Get Set....GO!

There are tons of races to compete in across Canada and Ontario throughout the summer: cycling, running, swimming races and triathlons too.

For more information on what races are coming up and location, check out the following websites:

LINKS:

• Triathlon Ontario: http://triathlonontario.com/events/
• Ontario Cycling Association (OCA): http://www.ontariocycling.org/race-schedule/
• Multisport Canada (Recharge with Milk Series): http://www.multisportcanada.com/tri/
• Tri Sport Canada (Subaru Series): http://www.trisportcanada.com/
• Ironman branded races (1/2 IM and Full): http://www.ironman.com/
• Challenge branded races: http://www.challenge-family.com/
• Xterra branded races: http://www.xterraplanet.com/

MY CALENDAR:

I laid out my calendar this year to include a variety of distances and disciplines to keep me focused and fresh for the Worlds in Edmonton which I must hold my breath for until the end of the season - September 1st, 2014. Thus far, the calendar looks like this:

      JUNE: 

• June 1 - Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon (2.4k swim, 30k bike, 13k run)
• June 14 - Guelph Lake Triathlon (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) Subaru Series  Removed
• June 15 - Rose City Triathlon, Welland (2k swim, 90k bike, 21.1k run) Recharge with Milk Series Added
• June 22 - Tour de Waterloo (76k bike) Added

      JULY:

• July 6 - Peterborough Triathlon (750m swim, 20k bike, 5k run) Subaru Series Added
• July 13 - Toronto Triathlon Festival (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) 

      AUGUST:

• August 10 - Bracebridge Triathlon (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) Recharge with Milk Series

      SEPTEMBER: 

• September 1 - Edmonton Grand Final ITU Worlds (1.5k swim, 40k bike, 10k run) 
• September 14 - Blue Mountain Centurion (80k bike)
• September 28 - Tour de Hans (100k bike) 

Toying with Training Tools

Goodness, there are so many bells and whistles you can get roped into buying in the sport of triathlon that promise to make you faster, more efficient, lighter, etc.

The saga continues for me: do I invest in a power meter, new wheels, an aero helmet, a new Heart Rate monitor, lighter components? Then the question is WHICH one?

I've been on information overload for the past 6 months exploring some options; but my friend Ed Kuo (life coach, friend, athlete) helped me sort out my dilemma by examining the options based on criteria that was important to me - here was the ranking system that helped me narrow down my list of options. The weight you give each item listed under criteria may differ from mine; regardless, an evaluation such as this is helpful for any equipment decision you have to make.

Races to Race?

So many races and so little time!

When I got started racing triathlons 5 years ago, I didn't realize how many types and distances of triathlons there were: Tri-a-Tri distance, Sprint distance, Olympic distance (51.50), Long Course distance (70.3 or 1/2 Ironman), Ultra distance (140.6 or Full Ironman). I also didn't realize how many races I had choose from; there are loads of races internationally, nationally and provincially to consider.

The Ontario races are close to home and don't require a ton of investment (i.e. travel, accommodation, logistics, etc.) outside of the race registration. There are a few organizations that do a really great job of putting on these races...check them out here and give it a "tri":

  1. Subaru Triathlon Series: TRI SPORT CANADA
  2. Recharge with Milk Series: MULTI SPORT CANADA
  3. Events Online search options: EVENTS ONLINE website

Fan I Am.

Star Struck!

When I met Paula Findlay at my office a few weeks ago, she may have thought I was a bit of a nut bar - I was star struck and had a slew of questions. I told her about my recent successes in qualifying for the Age Group Worlds which will take place the same time/ place as the ITU Grand Finals, which she will be competing at. 

I drilled her with questions such as, "how's the red blood cell count?" and "which sport/ discipline are you feeling needs the most focus right now to you?" I really admire her honesty and openness. 

I just read her recent blog post where she describes her road to recovery and to getting back in shape. This post inspired me as she's very candid about her struggles and how improving sometimes feels like an uphill battle. She's got a positive attitude and is surrounded with positive people. I believe in Paula and I am certain that she will do great things and proudly represent Canada! 

Paula Findlay and Katie Ozolins 13'

3:2

This running/ breathing article was monumental in changing the way I run. This might help you find your "rhythm" when running too: 3:2 Breathing - Article.

Simon Whitfield and Katie Ozolins 12'

Beets!

I found this article in Outside magazine a few years ago and thought this was interesting - Beet me Up??

Take a read through this article, Never Miss a BEET, and let me know your thoughts! 

RECIPE: Power Chili

Check out my LATEST favourite recipe: Power Chili (quinoa and bison chili). I found this in the "Outside" Magazine as it's one of Trey Hardee's (US decathlete) go-to meals. 


I can't get enough of this - I make a giant batch and freeze it. So delicious, nutritious, convenient and quick!

What do you think? Feel free to share your comments and recipes!