One thing that I truly admire about kids, is they put up with just about anything you throw at them.  In terms of exercise, they will do crazy feats like wind sprints till they puke (suicides ring a bell?).  At a young age, it’s about proving to you, their friends, and themselves [...]]]> Read it here too…

One thing that I truly admire about kids, is they put up with just about anything you throw at them.  In terms of exercise, they will do crazy feats like wind sprints till they puke (suicides ring a bell?).  At a young age, it’s about proving to you, their friends, and themselves that they can put themselves through torture.

If you had to compare a kid to a piece of metal, they would have be very ductile (bendable).  However, their ultimate stress, so the amount of physical work that it would take to break them, is low. 

Starting a youth exercising early in life causes their bodies to slowly become stronger.  In fact, if they are pushed but not to the breaking point, their tolerance to stress increases exponentially.   When they become an adult (after puberty) they become a piece of hardened steel ready to do even more physical work.

Some keys for helping youth reach their potential:

• Keep sport and exercise fun.  Especially at very young ages.
• Speed is critical in their youth.  Include games or sports with sprints to help develop leg speed.
• Sport specific is not necessary until puberty.  The more exposure to different events will help build youths into better people/athletes when they are older.
• Building the cardiovascular system is important in the puberty stage.
• Weights should wait till after puberty. 

Folling these steps, at the adult stage the athlete will be ready to participate in higher competition.  This could mean more frequent events or longer duration events.  The key, is not rushing the stages of development. 

If a child wishes to pursue a life of sport, whether competitive or not, make sure to keep an open mind and be ready for change.  Building a foundation that is sound will create a individual who will be tough as gold. 

And isn’t that the dream?

This year unfortunately has not been about training.  It has been about learning about bigger aspects.  One’s that I feel right now, are more important than numbers on a piece of paper.

However, I haven’t stopped putting one foot in front [...]]]> Juggling life, work, new house, grad project, and training has taken its toll.

This year unfortunately has not been about training.  It has been about learning about bigger aspects.  One’s that I feel right now, are more important than numbers on a piece of paper.

However, I haven’t stopped putting one foot in front of the other.  This is key.  The body will hold your status if you keep the engine warm.  Let it cool off or stop and you’ll have to start from scratch.

The seasons are changing and so is my focus.  I’m going to train for a 50K,  ”Vulture Bait”, something I’ve been itching to do.

I’m logging running miles now.  At least 90K a week and will continue to do so into the winter. 

With time being cut down, I’m starting to think more about what I like to do.  Kind of trivial but what I don’t like is when a race is dictated by a flat tire or a mechanical.  Funny enough I sometimes hate (or a lot of times hate) running after cycling.  I like cycling.  I like running.  Sometimes I’d rather keep them apart.

Looking into the future….

Even though I probably live in the flattest part of the world, I’d really like to take on mountain running.  The World Mountain Trophy would be pretty cool to go and do…  A two year goal which I think could become a reality!

For me it’s the internet (assuming food and water are available).

The internet is a fascinating source of information.  There is literally stuff on everything!  Anytime I have a car problem or need a [...]]]> If you were stranded on a desert island but could only have one thing (not a person), what would it be? 

For me it’s the internet (assuming food and water are available).

The internet is a fascinating source of information.  There is literally stuff on everything!  Anytime I have a car problem or need a recipe: boom, internet has an answer!

Lately though, the internet has been letting me down.  My biggest pet peeve blogs are becoming less personal and more about trying to sell an image or service.  It’s all about performance (see video!).  If your not doing the best to be the best, then your not going to be the best.  

What happened to just telling your story?

I came across a blog that did a very simple tip.  Make an Excel spread sheet of similar workouts you did over the past 3-4 months and compare them.  Look at speed, your time, your distance, and if you have it; heart rate and power.  Did the speed line go up?  Did the heart rate line go down?  Your improving!

It was nice to just see a very simple snap shot of how the person was doing.  No sales pitch.  No bragging.  Just a simple line. 

Although me and the internet are on a bit of a break, I think I will get over it.  Maybe…

Test overview

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http://www.wimp.com/walkwater/

I’m a LA fan but his build up to the tour has been less that stellar this year.  His recent performance at the Tour de Gilas has me thinking that somethings up.  Amanda actually said maybe it’s a ploy: Trick the competition to think he’s not a threat for Tour de France.

So, [...]]]>

I’m a LA fan but his build up to the tour has been less that stellar this year.  His recent performance at the Tour de Gilas has me thinking that somethings up.  Amanda actually said maybe it’s a ploy: Trick the competition to think he’s not a threat for Tour de France.

So, whose going to show up in July, LA 7 time tour champion or LA, probably should be watching it on TV?  I hope he makes it 8.

Researchers have developed transgenic rainbow trout with enhanced muscle growth that results in fish with what have been described as six-pack abs and muscular shoulders. Aside from ensuring the muscular trout don’t get bullied by other fish, the development could provide a boost to the commercial aquaculture [...]]]>

Researchers have developed transgenic rainbow trout with enhanced muscle growth that results in fish with what have been described as six-pack abs and muscular shoulders. Aside from ensuring the muscular trout don’t get bullied by other fish, the development could provide a boost to the commercial aquaculture industry.

Paradise Island Caretaker

Ben Southall, 34, of Petersfield, beat out nearly 35,000 applicants from around the world for the dream assignment to swim, [...]]]> Perfect jobs?  Is there such a thing?  I mean if your not working at work, what would you call it?  Here are some “jobs” which might not seem so tough.

Paradise Island Caretaker

Ben Southall, 34, of Petersfield, beat out nearly 35,000 applicants from around the world for the dream assignment to swim, explore and relax on Hamilton Island in the Great Barrier Reef, while writing a blog to promote the area. He was selected for the $111,000 gig – a six-month contract to serve as caretaker of a tropical Australian island. He now has to live rent-free in a three-bedroom villa, complete with pool.

Professional Beer Taster

Believe it or not, some people have paid jobs as professional beer tasters for brewing companies. Funny as it may sound, breweries do need tasters to test out the saleability and distinctive traits of each beer so that the product can be properly sold to restaurants and retail. Here’s the criteria for becoming a professional beer taster.

Google Bicycle

Google (GOOGLE) has hired two lucky young men to ride around France on dopey looking tricycles snapping up photos of historical sites that are inaccessible by car. This three-wheeler is a sight with its long pole holding nine cameras, a GPS, a computer and a generator. But the contraption tooling around the French capital needs all that gear to do its job – adding three-dimensional images to Google’s Street View Maps.

Greeting Card Writer

If you’re toiling away in the public relations department of your company, you can put those composition skills to work as a greeting card writer. These professionals average $60 a card, but as much as $100 to $150 per card for experienced writers in large card companies. This could make a great freelance opportunity for a writer who wants to show her creative side.

Flavorist

Have a chemistry background, but not impressed with the pharmaceutical, environmental or energy industries’ offerings of chemical research positions? Maybe you should look to the food industry. Flavorists, or flavor chemists, blend chemicals to create tastes and smells for various foods and can earn $55,000 and up annually.

Over the last month I’ve prowled every website and classified for a Powertap.  Like everyone, I’m looking for deals.  Here’s what I found so far:

Ebay – Surprisingly they do not have the cheapest prices.  If you don’t live in the US, cause let’s face it the Canadian Ebay blows, your going to [...]]]>

Over the last month I’ve prowled every website and classified for a Powertap.  Like everyone, I’m looking for deals.  Here’s what I found so far:

Ebay – Surprisingly they do not have the cheapest prices.  If you don’t live in the US, cause let’s face it the Canadian Ebay blows, your going to get hit with shipping charges.  These can add up.  Addionally, as my brother found out, cross border fees are heavy as well.  Selection for items is however, the best of my findings.

Slowtwitch Classifieds – This is a goldmine if you want to find anything.  The prices are very good and people seem ready to dump everything for a fraction of the new cost.  Selection can vary but there is something worth buying most days.

Canadian Cyclist – Again this is another decent sport to pick up gear.   Most is cycling orientated.  Selection can be very  seasonal.  Right now though, there seems to be a good amount of stuff up for sale.

Amazon – Amazon.com has a lot of stuff and the “buy it now” option which is convenient.   Shipping to Canada is always and issue.

Competitive Cyclist - Yes this store has about everything.  Prices though are non-negotiable.  They are a bit cheaper than what you’d buy at the store (shipping included).

Kijiji/Craigslist – Great for local.  Terrible for out of town shopping.

Wheel Builder – This is a good spot to find wheels.  Problem is they don’t write back to your emails.  Those that hate talking on the phone be aware.

The Radical Edge – It’s hard to beat these guys.  Mike Davis with his classic “Just let me take care of this” and you have no idea how much you pay till the end.  He’s good and thats why people keep going back.  No online store though.

EURO DISNEY, FRANCE, July 29, 2071 – Lance Armstrong wrapped up the overall title today in the 2071 Tour de France, and increased his record of Tour trophies to forty four.  In what has [...]]]> Yup, that wasn’t a mis-read for the title.  Below is a little sattire about Lance winning and winning and winnning…

EURO DISNEY, FRANCE, July 29, 2071 – Lance Armstrong wrapped up the overall title today in the 2071 Tour de France, and increased his record of Tour trophies to forty four.  In what has largely become a non-event due to its predictability, Armstrong is certain to win the now one-man race by simply finishing.

Since 2049, other pro riders have refused to enter the event, both out of fear and respect for the aging Armstrong.
“He wins anyway if we are there, so why race?” says Thrzx Novowels of the Latvian squad Knrpt Wsdjg (formerly Bvrd Ptrsjm).  “It is futile.  I’d rather focus on races where I have a chance of winning.  With Lance on the start list, forget it.  How would it look to lose to some old guy with a drool cup?”

In 2052, the finish was moved away from the city center to Euro Disney after promoters relented to mounting pressure from Parisian officials.  “We are not going to shut down the Champs-Élysées so one goddam American can parade around on his bike around for a few hours,” says Paris mayor, Francois Routin.

Read the rest here (it’s worth it!).