Training Log Archive: phatty

The much anticipated FAC Champs race at Bon Echo (at least for me it was) - the site of my first race in '99! I managed to convince DrWells and PhattyJR to commit to dragging me around a long-format Adventure Challenge racecourse for this one.

After a quick run at the start, we converged with the gaggle of teams at the lagoon for a quick paddle to the rock side of Mazinaw Lake. The Salomon Bobkittens and us were quickly at the other side and up the stairs atop the cliffs. From there, we busted through the bush to a 'road' upon which we were to run around to the CP. Us, the Bobbiatches, SRS, and Beowulf were pretty close together and we hit the CP (for us, it was after some dense burr bashing) within minutes. At the following checkpoint, we all got passed by Adrenaline Rush who (along with Bash's team) found a great trail route to the penninsula on a lone lake. Some more bushing it and road running, us and the Bobkittens reached the canoes in 3rd and 2nd respectively with SRS and Beowulf close behind.

Now for the comedy that is PhattyJR and my seemingly neverending battle with boats capsizing. Despite having 155 lbs DrWells, we were pretty big for our 16' canoe and it required contstant balance to keep it from going over. We got into a rythym, however, and gave chase to Adrenaline Rush, who were about 12 minutes ahead. Then, as the river thinned and got quite shallow, we bottomed out while the Bobcougars slid nicely over the rocky debris. In and out of the boat we went and finally right under. PhattyJR slipped on a rock when getting in at one point and over we went. I'm sure SRS guffawed at our misfortune as they went by. Soaking, we got back in and gave chase. As SRS paddled by the Bobvixens, they commented that they weren't sure if they would like it if their girlfriend was beating them...a sure shot at our plight! By paddles end, however, we managed to pass the Bobmeows (they had a lame bottomed canoe) and catch SRS...much thanks to DrWells' power in the stern.

Macro-shaking (there was no need to make an extra effort to 'shake' our Boost power drinks...good gawd were we cold), we TA'ed to bikes for a 45 km route on gravel, paved, single track, ATV, powerline, and unridable terrain where you constantly had to watch your bearing and route selection - pretty much a perfect AR bike route...great job Geoff. After 12,000 km of riding across Africa, PhattyJR's 'base' was somewhat solid and I hung on in his draft and on his tow line as we tried to catch Adrenaline Rush and SRS who left the TA before us. By the next CP after some road riding, we caught AR and travelled with them in the tight and technical riding. FatherMallory was leading the charge as usual, his 55+ year old frame and power continues to amaze me. I heard a few orders being barked at his boys to hurry up! Finally at the 'advanced bike', an out and back of about 5 km, we saw SRS leaving as we were going in to find the unmanned CP. It took us a bit, but we found it and pedalled past the oncoming chase pack - AR, Boblionesses, Beowulf, and now Tree Huggers...pretty competitive indeed. On we went to the powerline and caught SRS, who had sped by an unmanned CP and were on their way back to it.

Finally, a chance to go toe to toe with SRS for a win and with a decent amount of riding and paddling left, this would be tough. Together we rode toward the final paddle, stopping along the way to check maps, turn around, and meet each other again and again. By this time, I'm phreakin' dead on my bike as keeping pace with PhattyJR and DrWells was something that I found pretty hard. Never the less, we passed SRS for a final time at one point and never saw them again. That wasn't to say that we didn't feel them breathing down our necks for the rest of the bike.

Into the TA, we hurried into our paddle gear for a final 8 km south on Mazinaw Lake to the park. Naturally, we chose the crappiest boat which saw PhattyJR's face 30cm behind my lifejacket...not the smartest choice but that's what hastiness gets you I suppose. DrWells kept the boat going straight, which was no small feat given that the wind was behind us, blowing our bow-heavy craft at right angles to our intended direction of travel.

Of course, we kept checking behind, just waiting for SRS to blow by us forcing us to splash about and give chase but thankfully, they didn't. So we got to the line before them.

Great course, awesome competition, and some super hot chicks in 3rd overall (only a couple of minutes behind SRS) - they rocked the boys big time and it won't be too long when they win outright!

C • Congratulations! 5

Went for a lunch-time run from work. Sweet fumes, dust, and traffic everywhere...picturesque really.

A quick jaunt around B-Town, getting the crap feeling out of my legs from the weekend sprint. Funny how that works.

Went south on the winding, nicely paved, and lightly trafficked roads to the west of Lake Simcoe toward Barrie on an out and back from Orills. Unbelievable perfect weather day - hope for more of the same next weekend at the FAC Champs.

Did the short 5 Peaks race as a corporate stiff - got my boss to come out and see what we're sponsoring. Very impressed with Hansel, Slice, and Leanimal's performance on the 15.6 km course. The 5.6 km was an all out sprint for me until about the 4 km mark when I found myself crawling along...a far cry from the 3m40s first km! We all got cool medals for our efforts.

C • Congrats! 1

Ran with the boss at lunch today. Made him feel the pain for sure...

Got out for the B-Town apres work loop before the sun went down. Left knee still a pain in the a$$...must remember motrin for the FAC Champs.

C • Knee 5

After Dr. Thumbs of Death put my knee through the paces, I did a road / trail loop. Slow warm up, quick pace for 20-30 minutes, and then gasp for air at the finish. Perfect evening to be outside.

Did the Terry Fox Run at Springbank Park in London town with Leanimal.

C • Terry Fox Run 3

Ran along side the roads in Springbank Park as Leanimal and I headed out for a run after our session of gardening at my Mom's in London. Leanimal digs a mean ditch!

Cruised along the hilly dirt road during some time away from meetings.

Slept in but still managed to get out for a quick jaunt around the dirt roads. This "cottage" we're staying at on Lake Rosseau is 23,000 sq. ft. - seriously! I've never seen anything like it - movie room, music/party room, steam room, boat house the size of most cottages. Lotta moula to make this place...

Got in some wicked fun tennis and basketball on the courts at this place. I quickly remembered why I sat on the bench for most of midget boys BBall at Oakridge S.S. as I threw up my first air ball - great form though. Tennis was pretty fun and the serve was smokin'.

Leanimal and I crawled along the HVHTA, lathargic, slow, and pretty tired feeling. I had no excuse but she must have been feeling it from last night's dancing, boozing, and carrying on at a buddy's wedding. Can't keep a bobkitten down I suppose.

C • Yeah right! 3

Road to and from the trails at Albion and Palgrave. Doing technical for a change was fun with all the climbs, flats, curves, and trees to dodge. Palgrave was crazy to see near Bent & Bash's. No undergrowth on certain areas of the hills - just burned ground and charred lower parts of trees. Stupid, crappy brushfires are for jerks.

C • Brushfires 3

Put fat tire to road again to get to work. Man, I love traffic and stupid drivers.

27+ kph

Not as hot a ride home as I suspected. I started off at a quick pace but slowed near the end as the right knee was a little sore...and I felt like sleeping.

~24 kph

Hill training with Leanimal - burned up and down the Glasgow hill four times, warm up before, and cool down afterward.

C • Hill training huh? Would this ... 8

Zipped up Bay Lake to the lunch spot and back with Phatty JR. The waves were pretty high but at least we were going straight into it and not on some crazy angle. Gorgeous day!

Leanimal, Phatty JR, and I ran around around the trails and road of picturesque Latchford. Saw a bear track and changed routes pretty quickly.

C • pussy 3

Jumped in after lunch and cruised across Bay Lake with phatty jr.

Went to Latchford bridge from the cottage and back. All town roads are dirt, which adds to the rustic feel of this place.