwbsR-iNZmYFIbmFiOcZuyCkPyX20XZPFqd9pX5l3B92YoK3NFVLkU6_WqHQ-or0HqSfv3Ge3Rt-MqND2k1zL11RUr9JMkjD_fyMy2SuLiNQpeboP4onQqlLmO2TxWoctHQ3xIA/s1600-h/P1040256.JPG"></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WTe7bKUPPN1U53RctNiZ6crx0CNzO4aKLAvfQY5kY0KeV-Z6lMKRsRkdM9e-YswNtH57ARrNUXkFyHGYKir_b-dT_xXkOz-jTeu5acxzBbFJDjaDJ334WfDvs-OL86_Np-gjWzTdmIQ/s1600-h/P1040257.jpg"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2WTe7bKUPPN1U53RctNiZ6crx0CNzO4aKLAvfQY5kY0KeV-Z6lMKRsRkdM9e-YswNtH57ARrNUXkFyHGYKir_b-dT_xXkOz-jTeu5acxzBbFJDjaDJ334WfDvs-OL86_Np-gjWzTdmIQ/s400/P1040257.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392345695623814514" style="cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; " /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TMcXwzDKwbKv-Rs0rARJbBwiOJMPZ3Vuh7zqbEY0VzTQ_9F3fcztpa3K1uwUpo-ODx4A2K_wdvgV912_TMg2O98DPC2y_itnFrOFa6e_iig1NFS-e7BCUl_TjUkcFt6w5M_nYOXJrzc/s1600-h/P1040260.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TMcXwzDKwbKv-Rs0rARJbBwiOJMPZ3Vuh7zqbEY0VzTQ_9F3fcztpa3K1uwUpo-ODx4A2K_wdvgV912_TMg2O98DPC2y_itnFrOFa6e_iig1NFS-e7BCUl_TjUkcFt6w5M_nYOXJrzc/s400/P1040260.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392345705855949154" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just prior to darkness falling we had a little 20 minute scare when we lost the trail. It was more annoying than anything, but with the sun going down we were searching pretty urgently.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even with awesome headlamps, climbing down in the dark was quite a bit slower, and there were many more stumbles/trips and even a fall or two... nothing serious though as we were being uber-careful. It was on both of our minds that a broken ankle now would be really unfortunate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Food was also on our minds and I can't recall ever being so focused on fast food.... It was extremely disturbing to me that not a single purveyor of cheeseburgers was located between The Lions and my home. </div><div><br /></div><div>We finished with another BRUTALLY PAINFUL 40 mins on that stupid logging road. It was just as bad going down and it seemed to go on forever - like a movie that keeps having one more painful scene after another, when it should have ended an hour ago.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Conclusion:</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Total Time: 14:23:00</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Total Climbing Time: 12:57:00 (5:13, 2:06, 5:38)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Total Distance: ~53km (~30, 7, 16) (33 miles)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Total Elevation Gained: ~12,000 ft</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><br /></span></div><div>Prior to the painful logging road Keith and I had plenty of time to analyze our day. From the decision a few days earlier to move the start time up by an hour, to the run down Black Tusk, we had ended up needing every advantage we got. There were so many things that could have gone wrong but didn't... It was the perfect day.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was incredibly pumped. Overall it was definitely harder than I expected - my ability with my leg was put to the most extreme test it has seen yet. With fatigue, difficult terrain, darkness, snow, ice and plenty of loose rock I had come out in one piece and with a smile on my face.</div><div><br /></div><div>For now I rank this as the most difficult thing I have done BY FAR. It will be interesting to see how it stacks up against other long events - like an Ironman. I have to believe this will match an Ironman for difficulty - it was longer in time (I hope!), and the terrain and ease of movement was WAY more difficult for my leg than riding a bike or running on pavement. Only one way to find out...</div><div><br /></div><div>Over a week later I am still very proud of our achievement. The blisters have healed (mostly), the cuts are pretty much gone, and the muscles are back to normal (barely!) It took an entire week!</div><div><br /></div><div>The reality of the accomplishment is just as good, if not better, than I hoped it would be when I dreamt up this thing! We are the only two people I know that have attempted this. Maybe one day someone else will... I hope so! </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd like to thank Keith for everything he did - which was a lot. Planning, gear lists, photography, video, navigation, trail breaking... He was awesome! We never snapped at each other - not even on that b!tchy fire road!</div><div><br /></div><div>Video after sundown... (a bit blair witch...)</div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxam_6FO8zcQJ8tRIx8XtiXmgMcc78WAxt9q-ayA4d1aHuT5vd9UsiizLZtPMlrlpkj9-3qpSEHv_cZnyfjVA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /></div><div>Challenge complete!! 8:55 pm.</div><div><br /></div></div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwQglX0OQtxUlBfVEvOnsuAt1aoMqqX9ggdIqdOEo3jkTDEAZEsPKNGZQUmiFq5Ggsy5Xpycwh7vwd5FR51' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-6870246994144849152009-10-13T21:46:00.000-07:002009-10-13T22:50:27.640-07:00Part II - The Chief<div>Three Iconic Hikes - One Day.... Part II - The Chief</div><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">The Chief - 2,303 ft</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Distance Covered: ~7km</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Elevation Gain: approx. 2,000 ft</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Our Time: 2:06:00</span></li></ul></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_karc4p_GmowuR6gKYXgsPQs2Iip47qmm58T6qPKB8Ipu3wtr9FH5v5W2pTICMM2ZmrMIxDPQX5ghbqXCUkh93G4UU8mUrWvBtaTT-mKqxOEbnRBHeVXaPNgjmMoXtT-D41uwL2Qw0Tw/s1600-h/SquamishChiefsmall.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_karc4p_GmowuR6gKYXgsPQs2Iip47qmm58T6qPKB8Ipu3wtr9FH5v5W2pTICMM2ZmrMIxDPQX5ghbqXCUkh93G4UU8mUrWvBtaTT-mKqxOEbnRBHeVXaPNgjmMoXtT-D41uwL2Qw0Tw/s400/SquamishChiefsmall.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392280955117969506" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6LvzVsMhOg51UordqgcWyfkIWFc4K6L5ltndh0gFrWDceoad-YD7JpCl2Ld1u46pRleXIUQP3IJMnIu0pkTsI8zEsMpeF5gcQpRI99q7ZSM8_TfwWBUeNLYHuEYQyr83t5bjSmIRSt4/s1600-h/Picture+8.png" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx6LvzVsMhOg51UordqgcWyfkIWFc4K6L5ltndh0gFrWDceoad-YD7JpCl2Ld1u46pRleXIUQP3IJMnIu0pkTsI8zEsMpeF5gcQpRI99q7ZSM8_TfwWBUeNLYHuEYQyr83t5bjSmIRSt4/s400/Picture+8.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392280947587818498" /></a>After descending the 15km from Black Tusk we spent a few minutes in the parking lot assessing ourselves and the time. We felt good but knew there was a LONG way to go. We both stretched a bit and I looked over my leg... It was designed for running - not mountain climbing/hiking - it had performed well but had taken a beating. </div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPwJcMtQV_axEE7pVeDvY-Vr-ZMNwnq9CEUK1rR9i5MMo1LGdeRjdad1PEqh79Co_9imO93LUZ0L-yWZDS7HkiSbL3KNpKqZ33aZTI3Rmf-RqLoPrlgSy8X5t_eD8vDNxwouPhhKGhvk/s1600-h/P1040213.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVPwJcMtQV_axEE7pVeDvY-Vr-ZMNwnq9CEUK1rR9i5MMo1LGdeRjdad1PEqh79Co_9imO93LUZ0L-yWZDS7HkiSbL3KNpKqZ33aZTI3Rmf-RqLoPrlgSy8X5t_eD8vDNxwouPhhKGhvk/s400/P1040213.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392281483373605954" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiOjiNgLXAqDo18ICF-OMMsb_suhJdaKg6JGHtU0XRx4I4ixxLKhiN3dgN_od1JZE6qRZfc4t5HoyXrSXnoW33lKLF3-PwaVSczRDRRK6R1gWupfZTm2boWySTIqGkfzOvsgAoNp8vQk/s1600-h/P1040212.jpg"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiOjiNgLXAqDo18ICF-OMMsb_suhJdaKg6JGHtU0XRx4I4ixxLKhiN3dgN_od1JZE6qRZfc4t5HoyXrSXnoW33lKLF3-PwaVSczRDRRK6R1gWupfZTm2boWySTIqGkfzOvsgAoNp8vQk/s1600-h/P1040212.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUiOjiNgLXAqDo18ICF-OMMsb_suhJdaKg6JGHtU0XRx4I4ixxLKhiN3dgN_od1JZE6qRZfc4t5HoyXrSXnoW33lKLF3-PwaVSczRDRRK6R1gWupfZTm2boWySTIqGkfzOvsgAoNp8vQk/s400/P1040212.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392281476680469778" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Nevertheless, spirits were soaring at this point... we were 45 mins ahead of our schedule and feeling good. After a short drive (37km) during which we ate, drank, called our wives and reloaded our packs. We got out of the van at the base of The Chief.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_ilAJ6Wf3LCgoQrvkF0XYMLME4VY7sw9xLseS_6equUsedXTgO8J71en1RCQB_xMJ3pZ7J509I0MPXZocg9OCEcl_mJcQmOeDHsvuD39UX_aonC41zyc5baThTUyoo7TIts7TldzsGU/s1600-h/P1040216.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi_ilAJ6Wf3LCgoQrvkF0XYMLME4VY7sw9xLseS_6equUsedXTgO8J71en1RCQB_xMJ3pZ7J509I0MPXZocg9OCEcl_mJcQmOeDHsvuD39UX_aonC41zyc5baThTUyoo7TIts7TldzsGU/s400/P1040216.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392282096197387922" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn_4e2r9ZarO01mKhqYrLekQaajOvmgT9sC0a3G3zDRbCh4zR8gayeRkC4LwN4W5Raa_O5-TubudMqlbBldC7j4xZM22RkFjVswedODVu2RH-u2YISO6F1zr14X9iAQaZDncUhmszUb0/s1600-h/P1040214.jpg"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn_4e2r9ZarO01mKhqYrLekQaajOvmgT9sC0a3G3zDRbCh4zR8gayeRkC4LwN4W5Raa_O5-TubudMqlbBldC7j4xZM22RkFjVswedODVu2RH-u2YISO6F1zr14X9iAQaZDncUhmszUb0/s1600-h/P1040214.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDn_4e2r9ZarO01mKhqYrLekQaajOvmgT9sC0a3G3zDRbCh4zR8gayeRkC4LwN4W5Raa_O5-TubudMqlbBldC7j4xZM22RkFjVswedODVu2RH-u2YISO6F1zr14X9iAQaZDncUhmszUb0/s400/P1040214.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392282088038531394" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The Chief is a popular climb for the people of Squamish and the whole Sea-to-Sky corridor - therefore it is pretty packed on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The crowds slowed us down a bit, but the Chief is no cake walk. I think I had already begun to look past it because of it's length (only 7km total) - that was a mistake - it is pretty much a vertical climb over odd angled rocks. Adding to the technical nature of the ascent was the fact I could definitely feel the Tusk in my legs. It was steep enough that I was using my hands with regularity, it took a lot of concentration to place my "foot" properly on each rock all the way to the top.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbobh8Vs8Zr1fV9TZuYYHk0v6x8gP4w0xbwIhXOYVPNf-ItPWsCHBtUWryLmlI2oyWOAWxbRSJLTEKKdM5M1iDVEbwBSaL8s3GbTsfSz578QX78n43p9tQ5K4pcM1vD_IMiqkK1xcQjHM/s1600-h/P1040224.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbobh8Vs8Zr1fV9TZuYYHk0v6x8gP4w0xbwIhXOYVPNf-ItPWsCHBtUWryLmlI2oyWOAWxbRSJLTEKKdM5M1iDVEbwBSaL8s3GbTsfSz578QX78n43p9tQ5K4pcM1vD_IMiqkK1xcQjHM/s400/P1040224.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392298622280149522" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFgkJJKADsWWJTj7hOWF5MNrTc8xytFNmARjB79dOfyD97WITt3UpUwjr46rbt-h__sGE7-5ywIfVI9350BuyxeOSZFUmJ5E9RMEgUjSUKwAV1a0j5FLC1vc6rLr5P4TIGh3sRhYQldM/s1600-h/P1040219.jpg"></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFgkJJKADsWWJTj7hOWF5MNrTc8xytFNmARjB79dOfyD97WITt3UpUwjr46rbt-h__sGE7-5ywIfVI9350BuyxeOSZFUmJ5E9RMEgUjSUKwAV1a0j5FLC1vc6rLr5P4TIGh3sRhYQldM/s1600-h/P1040219.jpg" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmFgkJJKADsWWJTj7hOWF5MNrTc8xytFNmARjB79dOfyD97WITt3UpUwjr46rbt-h__sGE7-5ywIfVI9350BuyxeOSZFUmJ5E9RMEgUjSUKwAV1a0j5FLC1vc6rLr5P4TIGh3sRhYQldM/s400/P1040219.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392298609780688306" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I felt BRUTALLY SLOW but... miraculously, we arrived at the top right on schedule. I thought I'd blown it with my turtle-like pace. </div><div><br /></div><div>There are three peaks that make up The Chief - they are creatively named: First, Second and Third. Third is the highest, at 710m, and as such was our destination. I believe the view would be better at First or Second since they are at the top of the steep face overlooking Squamish - from the Third peak you are set back a bit.... it is still quite impressive though. The enormous rock slab makes a cool spot to stand and survey the surrounds. We did that for a few minutes then made tracks... we were on a schedule!</div><div><br /></div><div>I think to enjoy the hike, up and down, and have a lunch on top, you'd want to allow 4-5 hours. We rushed (as much as we could) and it took just over 2 hours.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4fbsf6OmabfuoG2ajxbZmh1QEIJceXNwGKL-odwFSduWTwlolROt1YOmiFmqoKoJhiosSYBpLNhRLH06RvrtC_aMyGsGu6N_rliFkNb3IMN94KDxenM48c-BCXbm-1mhVOi5lcP6sO0/s1600-h/P1040227.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4fbsf6OmabfuoG2ajxbZmh1QEIJceXNwGKL-odwFSduWTwlolROt1YOmiFmqoKoJhiosSYBpLNhRLH06RvrtC_aMyGsGu6N_rliFkNb3IMN94KDxenM48c-BCXbm-1mhVOi5lcP6sO0/s400/P1040227.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392298628279712594" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho4fbsf6OmabfuoG2ajxbZmh1QEIJceXNwGKL-odwFSduWTwlolROt1YOmiFmqoKoJhiosSYBpLNhRLH06RvrtC_aMyGsGu6N_rliFkNb3IMN94KDxenM48c-BCXbm-1mhVOi5lcP6sO0/s1600-h/P1040227.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEib6jUj6DbzivNydD7cw1UhFUMmA-bePnC_GVheORqAoFGoGU4vCxGJmq8_AjFJ6Icd2b4naqGJFR077j4b9z7dfHrIXHRu8jzDqNz6ggthQVRY8IMvp4YHs4IIzLKlC1ZnSVlN90mO4/s1600-h/P1040231.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEib6jUj6DbzivNydD7cw1UhFUMmA-bePnC_GVheORqAoFGoGU4vCxGJmq8_AjFJ6Icd2b4naqGJFR077j4b9z7dfHrIXHRu8jzDqNz6ggthQVRY8IMvp4YHs4IIzLKlC1ZnSVlN90mO4/s400/P1040231.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392298635655212498" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The way down was much easier... still very technical but a lot less stopping required - comparatively relaxing on the heart rate.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qBZrEASHFKCvnGZinSk5Fl92MAhTBYYAzeFTJXQuWcs7aNA8NX0ejKXcdDc-cvkNliPYEDFuEoIcNfrcAUzI9TH-XVkwRHGtoWsVXWvSnZAC-TnQZlfg21yYZlnRIHAQhwQn8WnuNPc/s1600-h/P1040232.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qBZrEASHFKCvnGZinSk5Fl92MAhTBYYAzeFTJXQuWcs7aNA8NX0ejKXcdDc-cvkNliPYEDFuEoIcNfrcAUzI9TH-XVkwRHGtoWsVXWvSnZAC-TnQZlfg21yYZlnRIHAQhwQn8WnuNPc/s400/P1040232.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392298647614331570" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>The Chief was by far the shortest, and in retrospect the easiest, but in no way was it <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">easy</span>. At the bottom we found that we had preserved our 45 minute cushion. We still felt pretty fresh and knew we were going for all three peaks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Highlights: Getting to the top and realizing that it wasn't as slow as I thought. Getting back to the bottom and feeling good enough to go for the triple.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some Video:</div><div><br /></div><div>Part way up The Chief:</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dynrK8n7L3pE5HoWQeaLbgZWp6jsqUJJG6HH45sNV9JtXsXjD60Y4-cdUJRJMutRY12DIVAxpdgtWfiRcc5PQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div>At the top of The Chief: (If you have very good eyes you can see Black Tusk in the distance off my right shoulder (:05 - :11)</div><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy1hYxTT92779BOElM9U3gDJqEM36EvdUotmlBj9Xy8-IC4XjGcMckUF6xQm3T8XAtSPe3r0VRepIdX2hUwsg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Finished The Chief:</div><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwooajqN6VICE4VBizeQIOUblU-IHtuBDKhgmtt6btX4YjCndkfw1k7VBOMeAdJGjRykGzLcls96z10LEGHyg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow: Part III - The Lions</div><div><br /></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-38633007163340564412009-10-09T21:46:00.001-07:002009-10-12T16:49:13.814-07:00Part I - Black Tusk<div>Three Iconic Hikes - One Day.... Part I - Black Tusk</div><div><div></div><blockquote><div><ul><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Black Tusk - 7,608 ft</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Distance Covered: ~30km</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Elevation Gain: approx. 5,000 ft</span></li><li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">Our Time: 5:13:00</span></li></ul></div></blockquote><div></div><div><br /></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2rdpHoqLy6nyL7glaq1LjABfnmQYOlEU9oijFmDzmRFYn8pY_6Yg3cdr-gAM9IsqSOVdW3dozS6LLMC0zBfuP2KLKLQx6QIo70M0-BJh5w7HPf1PWHb6eu8xmwzN8oLuQ3JQrkE9jYQ/s1600-h/Picture+6.png" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc2rdpHoqLy6nyL7glaq1LjABfnmQYOlEU9oijFmDzmRFYn8pY_6Yg3cdr-gAM9IsqSOVdW3dozS6LLMC0zBfuP2KLKLQx6QIo70M0-BJh5w7HPf1PWHb6eu8xmwzN8oLuQ3JQrkE9jYQ/s400/Picture+6.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391856262738746994" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5L1RNEDsyOdmtfFA6kjB2jQk5YriFIsDm1dZo84KJK1e3OK8Nb91WyKgY0TwCsddI0gmm3MtpfL62bYEI7RafR6dmLUCwc0kigGrEG8IxKrqd0elFlc4X0ovd_qmZny_SCUR8GArrXmQ/s1600-h/Picture+7.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 291px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5L1RNEDsyOdmtfFA6kjB2jQk5YriFIsDm1dZo84KJK1e3OK8Nb91WyKgY0TwCsddI0gmm3MtpfL62bYEI7RafR6dmLUCwc0kigGrEG8IxKrqd0elFlc4X0ovd_qmZny_SCUR8GArrXmQ/s400/Picture+7.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391857913363313970" /></a><br /></div><div>Keith and I arrived in the Rubble Creek parking lot at about 6:15am... it was pitch black while we loaded our packs and got our headlamps adjusted. It was cold so we both opted for a light jackets/layers... (those stayed on for about 15 minutes then became extra, unnecessary weight... awesome.)</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8YnqqtZxj0fakfxz-U8iALK7xnhzgOVFOS2jm8aOToDVB4Dx-AWMzB-KUE-MMG5xHAYZiEJSngn6RYpdGa0IIal30qWjx6v2JBAQIIdKVoUSb-pmuDCR7C4vPAg885WrNBb2Rsscm7g/s1600-h/P1040159.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw8YnqqtZxj0fakfxz-U8iALK7xnhzgOVFOS2jm8aOToDVB4Dx-AWMzB-KUE-MMG5xHAYZiEJSngn6RYpdGa0IIal30qWjx6v2JBAQIIdKVoUSb-pmuDCR7C4vPAg885WrNBb2Rsscm7g/s400/P1040159.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391841722078775282" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p3S4k9v2Uc9LheaPLhw3TdnGYIFZ24KtdQxg3mHGY7PmQxNjkUs81q54s7rLEupyC2R2TPOtSvdMskE-BGFWkLkydkBVStzqCljqGRKin2yuDhidEXwNPj9korNk8gXpVxgohGW_zik/s1600-h/P1040157.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6p3S4k9v2Uc9LheaPLhw3TdnGYIFZ24KtdQxg3mHGY7PmQxNjkUs81q54s7rLEupyC2R2TPOtSvdMskE-BGFWkLkydkBVStzqCljqGRKin2yuDhidEXwNPj9korNk8gXpVxgohGW_zik/s400/P1040157.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391841716504698146" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The hike starts out with a heavily forested section with switchbacks... the pitch doesn't look that steep but it all depends on your pace and ours felt fast to begin. (Thanks Keith!)</div><div><br /></div><div>5 minutes in I was hurting... heart pounding, breathing heavy. I was worried that this "three peaks" idea was one of the worst I had ever come up with. Fortunately, my body settled in to the work and I started to feel much better before long... maybe just needed to wake up.</div><div><br /></div><div>The sun was up at about the same time as we emerged from the forest onto a beautiful alpine meadow... things got flatter for a few kms and we were making great time. It was at about that time that we started to encounter snow and ice on the trail. It wasn't a big deal but we still had a long way to go and the presence of the white stuff was bound to slow us down a lot.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1a34aBzBFVxTgZ_l9b1SmVS0AR_Vu-oysi6bPTw0rNxBK85ArOAk9nb7BccEeEJumrdoqTeVLk5JsMxoLII1ErzwDzxzQk4BuffIWDpvMykdyohYTP9PLKsdlimCmPEndCxVM409YklI/s1600-h/P1040162.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1a34aBzBFVxTgZ_l9b1SmVS0AR_Vu-oysi6bPTw0rNxBK85ArOAk9nb7BccEeEJumrdoqTeVLk5JsMxoLII1ErzwDzxzQk4BuffIWDpvMykdyohYTP9PLKsdlimCmPEndCxVM409YklI/s400/P1040162.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391842392586191762" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTwT2maqbPcyBliKAmBtol7cz5KpnigsMT0VlbECmBSBysr7Rdto-wiWQW85w26hoWTyYoC5yEMa7usQ203goBZI0emcjaOM_o4_GqZtgmNlaY18WSMYWquVFKSFsnrwZ7KVB6fKqglE/s1600-h/P1040167.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTwT2maqbPcyBliKAmBtol7cz5KpnigsMT0VlbECmBSBysr7Rdto-wiWQW85w26hoWTyYoC5yEMa7usQ203goBZI0emcjaOM_o4_GqZtgmNlaY18WSMYWquVFKSFsnrwZ7KVB6fKqglE/s400/P1040167.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391842759838213954" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>The snow was not part of our plan, but we handled it. It got a lot deeper as we climbed and became very challenging at times with my running leg which is the exact opposite of a snowshoe - it dives deep in the snow. It also has little to offer in the way of surface area so traction is sketchy on snow and ice.</div><div><br /></div><div>For a while I was concerned the snow would make it impossible to reach the top, but once I realized we would get there I began to enjoy it... sure it was tough, but it made the last few sections so much more exciting. Looking back on the day and all three peaks, this was one of my very favourite parts.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_ptjRTmsE9De49LfFgbdj_90LWdYnPh2-gN7CZyJxUDDTg_UGvFSK0LxyZ5_1ze5sBDoGaSvUnztY278QoxAYMmhpozs3GTge__cQQqSisQorKMihUJMSxAToe3mxI0zmF-z3BEb8Po/s1600-h/P1040198.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj_ptjRTmsE9De49LfFgbdj_90LWdYnPh2-gN7CZyJxUDDTg_UGvFSK0LxyZ5_1ze5sBDoGaSvUnztY278QoxAYMmhpozs3GTge__cQQqSisQorKMihUJMSxAToe3mxI0zmF-z3BEb8Po/s400/P1040198.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391843880474155906" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5njpKQ2WXGBALc_bBbcdBKEHDX7Jx7WfmoWai928GymwyL4eC_ObdjgMPIKFKF0M7h0SLNbq_qrn_6-6IyO7UXkCAcZBgqNY4D0iL522FHX8umbd5ilVVHnrbZDmcd-JG74G9aoUPUVE/s1600-h/P1040187.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5njpKQ2WXGBALc_bBbcdBKEHDX7Jx7WfmoWai928GymwyL4eC_ObdjgMPIKFKF0M7h0SLNbq_qrn_6-6IyO7UXkCAcZBgqNY4D0iL522FHX8umbd5ilVVHnrbZDmcd-JG74G9aoUPUVE/s400/P1040187.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391843878699925506" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5njpKQ2WXGBALc_bBbcdBKEHDX7Jx7WfmoWai928GymwyL4eC_ObdjgMPIKFKF0M7h0SLNbq_qrn_6-6IyO7UXkCAcZBgqNY4D0iL522FHX8umbd5ilVVHnrbZDmcd-JG74G9aoUPUVE/s1600-h/P1040187.jpg"></a>Some video to give you an idea of the last few sections....<br /><div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyDIwUWq8bKDrFw0nGM0W05J3YeB_EbYs-0S07DdQTKnUHdA5mt0DxJbQgHTmYSQZ22E9AjFsyOQONg8tVH' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /></div><div>Our pace was WAY slower with the snow and therefore it felt pretty cold up near the top... by the time we got there we only wanted to stay long enough to snap a picture or two and head right back down.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ERy4nAfByPXuJzg060nGKxmP4eTD92OEj0aMvpWXjnPh5jBcS6QQh3OYfgceNr-FbBoO_An_JaQX1v-SyVNufZfWtWKhFKKDfKgFkAi2hqPbGFfysbyQ7-bEuqPzFm-2HiJRBDQL0PA/s1600-h/P1040202.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ERy4nAfByPXuJzg060nGKxmP4eTD92OEj0aMvpWXjnPh5jBcS6QQh3OYfgceNr-FbBoO_An_JaQX1v-SyVNufZfWtWKhFKKDfKgFkAi2hqPbGFfysbyQ7-bEuqPzFm-2HiJRBDQL0PA/s400/P1040202.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391843888479492386" /></a><br /><br /></div><div>The view of the lake and the surrounding mountains is pretty incredible. The pictures do a better job of depicting the alpine drama than my words.</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8jikoGFL3f0X_7n0c68YlbAB3qAlIkOoK9dzE1PNnQUSmio8QJbcVxuuRe-9l8d_6Ml2LoBIt_PSvEQhsZTb5WHN1hmWkoUVj5-1nC7y-6gN9guuwFndRTdSFZVW9aVmfFIp7Yb6Dfk/s1600-h/P1040185.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG8jikoGFL3f0X_7n0c68YlbAB3qAlIkOoK9dzE1PNnQUSmio8QJbcVxuuRe-9l8d_6Ml2LoBIt_PSvEQhsZTb5WHN1hmWkoUVj5-1nC7y-6gN9guuwFndRTdSFZVW9aVmfFIp7Yb6Dfk/s400/P1040185.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391844448354757346" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiFaV4bFL6Z2xizUCu2uzvAiicw8OKy1xQ6jvX00DAlpZ6_93RI4vbyo9iVlBJuqAipAan5N54ul159_zzvhJouZo3ZzpZyKhUncMuMVeulI2mfnzriotr-kQkHpJi5emQf5W9-w5FO0/s1600-h/P1040184.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiFaV4bFL6Z2xizUCu2uzvAiicw8OKy1xQ6jvX00DAlpZ6_93RI4vbyo9iVlBJuqAipAan5N54ul159_zzvhJouZo3ZzpZyKhUncMuMVeulI2mfnzriotr-kQkHpJi5emQf5W9-w5FO0/s400/P1040184.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391844445880327634" /></a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div>Coming down was a blast! We started by snow running/skiing/slipping/falling down the top section. Then we ran the flat meadow section and almost all of the forest section. I'm not sure but we probably ran 12km or so on the way down to the parking lot.</div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwCyr4-WRXAPhheWiln7VASNrgnFp7LgezqwGI81pPRCl6c9_IoAs6ddrU_9TCr8AVO2S1GXpayn7tUQbkfyQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzFrvMEJhNvFwJBf_WexgYQBWcr_vJNEXuo8RFinZ_3-BEZu0beIUiUgWlxUXw1EOKGCofdzHLr5zIZsaCHWQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is an awesome day hike and I definitely want to go back and take it a little slower... enjoy the scenery and spend some time. I think allowing 7 or 8 hours would make a pretty great day with time to explore... we were rushing, and with the snow it took us 5:13. That put us ahead of our schedule by 45 minutes... that advantage would come in very handy by the time we found ourselves on The Lions watching the sun set!</div><div><br /></div><div>Highlights: The peak in the snow - probably -3°c but sunny. Using Sharman's shirt to protect my bare leg and cut through the snow. Running down... we were fresh, feeling great and making good time. </div><div><br /></div><div>More Photos:</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgFYcv-97qHmnrwXaNuks9cFzBbXSpyKdKMI4tc3uoQXADdwugXfDga_CSPfyHPm9mDr63u0t9sBwA8LmI2RBNX1rKxbX7Jze8991NpCKhkm8F1TaROuniGKc6JpOxUxJjVEsvqKdrZA/s1600-h/P1040203.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgFYcv-97qHmnrwXaNuks9cFzBbXSpyKdKMI4tc3uoQXADdwugXfDga_CSPfyHPm9mDr63u0t9sBwA8LmI2RBNX1rKxbX7Jze8991NpCKhkm8F1TaROuniGKc6JpOxUxJjVEsvqKdrZA/s400/P1040203.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391860350183631842" /></a><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTgFYcv-97qHmnrwXaNuks9cFzBbXSpyKdKMI4tc3uoQXADdwugXfDga_CSPfyHPm9mDr63u0t9sBwA8LmI2RBNX1rKxbX7Jze8991NpCKhkm8F1TaROuniGKc6JpOxUxJjVEsvqKdrZA/s1600-h/P1040203.jpg"></a>Keith - and the other side of the Tusk</div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0C7bDDUsmX5n_ukKkPYoQmtaQcVWWPPS6-MYQ0cDFdlHdro43F1AgN9U0cgDEf1vkEtJ7K-djIKT-se4rBHbD7DogGvdTYnr9OE59fFcJtvGEps2BdRL6Jd68PjbBWiMDnxfNDpvsN0/s1600-h/P1040200.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0C7bDDUsmX5n_ukKkPYoQmtaQcVWWPPS6-MYQ0cDFdlHdro43F1AgN9U0cgDEf1vkEtJ7K-djIKT-se4rBHbD7DogGvdTYnr9OE59fFcJtvGEps2BdRL6Jd68PjbBWiMDnxfNDpvsN0/s400/P1040200.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391860339922475074" /></a></div><div>Myself - Tusk right behind me...</div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA0C7bDDUsmX5n_ukKkPYoQmtaQcVWWPPS6-MYQ0cDFdlHdro43F1AgN9U0cgDEf1vkEtJ7K-djIKT-se4rBHbD7DogGvdTYnr9OE59fFcJtvGEps2BdRL6Jd68PjbBWiMDnxfNDpvsN0/s1600-h/P1040200.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYeIZa8W8Vc2KlZqwNe61hDCTlUGm-42lN1sbKxqjR8PDYjTaVgJC4P9HuCDlbBsN5bzryCTaRAv43jN6dq-2L0VSQQKT-pbUC4OaDlwvIVVZjBlqWRy-Z3qhk8JI1I0jmSW9HLw7uCU/s1600-h/P1040199.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYeIZa8W8Vc2KlZqwNe61hDCTlUGm-42lN1sbKxqjR8PDYjTaVgJC4P9HuCDlbBsN5bzryCTaRAv43jN6dq-2L0VSQQKT-pbUC4OaDlwvIVVZjBlqWRy-Z3qhk8JI1I0jmSW9HLw7uCU/s400/P1040199.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391860337407820322" /></a></div><div>Keith - and the side we came up...</div><div><br /></div><div>Video of us completing the Tusk...</div><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='422' height='351' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwlnLWmdqLdROaPUI-N-_YNRuTqXYm-i2DjsGKvtYuvkq86jILZRn-mij6TQW2fH69N3OhB2pHig4CfAgg-rw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><div><br /></div><div>TOMORROW: Part II - The Chief</div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-15339709593489512902009-10-07T22:26:00.000-07:002009-10-09T23:58:15.605-07:00Black Tusk, The Chief, The Lions - Prologue<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZGO-ACEQYRYoiH8VlcQXETsr2HSL8L1KSs5jjMnREl74KyP_8xEwobpLJbya3y9vG2TRAyJrh7NA5iAFSo7yJam2gOD2p6_a-lAmz3awEN5mCziIuX1QP0orNiFdlCDGsYN-YizskRA/s1600-h/ICONS.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 382px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZGO-ACEQYRYoiH8VlcQXETsr2HSL8L1KSs5jjMnREl74KyP_8xEwobpLJbya3y9vG2TRAyJrh7NA5iAFSo7yJam2gOD2p6_a-lAmz3awEN5mCziIuX1QP0orNiFdlCDGsYN-YizskRA/s400/ICONS.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390861769916209650" /></a><br /><div>Sorry for the delay... It's been a busy week and I've been hurtin...</div><div><br /></div><div>I've broken the report up so that each post remains brief-ish... Each post will profile one of the climbs as well as show some video and pictures. I hope you enjoy this mini-series. It was an awesome experience and a real test that I won't soon forget. I'll set the stage with today's post and deliver the goods next week. Cheers!</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I am still coming down from the highs of </span><a href="http://meyrickjones.blogspot.com/2009/10/black-tusk-chief-lions-145-hours.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Sunday</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It's true that my body is still in rough shape five days later - one leg sports nasty blisters that until today prevented me from wearing my prosthesis, the other a quadricep that has yet to let go of its grudge. It's ok, they'll come around and it was so very worth it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">The last time I was remotely this sore and damaged I had just finished my first marathon in Honolulu. On that occasion I cried when I crossed the line - tears of accomplishment - which are by far the best kind. I'm not a big crier, and I don't spend an inordinate amount of time reflecting on the loss of my leg, but finishing a marathon was a pretty symbolic moment for me, one I couldn't get through without a tear or two.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">That feeling</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> - when you know you have challenged yourself, truly risked failure, and have been forced to fight through difficult mental and physical obstacles to set a new mark for yourself - is why I wanted to do this.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Once I came up with the idea there were other motivators though... ego, for one. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">To be the first. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Lord knows there are many who could do it faster, but maybe I could be the first! I realize some may find this a little unsavoury, but ultimately I'm human.... ok?</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">I needed a partner. Attributes I was looking for: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- more fit than me</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- experience with all three peaks</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- good planner</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- not irritating</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Keith Sharman fit the bill admirably and fortunately seemed as motivated by the challenge as I was. After several beers one night we set the date and "committed".</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7zVHnujWUyklO0_Jf0Zm8tB7S4gumwt25EKunvMWe-_nArlF95Lq653DOsAem3KiHztuddHg6SOBeCVFNPipgm85J1JA5NlkbVG3DVOqcRex9wiQyVitw_76yitRB9sytv0Maz65WM4/s1600-h/P1040235.jpg"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ7zVHnujWUyklO0_Jf0Zm8tB7S4gumwt25EKunvMWe-_nArlF95Lq653DOsAem3KiHztuddHg6SOBeCVFNPipgm85J1JA5NlkbVG3DVOqcRex9wiQyVitw_76yitRB9sytv0Maz65WM4/s400/P1040235.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390848802555692370" /></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:verdana, -webkit-fantasy;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, -webkit-fantasy;">Throughout our planning I was never 100% sure I could complete the challenge. That was one of the most compelling parts. Considering the speed required, the technical aspects of the terrain with my leg, the distance, the elevation gain/loss... I truly wasn't sure I could do this and it made the plan VERY exciting. It is so rewarding to reach for the limits and find out they aren't as close as you might think... or maybe I'd find it and be humbled. Either way I would learn something about myself.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, -webkit-fantasy;">October is late in the year for an itinerary like this one. We were only blessed with 11.5 hours of daylight and Keith had predicted (quite accurately) that we would need to move fast AND start / finish in the dark.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">We convened at my house at 5am on Sunday, loaded the van and headed north. The Rubble Creek parking lot and the trailhead for Black Tusk were a little over an hour away.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">In the van: </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Meyrick</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Keith </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" white-space: normal; font-family:verdana, -webkit-fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, fantasy;"> </span></span>- Cooler/Ice</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Sandwiches - 8</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Fruit</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Granola bars</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Lots more food - we didn't eat nearly all of it.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Water (Tons)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- CarboPro 1200 (4 bottles)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Gu gels (24)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Coke (two half cans)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Pedialyte (in case of severe dehydration)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- GPS </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Headlamps</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Hiking Poles</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Clothes - enough to change for each mountain (we didn't)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Shoes - extras (neither of us changed)</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Socks - we both changed each time...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">- Duct Tape, Vaseline and other necessities to keep my leg in one piece</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, fantasy;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- and a partridge in a pear tree...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, -webkit-fantasy;">Black Tusk, The Chief, The Lions ALL the video, ALL the pictures next week.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>To be continued...</div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-25551229242899427712009-10-07T08:08:00.000-07:002009-10-07T08:26:29.540-07:00Black Tusk, The Chief, The Lions - 14.5 hours<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqjvT9Tf9kzcvGNMzwGl2xZ6txe8LNtoy5q4dtsgin7Vke30B5AC0iMf4fejSTBjFC5Q3MxdXHag0fDap8_OPuRBjLMpkGChnMIjBXj4y5E2LWlZOhJBbO5mDgTTFKev4SX33gc9Ho7I/s1600-h/P1040256.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqjvT9Tf9kzcvGNMzwGl2xZ6txe8LNtoy5q4dtsgin7Vke30B5AC0iMf4fejSTBjFC5Q3MxdXHag0fDap8_OPuRBjLMpkGChnMIjBXj4y5E2LWlZOhJBbO5mDgTTFKev4SX33gc9Ho7I/s400/P1040256.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389877441119854290" /></a><br />Last Sunday a friend and I climbed Black Tusk, The Chief and The Lions in one day. 50km and over 12,000 ft of elevation gain.<br /><br />The idea came to me about a year ago and never really left... not like some of the other crazy ideas I have had. <br /><br />The 14.5 hour odyssey was BY FAR the hardest thing I have ever done. I am trying to put it into words for you all but it is taking longer than I expected - partially because I am still recovering.<br /><br />There will be a full report with tons of pictures and video very soon!<br /><br />Here is a shot of Keith and I on top of The Lions - our third peak of the day. We still had to descend and 2 hours of that descent would take place in the dark.<div><br /></div><div>Can't wait to tell you all about it.... sorry for the teaser!</div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-55215349844762915802009-10-03T12:56:00.000-07:002009-10-03T13:35:27.395-07:00Brian's IronDiary<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9XJZYBi69r3Y8cg4QcaqP99nED0GEjesYuxbBCsqrr8CbIb7H0T29Ec2_utUhaPfo1rJyKqJZ8x4GmoDnBfPT-Pmr6NyHJR5HawcaEXjNBhT7WH_U3mQTgUDwoBOwvISGJjtPtD8zlw/s1600-h/84201_main.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj9XJZYBi69r3Y8cg4QcaqP99nED0GEjesYuxbBCsqrr8CbIb7H0T29Ec2_utUhaPfo1rJyKqJZ8x4GmoDnBfPT-Pmr6NyHJR5HawcaEXjNBhT7WH_U3mQTgUDwoBOwvISGJjtPtD8zlw/s400/84201_main.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388471916661955618" /></a><br />As I am sure you are all aware the Ford Ironman World Championship is right around the corner... over in beautiful Kona, Hawaii. (Oct. 10, 2009)<div><div><br /></div><div>This year my good friend <a href="http://briancowieparalympian.blogspot.com/">Brian Cowie</a> is competing in the PC (Physically Challenged) division. You may remember that <a href="http://meyrickjones.blogspot.com/2008/07/three-strong-legs-two-good-eyes-one.html">Brian and I rode 330km in one day last year during STP</a> (Seattle to Portland). </div><div><br /></div><div>Some interesting facts:</div><div><br /></div><div></div><blockquote><div>- Brian and Devon (his pilot) may challenge for the day's fastest bike split... on the tandem they should be able to keep pace with the best of them. They regularly average 40-44 km/h on courses like the one in Kona... (look out Normann...)</div><div><br /></div><div>- Last I heard Brian was going to swim without a guide - his theory is that he will be mid-pack and just follow everyone else (he can see enough to swim in a pack...) So the next time your goggles fog up don't be such a baby - imagine if it was ALWAYS like that...</div><div><br /></div><div>- Brian has 10 Ironman finishes to his name, 2 Kona finishes as an able-bodied athlete in the early 90s, 3 paralympics (Sydney, Athens, Beijing), has attended numerous World Championships in Triathlon and Cycling and is currently ranked #1 by the UCI on the track (cycling).</div></blockquote><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3lUJfBu7QveS-M-vzre-m1knb9HsOhJX_TsvxLbJLSbZUMv2UR2TJg4axKgZzeRhrHOh2-ePMT88lL0YeLo_F3lgfqzLIZN62DCvBHUqHEOWe87vpu8F-3VNb1ig0f0XBoZ1d6UfT1o/s1600-h/Picture+4.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 212px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy3lUJfBu7QveS-M-vzre-m1knb9HsOhJX_TsvxLbJLSbZUMv2UR2TJg4axKgZzeRhrHOh2-ePMT88lL0YeLo_F3lgfqzLIZN62DCvBHUqHEOWe87vpu8F-3VNb1ig0f0XBoZ1d6UfT1o/s400/Picture+4.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388471431825819858" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Devon (left) and Brian (right) at the Paralympics in Beijing</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Last week I helped Brian set up a <a href="http://briancowieparalympian.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, so that he could keep a race diary. He has just started posting from Kona...</div><div><br /></div><div>If you feel like checking it out and wishing him luck go <a href="http://briancowieparalympian.blogspot.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">HERE</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">.</span></div><div><br /></div><div>GOOD LUCK BRIAN!!!</div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 103px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7QlmmpSzemv1Y4eQCokvpZ7-GeufvDUK3TiKKSg5QeYcV3P91sT67O29iCKpHooXo2OUi3jjeN9jkeYYYR3afgPkDwg6K2FyPWh1jZVEFl9xsJpV1kcB_vzpwciIcfZB9n2wCUXTvAJk/s400/Picture+2.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388470829758987314" /></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-72660133375702142602009-09-30T09:59:00.000-07:002009-09-30T13:35:32.595-07:00The Power of the InternetI know you probably don't need me to tell you that the internet is a powerful force in just about every aspect of life these days... If you are reading this you are probably already pretty savvy (and an arbiter of taste I might add...)<div><br /></div><div>Here are a few facts that you bloggers may find interesting:</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"></span></div><blockquote><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">- 46%.</span> The percentage increase in readership of my blog when <a href="http://twitter.com/meyrickj">I started using Twitter</a> to tell folks about my posts.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">- Another 40%.</span> When I finally spent the 3 minutes it took to learn <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_4668396_connect-twitter-facebook-status-updates.html">how to connect Twitter to Facebook</a> status updates.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">- $27.00.</span> The amount I saved just yesterday by asking if anyone could loan me a book, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Lore of Running</span>. Thanks <a href="http://www.northshoreathletics.com/qs/page/4954/4953/78">Keith</a>! That's real community people, and it is great! By the way, Keith runs <a href="http://www.northshoreathletics.com/">North Shore Athletics</a> which is THE place to go for all your running/triathlon needs (except the bike... for that go <a href="http://www.vancouverbikegallery.com/">HERE</a>.)</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">- Priceless. </span> The people I have "met", some I've helped, and some who have helped me... </div></blockquote><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Readership stats may or may not be motivating for you, but given the choice I'd rather engage a larger audience. I don't want to be the crazy guy on the cyber-corner talking to himself!</div><div><br /></div><div>On that note, (SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION WARNING!) please subscribe for email posts (right column), or "follow" (left column), or plug me into your reader... That way we'll be able to keep in touch hassle-free.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thanks everyone for reading and in advance to new subscribers!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you had any doubt about the power of the internet check this out:</div><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/TQcLRIwSXZU&hl=en&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/TQcLRIwSXZU&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-23695956909165280322009-09-29T16:57:00.002-07:002009-09-29T17:35:53.604-07:00Time to "Get Serious"On the horizon: <div><br /></div><div>- <a href="http://www.runthenorthshore.com/">North Shore 1/2 Marathon</a></div><div>- <a href="http://www.runthenorthshore.com/">Hallows Eve Trail Run</a><div>- Another 1/2 where I will be better trained and hope to go a bit faster... maybe <a href="http://www.seattlemarathon.org/">Seattle</a>?</div><div><br /></div><div>So far so good on the increased running... No sign of the issues that plagued me most of the summer. </div><div><br /></div><div>Nevertheless, I am being pretty cautious - doing a fair amount of trail and treadmill to limit the hard pounding on my legs - I think it's <i>over</i> cautious but what the heck...</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I was reading <a href="http://chuckiev.blogspot.com/">Chuckie V's blog</a> (as I have for years it seems)... <a href="http://chuckiev.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-top-five-training-manuals-and-then.html">a post on training manuals</a>... He writes: </div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span><blockquote><span style="font-weight: bold; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">3) </span></span><span style="font-style: italic; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;">The Lore of Running</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#990000;"> by Dr. Tim Noakes. Not much to say here. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>If you don't own this, you're not really serious about your training.</b></span></span></span></blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, -webkit-fantasy; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">OK then. Definitive. No wiggle room on that....</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQ103HfC-U15xCpDkWdDlQwc7V_eYRQdpm9QBwFzILKwmpjPBjNBg9Xi-KMTckNy1b-6aENPMWzLixI9zYTzDO9Dy9QggA6lNvyS5Qhb8hkNcmN_Orxi8aWyhhHiTuOl4cdxkwB9oXmY/s1600-h/lore_of_running2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGQ103HfC-U15xCpDkWdDlQwc7V_eYRQdpm9QBwFzILKwmpjPBjNBg9Xi-KMTckNy1b-6aENPMWzLixI9zYTzDO9Dy9QggA6lNvyS5Qhb8hkNcmN_Orxi8aWyhhHiTuOl4cdxkwB9oXmY/s400/lore_of_running2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5387050400890705906" /></a><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;">Does anyone have a copy? I'd trade for a copy of one of the books in my library - (see right column). And we can always trade back after...</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, -webkit-fantasy;"><br /></span></div></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2447231911472953681.post-32655412997582392522009-09-28T21:23:00.000-07:002009-09-28T22:38:41.688-07:00Photos - Some Favourites<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi-eBoEnIvCcxxMAt6FAzg7MosCG1wZxYXub0QkucBL0WWbTW0golKl1sZMC_pJt1uw-mn6An-erIUT3NPqI_V9BDklah1gpxCFhRUSHfDIj4HOzspsLISShuYR4jVKxv5gCUb0xOIvs/s1600-h/Batchelor+Bay.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFi-eBoEnIvCcxxMAt6FAzg7MosCG1wZxYXub0QkucBL0WWbTW0golKl1sZMC_pJt1uw-mn6An-erIUT3NPqI_V9BDklah1gpxCFhRUSHfDIj4HOzspsLISShuYR4jVKxv5gCUb0xOIvs/s400/Batchelor+Bay.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386754344819127634" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://meyrickjones.blogspot.com/2009/07/open-water-swimming-batchelor-bay.html">Batchelor Bay</a> - my favourite photo of one of my favourite places.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you stop by here from time to time you know I like photography. Well, I just finished organizing about 6 months of photos on my computer (6,000+).... it was an epic project that I hope will convince me to organize them better <i>each time</i> I upload.<div><br /></div><div>Anyway, I decided to reward myself by putting together a quick photo post with a few of my favourites. </div><div><br /></div><div>Many of these have graced these pages already... but a few have not.</div><div><br /></div><div>Click to ENLARGE...</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy!<br /><div><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPyWl37YpBtupYtqPIvdZOKIbPh32rv7CgINT-y3lf2FNN01nTUvhL3_nR684KmZ9CEeLpAZPy87xxrWv4Qays2j3aV-h3mDT7naRF6aC1-9dmMyLPT1Pcyxf2aJjs9pR-wk40tNB4Vc/s1600-h/WillandNic.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPyWl37YpBtupYtqPIvdZOKIbPh32rv7CgINT-y3lf2FNN01nTUvhL3_nR684KmZ9CEeLpAZPy87xxrWv4Qays2j3aV-h3mDT7naRF6aC1-9dmMyLPT1Pcyxf2aJjs9pR-wk40tNB4Vc/s400/WillandNic.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386750639033060322" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Will Routley and Nic Hamilton at the Yaletown Grand Prix. I took a bazillion shots there - this one was the best. This got published - once online (can't remember the site) and once in the 24Hours Newspaper.</span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPyWl37YpBtupYtqPIvdZOKIbPh32rv7CgINT-y3lf2FNN01nTUvhL3_nR684KmZ9CEeLpAZPy87xxrWv4Qays2j3aV-h3mDT7naRF6aC1-9dmMyLPT1Pcyxf2aJjs9pR-wk40tNB4Vc/s1600-h/WillandNic.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg72s9_BhvHEXwVeVJXlJJHNnJ9m3ozqSayxIZBOth1od1Z8M3ojOERnMzmU9ySsOZEcVniQSnq7cufWP-7mTU3nXqAa0YSSkZlcLHNBZUOs0awj2OZeuqUv9I9TF8M7_7hIxegb2NdPw/s1600-h/VPear_6.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg72s9_BhvHEXwVeVJXlJJHNnJ9m3ozqSayxIZBOth1od1Z8M3ojOERnMzmU9ySsOZEcVniQSnq7cufWP-7mTU3nXqAa0YSSkZlcLHNBZUOs0awj2OZeuqUv9I9TF8M7_7hIxegb2NdPw/s400/VPear_6.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386750625165017874" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg72s9_BhvHEXwVeVJXlJJHNnJ9m3ozqSayxIZBOth1od1Z8M3ojOERnMzmU9ySsOZEcVniQSnq7cufWP-7mTU3nXqAa0YSSkZlcLHNBZUOs0awj2OZeuqUv9I9TF8M7_7hIxegb2NdPw/s1600-h/VPear_6.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Viggo and our big wooden pear.</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHJa0AW_KNRsAWxdRZkzADzsSQ7tlNydcNXXHGzWzYXOJzyQSDIlHvGn9nOfa6fPosISn0nkrRg1bEieTECFKg7cOD6OqHBZBw3rAUFFTBZ0DmTVvN87AT5FulAldpKavu6C0DbsYZF0/s1600-h/P1040083.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHJa0AW_KNRsAWxdRZkzADzsSQ7tlNydcNXXHGzWzYXOJzyQSDIlHvGn9nOfa6fPosISn0nkrRg1bEieTECFKg7cOD6OqHBZBw3rAUFFTBZ0DmTVvN87AT5FulAldpKavu6C0DbsYZF0/s400/P1040083.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386750617417399858" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHJa0AW_KNRsAWxdRZkzADzsSQ7tlNydcNXXHGzWzYXOJzyQSDIlHvGn9nOfa6fPosISn0nkrRg1bEieTECFKg7cOD6OqHBZBw3rAUFFTBZ0DmTVvN87AT5FulAldpKavu6C0DbsYZF0/s1600-h/P1040083.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">One of my favourite photos I have ever taken... I love these bikes and the gritty wall, the shadow and the green crates... all behind <a href="http://habitcoffee.com/">Habit Coffee</a> in Victoria. <a href="http://missysironmanflorida2008.blogspot.com/">Missy</a> even asked if she could have this for her wall which was quite an honour!</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNZ_4B4D8_eDPbhdoKdWvGnGD6jVJ4IMGw8fAtSMt653QDvFMa2dOUFlq0MG7K4usKhJLeOkHx1BdM_g2CXsKM1wL1YqdmLmM_UyIciHUsRrxG_lLKywzUvmBTXi4nChvwZzNR1_pONc/s1600-h/P1030871.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNZ_4B4D8_eDPbhdoKdWvGnGD6jVJ4IMGw8fAtSMt653QDvFMa2dOUFlq0MG7K4usKhJLeOkHx1BdM_g2CXsKM1wL1YqdmLmM_UyIciHUsRrxG_lLKywzUvmBTXi4nChvwZzNR1_pONc/s400/P1030871.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386750609952082738" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The smiles say it all - priceless!</span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilNZ_4B4D8_eDPbhdoKdWvGnGD6jVJ4IMGw8fAtSMt653QDvFMa2dOUFlq0MG7K4usKhJLeOkHx1BdM_g2CXsKM1wL1YqdmLmM_UyIciHUsRrxG_lLKywzUvmBTXi4nChvwZzNR1_pONc/s1600-h/P1030871.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXYIFxknW3PKM2-hOz83XySiVz6cJPa_UrfE3YWN-MSu0Jr0pKmUFmOyexmwUAnHYL0b2WwUuJ5v8zxrVnnIyicTyIWWTfndDhF5GlpvziGr-3cJbVrFxsrmxv8icKGswaSDXabXUKLw/s1600-h/Mattiasotters1.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXYIFxknW3PKM2-hOz83XySiVz6cJPa_UrfE3YWN-MSu0Jr0pKmUFmOyexmwUAnHYL0b2WwUuJ5v8zxrVnnIyicTyIWWTfndDhF5GlpvziGr-3cJbVrFxsrmxv8icKGswaSDXabXUKLw/s400/Mattiasotters1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386750601542117490" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXYIFxknW3PKM2-hOz83XySiVz6cJPa_UrfE3YWN-MSu0Jr0pKmUFmOyexmwUAnHYL0b2WwUuJ5v8zxrVnnIyicTyIWWTfndDhF5GlpvziGr-3cJbVrFxsrmxv8icKGswaSDXabXUKLw/s1600-h/Mattiasotters1.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ha! Soon they won't let me do this sort of thing </span></span><s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">to</span></span></s><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> with them... because it will be "uncool". Until then, they are my favourite 'models'.</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4Trz0XQdZUD_eAuAm0iWsmjGUzy00nuSHR1GFPsTakCqh_C-fO0hTXoaog1NX2hgg1LkeYt3EzvgPZMgGpfDId7VSD2zBMhkitNRCHgKEa3iAypqTH16Zv1hdiZcN1l-UXKGIHD3URo/s1600-h/mattias@lighthouse.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4Trz0XQdZUD_eAuAm0iWsmjGUzy00nuSHR1GFPsTakCqh_C-fO0hTXoaog1NX2hgg1LkeYt3EzvgPZMgGpfDId7VSD2zBMhkitNRCHgKEa3iAypqTH16Zv1hdiZcN1l-UXKGIHD3URo/s400/mattias@lighthouse.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386750289419175618" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP4Trz0XQdZUD_eAuAm0iWsmjGUzy00nuSHR1GFPsTakCqh_C-fO0hTXoaog1NX2hgg1LkeYt3EzvgPZMgGpfDId7VSD2zBMhkitNRCHgKEa3iAypqTH16Zv1hdiZcN1l-UXKGIHD3URo/s1600-h/mattias@lighthouse.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Lighthouse Park on an amazing weather day - sunny AND black clouds = camera time!</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgmo9nSnCy0mJ6teA0LnptGjcIiWAo8fjQvLJ6_bmkYqI7dWMX5BQUpzXroIlRw4SXy6QLvyRB4qcj4SAJTasN5jMNkG6hlW4NUCnNteTqtaDHbFi_r1B7tPkEa9eNsQZcjcMF7Wxp8o/s1600-h/IMG_7691.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgmo9nSnCy0mJ6teA0LnptGjcIiWAo8fjQvLJ6_bmkYqI7dWMX5BQUpzXroIlRw4SXy6QLvyRB4qcj4SAJTasN5jMNkG6hlW4NUCnNteTqtaDHbFi_r1B7tPkEa9eNsQZcjcMF7Wxp8o/s400/IMG_7691.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386750281065204978" /></a></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgmo9nSnCy0mJ6teA0LnptGjcIiWAo8fjQvLJ6_bmkYqI7dWMX5BQUpzXroIlRw4SXy6QLvyRB4qcj4SAJTasN5jMNkG6hlW4NUCnNteTqtaDHbFi_r1B7tPkEa9eNsQZcjcMF7Wxp8o/s1600-h/IMG_7691.jpg"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">First day of school. She was SO excited.</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKBAh3UgSCSD_4i-cxQqn3C43p7oQFJPoVQcJGJVK3nqPZv1ivfpIWQDd4Sqn28i2ZtBNLThOhWYS_L10KC7JYsrSDWosrXKEhILLyLBiExLWmGdXOsKM2pQczvneP93oFOzuYBkaxzc/s1600-h/IMG_7681.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKBAh3UgSCSD_4i-cxQqn3C43p7oQFJPoVQcJGJVK3nqPZv1ivfpIWQDd4Sqn28i2ZtBNLThOhWYS_L10KC7JYsrSDWosrXKEhILLyLBiExLWmGdXOsKM2pQczvneP93oFOzuYBkaxzc/s400/IMG_7681.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386750272419311186" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Sacha pushing the kids on the swings - summer evening in the city, out late.</span></span></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKBAh3UgSCSD_4i-cxQqn3C43p7oQFJPoVQcJGJVK3nqPZv1ivfpIWQDd4Sqn28i2ZtBNLThOhWYS_L10KC7JYsrSDWosrXKEhILLyLBiExLWmGdXOsKM2pQczvneP93oFOzuYBkaxzc/s1600-h/IMG_7681.jpg"></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsxYMFTmG_sEdfw2oHddXa4yJrCbSLTaLjt0WiNv_vwdhl1emKgmV_iCVF5TrUIj_Rt6fsTZFctrlQ2oqwDIMWEEEciy7Wc2w_OpSgghBDUKnzzw0gjvVXYlBuDApVE1wo6JyHAkSl80/s1600-h/IMG_6184.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCsxYMFTmG_sEdfw2oHddXa4yJrCbSLTaLjt0WiNv_vwdhl1emKgmV_iCVF5TrUIj_Rt6fsTZFctrlQ2oqwDIMWEEEciy7Wc2w_OpSgghBDUKnzzw0gjvVXYlBuDApVE1wo6JyHAkSl80/s400/IMG_6184.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386750266036812274" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://stephaniecorkerirwin.com/">Steph</a> @ the Bay Challenge... I drove the boat and took photos, <a href="http://stephaniecorkerirwin.com/">Steph</a> and <a href="http://susie-ernsting.blogspot.com/">Susie</a> put on a masterful display of swimming.</span></span></div><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIi0KPEYSqzVTDOfaOobwA2glIqGnQwChCRtCGBcgBtdTan0ouPT6ewVBwQM3D9dm-oYPjuqC582nGTtS8WSI0nz9gaxgq0jSPdNJZujiUBJqpjb1nZZvnY1m2YMBafpDZGcRCh0rUTQ/s1600-h/IMG_6109.jpg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuIi0KPEYSqzVTDOfaOobwA2glIqGnQwChCRtCGBcgBtdTan0ouPT6ewVBwQM3D9dm-oYPjuqC582nGTtS8WSI0nz9gaxgq0jSPdNJZujiUBJqpjb1nZZvnY1m2YMBafpDZGcRCh0rUTQ/s400/IMG_6109.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5386750257799789346" /></a><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Look... he's intense for a little guy.</span></span></div></div>MJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00534776540520644883noreply@blogger.com9