I first met Wendy at a local running store where I was giving a presentation on nutrition for long distance running.  The group was preparing for a variety of distances, but mostly half and full marathons.  Wendy approached me afterward with some questions and ultimately followed up with me to help her with her training.

Unfortunately, due to some structural issues, she was at the end of her ‘run’ with running.  Not to be told “no” – she wanted very badly to keep fit for cross country skiing, so we changed gears a bit and made the Continue reading →

It was spring, 1999.  Bob had already experienced a pretty terrific life.  Husband, father and successful business leader.  Life was good.

He was on the couch reading the newspaper one morning when he happened across an advertisement for a marathon program at the University of Calgary.  He’d noticed many times from the comfort of his favorite chair in his warm comfy home – people running on the pathway along the Bow River pathway – just outside his window.

His thoughts went to this.  How hard could a marathon be?

Until that moment – Bob Continue reading →

Deciding to get started – with whatever endeavor – just requires you to take that first step.

Just begin.

Don’t wait for Monday, the New Year, when you… are thinner, richer, have the right outfit or have someone to do it with.

Just begin.

LiveSplendidly!

It started 30 years ago this Fall and has brought me joy, pain and accomplishment.  It has taken me on wonderful vacations, built great friendships and opened doors.

When I started running for fitness I had a few acquaintances that ran, but mostly I was on my own because I was quite unfit.  Everyone that I knew ran faster, was stronger and going much longer distances than I was. I didn’t really like running.  Not for a whole year – but I kept at it because I loved what I got from running.  Unfortunately, a rather Continue reading →

As I rode along the course at the Highline100 bike event in Fernie, BC – I had plenty of time to myself to reflect on many topics.  In the past when people have asked what one thinks about for all that time out there on the marathon, Ironman or Fondo course – my answer has always been “everything”.  This remains the truth.

On fresh legs and what was supposed to be a 40km loop covering the first of 100miles (160kms) – we found ourselves back at the transition point at 32km.  Disappointed, no.  Ok, maybe a Continue reading →

Is it just me or is there a war on cycling helmets at the moment? Actually, I know it’s not just me, because I’ve run into a few people who have had the same thoughts lately.  What’s with that?

Whether I’m riding on the bike paths of YYC or on the roads in the countryside – I keep running into riders that are helmet-less… lid-less… cask-less.  It doesn’t matter what you call the helmet, but in the end, it could be the difference between a slight concussion (which is bad enough) and a catastrophic head injury.

From a Continue reading →

I was in a local sport-related establishment recently when I overheard one of the staff members tell a patron that magnesium, and not sodium is the electrolyte to pay close attention to in a sport supplement.  I stopped in my tracks thinking – no, that’s not correct.  What is she saying?  Then I thought, have I missed something in some recent literature?  So, I went back to the literature and reviewed the information available.

Before I attempt tackling electrolytes, I want first to note that it comes as no surprise that athletes are confused by nutrition Continue reading →

This week’s Princess Pedal Clinic was threatened with some pretty crazy weather.  Each afternoon there were ominous clouds followed by either showers, full on rain or hail.  By 6pm, we had sunshine, no real wind to speak of and clear sailing for some Princess riding.  Awesome.

As always in the first session, we did some bike skills on the grass which is always a bit of fun – and sometimes surprisingly challenging.  The grab and stab drill always presents a bit of a challenge for even the most accomplished rider – and this time was no Continue reading →

We came, we rode, we conquered.  The Badlands Gran Fondo’s tagline is “are you BAD enough?” and clearly, we were.

A few days ago – the weather was supposed to be thus.  35km/h winds.  Thunder storms and 23mm rain.  This morning, the forecast was for showers and high winds – which is what we got.  Driving to Drumheller in Alberta’s badlands region was a bit scary.  The sky didn’t look particularly encouraging and we could see the flags on flagpoles – standing straight out.  It was going to be a challenging day.

Princesses Continue reading →

This weekend I had the pleasure of getting to know some really terrific Princesses.

The Princess Pedal Clinic started on Friday evening and as usual, a small group of quiet, slightly apprehensive cyclists arrived.  By Sunday noon, after Saturday’s hill climbing and Sunday’s pace lining – we had a relatively raucous group of confident riders depart for home.

There was Princess “Crash” – who demonstrated some absolutely SPECTACULAR spills (on the soft grass) – breaking the ice for everyone and winning the Princess Pedal – “this Princess wears cleats” cap for her efforts.

There was Princess Spin-Sister – Continue reading →