I’m pleasantly surprised that I find a real enjoyment in running, before deciding to do this adventure race I wasn’t a runner, last time I ran any distance was in high school and that is because I had no choice.

When I started running outside about a month and half ago, really found it enjoyable. To put things in focus my running is 4km to 9 km so far so not doing 12k or bigger yet but still enjoying it. I have been doing one to two road runs followed by a longer trail run on the weekend. Since my during the week running is at 5am I’m keeping to the road and really find myself loving the peace and quite of it.

I have had a pair of Salomon XT wings for almost 9 months and love theses shoes they fit nice, good traction, don’t hurt or blister my feet so far. I have bone spurs on both my heals from my ski racing boots and most shoes will rub but not these shoes. I plan to post a review of them in May after my race.

Did have to take 5 days off to allow for some recovery of my knee’s but returned this morning with an easy 4k run. Knees felt good and plan to starting to work back into my training plan over the next week. focusing more on warming up and slower progression to see if that helps prevent a recurrence of this old ski injury.

I have a local sports store that has good pricing on items but have some of the worst customer service ever. While a recent visit on the weekend to pick-up a new pair of Saucony runners was ready for the bad service so I though. I walked into the store unfortunately shoes are one of those items you need service with and as usual there was from what I saw was three staff working, one at cash one hiding in the clothing. one helping 6 customers in the shoe department. The eye opener was as I waited for my turn to get service I notice that he was helping 6 people by himself and being very customer service focused with each, making suggestions recommending other shoes, and he gave each of them equal time and care plus remembering their sizes when he would get them something else, very impressive.

I had done some research before going had an idea of the shoes I wanted to try, and also the price point I was interested in, I know my size of foot so asked him for the 10.5 in the models I was considering he was polite and fast and helpful. When I asked him for another shoe he was great said he thinks it is a better choice than the others and got my shoe without asking size again.

Needless to say a lot of company’s lose site that the employee make doing business with a company enjoyable and fosters repeat business, but the opposite is true also the employee can hurt a company and cause bad word of mouth. manager in these competitive business need to recognize these service all starts and foster this type of service and encouraging it, It should be a major part of their responsibility, not do what most do which is hide in the back,  cut workers hours and reduce staff to hype a balance sheet or store financial performance. 

And of course they never let me down when I picked my shoe, I was looking for some clothing but needed some help and guess what Not an employee to be seen just the sound of  the shoe guys pleasant nature and care he was giving each and every customer in his department.

See my point….

As normal I have sent this to the company in hopes of highlighting a star, and pointing out a failure.

So since I have sent my payment, I have been busy doing some research into; training, hydration, clothing, equipment.

I have been official training for this race since March 9th, the weather is still temperamental so my outdoor training has been limited but have gotten on the bike couple of times. My research into this race has netted some helpful information but also some less than helpful. I have decided on the following training plan for my self, not sure of my partner plan but we plan some group training soon.

My training is consisting of 5 days per week, it breaks down like this:

• Three Cardio days and weight days: Cardio is either tread-mill or elliptical or combination, with some weight training.
• One Day strictly Cardio: This will be a bike day but when weather is crappy will be tread-mill or elliptical
• One Day of event or distance training: This is the day I will do long training in one event or a combination of two to push and get used to the length and distance.

I found Sundays training ride 23km very satisfying it gave me some confidence that yes I can do this.

So whats next keep training and schedule a group training for next week, also need to get on the water and work on are paddling. My partner hasn’t been in a canoe since we did a river run in spring of 88, Plus want to experiment with kayak paddles vs traditional paddles.

 So far it is going good been able to do the bike distance and felt I still had gas in the tank to do more.

Like most adventure races I have read about there is a list of mandatory gear that must be used by all racers and the team. The list isn’t hudge for the event I’m doing and for the most part can be found easily and for not a lot of money if you and your team don’t already have the gear you also might be able to borrow some.

For all parts of the race

Mandatory Items – Per Racer

• Whistle (separate from the one attached to your PFD). Straight forward Canadian tire has one 3.99 or MEC for 4.00
• Minimum of 2L water capacity. This is something I’m still looking into will fill you in later 
• Spare fleece or polypro long-sleeved shirt stored in a watertight bag or pouch. the reason is for warmth or if lost or stranded on the course to help keep you warm and safe. Not sure if any of us wouldn’t have one of these in are clothing, the bag there are option at MEC from 10.00 to 23.00 just depends on size you want and features 

Mandatory Items – Per Team

• One waterproof map pouch or dry bag. MEC has couple of option price is 13.00 to 25.00
• One fully-charged cellular phone (NEW FOR 2010!)  (please note that cell phones with GPS functionality are not permitted) this is fill be hard in the age of blackberry, i phone options here will ask around your friends or get a disposable pay as you go.
• One permanent marker. for writing your will or marking maps
• One pocket knife. You don’t need a Rambo knife, and not a mult-tool just a simple pocket knife Canadian tire, walmart, MEC will have one you can spend 18.00 and up, my suggestion don’t by the cheapest get a decent knife you will have for a life time.
• One compass. the one out of the cereal box will not do it, or the one on a key chain get a decent one it will last you a life time Canadian tire has this one or MEC has this one.
• One emergency blanket. You can get a cheap metal type one at mec or Canadian tire that is a one time use but I like this model better from MEC
• waterproof matches. Anywhere from Canadian tire to walmart to MEC
• headlamp/bike light/flashlight (at least one of these). Your personal choice and you can spend from 10 and up
• medical kit containing a tensor bandage, 6 “band-aid” bandages, adhesive tape, 2 antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment, ibuprofen tablets, and 1 gauze pad. This can be shoppers look around there are several places that sell this type of stuff in kits or separately

Bike Section

Mandatory Items – Per Racer

• Mountain bike. This is a loaded question to me there are lots of bikes. and prices from 250.00 to as much as a small car. there is no suspension, front suspension, full suspension. So what is the best option? not sure going to spend some time and research this over the next couple of weeks. my gut says any bike that is in good working condition that is the correct size will do. 
• Certified bike helmet. This is a no brainer  again prices as usually walmart 23.00 to couple hundred.
• One spare bike tube. Makes sure you get the correct size for your bike.

Mandatory Items – Per Team

• One tire pump. MEC have a nice one
• Tire levers. MEC have these

Paddle Section

Mandatory Items – Per Racer

• Coast Guard or Dept. of Transportation approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) with whistle attached (separate from the one listed above that is carried with you at all times) Life Jackets need to have a whistle allot come with them but make sure if not get an extra whistle like the one for your pack. My personal preference is kayak style but it is up to you on what you want to pay. Canadian tire has decent ones at 49.00 and MEC you can spend up to 220.00. the other option is ask around I’m sure a friend may be able to hook you up for free.

Mandatory Items – Per Team

• One canoe per 2 people in a team. This is obvious if you are renting or boring or have one.
• Two paddles, One bailer (or pump), One throw line per canoe. We are going to practice with some kayak paddles to see how they work, bailer is simple a javex bottle cut to make a scoop or a hand pump, Throw lines are simple but get a road that floats.

coming up we will look at stuff you might need that isn’t on the list

So I have finally done it! Yes I entered my first adventure race. This is something that I have thought about for three years. It is one of the items on the bucket list, or 100 things to do before you die list, just depends on how you look at things. I have successfully convinced one of my oldest friends to do the race too, so it should be fun, a challenge and an experience. We are signed up for Storm the Trent it is a local race. It is a couple of hours format that should be challenging but allow us to get our feet wet and be successful. So know is the challenge of getting ready for it physically, looking at equipment needs, seeing what we may need that we don’t currently have. So you might ask your self what is an adventure race? It is a combination of three sports, Trail Running, Paddling, and Mountain biking.

This is the time when if you are lucky you have started your ski season and if you are like me you are excited to start another season on the slopes. Why start your children early? The big reason is simple, to spend time with your child. It will give you time to talk on the lift and spend time enjoying a great sport together. I started my son skiing when he was 2-1/2 that first season was a late winter so it was warmer and it was an introduction to the sport to see if he would like it and want to continue. I didn’t start him too young because it would make him a better skier, I’m sure that if I had started him later, at say 5, he would more than likely be at the same place he is today which is a beginner snowplough. If you read the About section of my blog you would have found out that I have skied for a good part of my life and that I’m certified instructor and skiing is definitely a sport that I excel and have a passion for.

What will make your child’s introduction a success? There are several key points to a successful ski experience. In no particular order here are the points that will help make the transition a fun and enjoyable experience.

• Helmet: Do not skimp on the helmet, your child is going to fall and more than likely hit his head. If you don’t want to spend the money on a helmet most hills will rent them. If you don’t want a used helmet they can be purchased for reasonable prices.  We have all hit our head before and it hurts no matter the age so make the investment.
• Equipment: Ski and boots can be rented and would suggest this for the first time so you know if your child wants to continue. The choice is used or new; you have options, used you can get from a swap or ask at the hill. New you also have options, also a lot of stores have a purchase with a 2 year half back program so that at the end of two years you return the equipment and they give you half back toward the purchase of new equipment. Or buy them outright. I have done a blend of both over the past couple years, I purchased used skis and new boots, and I have purchase completely used. Remember that no mater what option, the equipment when he is outgrown it will have a good resale value. Poles your young child will not need this for awhile so don’t waste your money.
• Hill: This is a place that is dictated most of the time by what is available to you if you are fortunate and have several choices than here is what you should look for. Your child is a beginner so look for a hill that has a large percentage of green runs they don’t need to be long or a big flat run outs. Look for kid friendly ski lifts, like; carpet lift, handle tow, rope row, chair lift. Also look for a hill that has a good half day adult rate, and a free or low child rate.
• Clothing: make sure that you dress them properly for the weather, just because they are little doesn’t mean they shouldn’t wear layers. Layers is the key, invest in a polyester underwear, than layer according to the weather. Do not get your child bundled up for the drive, this is causing them to sweat and then that sweat will conduct cold. Best thing to do is leave them in lighter layers until you get them ready in the resort. Make sure you put on a fresh pair of socks, you don’t need two layer of socks, just make sure they are dry. If your child has cold feet another option is ski socks (I have never used them) or maybe their boots are not fitting them correctly and causing poor circulation. Hands mittens are warmer then gloves and since they don’t need their fingers, mittens are the best option. Invest in a pair of gloves/mitts for skiing, don’t use the gloves they wear everyday to the hill or the ones he used the night before to play outside. These mittens need to have a good insulation, and some water resistance. Goggles are optional but the kids will want them since everyone has them, kid goggles are cheap and will last for a lot of seasons.
• Instructor or self instructing: This decision can be dictated by the policy of the hill some hills will not teach kids that are under certain ages, some will but as a private instruction which can be expensive. But since they are new most of their skiing will be bunny hill and that is something you can take control of until they are old enough to do lessons. The most important thing is to keep them safe, you need to ensure that they are not going to hit or run into anything or anyone.
• Skiing aids: This is an area that as a parent I have changed my opinion. As an instructor and before children I felt that the use of aids were bad and should never be used. But as a parent the use of aids helps to keep your child in control, and for both of you to enjoy your day more since he is being independent and you can relax a little bit. The aid I use is a tip aid that ties the skies into a snowplough, this encourages proper technique and also keeps a good posture. Other aids may not do this, so think about the aid and make sure that it is still accomplishing this goal.

The most important thing to remember is that the reason you are starting them skiing, which is to have fun as a family, so always remember keep it fun. Watch your child, you know them best, when they are getting tired take a break. I would normally only ski ½ day with my son and it wasn’t until the end of his third season that he wanted to ski longer. Hope you found this enjoyable and will get out this year with your child.

What is the best base layer to wear? That depends of what the activity is you are participating in, personnel heat or cold tolerance, financial consideration.

So for the purpose of this we are going to assume that you are wearing a base layer for skiing/snowboarding. Light to mid weight and assuming you are on a resort not off exploring the backcountry. So the next choice and the biggest is the type of fabric; here you have three main options.

Polyester or polyester blends:

• Manmade fabric.
• Some product contained recycled polyester.
• Is normally blended with other product to improve moister wicking or comfort.
• Durable.

Polypropylene

• Manmade fabric.
• Durable.
• Used by some military as a base layer.

Wool

• Natural fabric.
• Good heat and cold control.
• Durable.
• Been around a long time.
• Natural flame resistant.

 

Cotton was not included since it is not a good base layer because of its ability to hold moisture, and Silk while I personally I like my silk some other place then in my base layer. 

So which one is the best option? The most common and easily accessible is polyester also the products in this group have big ranges in prices. You can purchase top and bottoms from big box retailers for $ 28.00 or you can pay up to 155.00. So since I’m budget consigns I tend to look closely when the spread is that big. How much is that driven brand, sales BS and how much of it is value worth paying for. So you need to ask your self some questions:

1. How long do I want this base layer to last?
2. Do seams bother my skin causing rash or itch?
3. Do you want or need this layer to do more than the ski/boarding season?
4. Do you care if it my trap odors?
5. Is purchasing environmental friendly product important to you?
6. Do you need one set or multiple sets

 The answers to the above will help guide you in your decision, there are to many product on the market and manufactures for me to have tried all of them so I can’t recommend one over the other.

My personal choice is this product it is from MEC, the bottom and top meet my personal needs. I have a high temp tolerance for cold and like the environmental impact of this product since they use recycled polyester. And also the fact it is more budget friendly at a price of 52.00 for the set is not the cheapest but mid price product. REI also make a similar product top and bottom you will pay 60.00 for the set but they don’t use recycled polyester. My son has been wearing a big box set for two years for skiing and it still is in great shape and works warm so don’t loss site that big box store products in this case are a reasonable option when the wear is more than likely to outgrow the product in two or three years.

For that reason we need to venture back about three years. I was starting to realize that if I wanted to stay in generally good shape I would need to make an effort to work out. To me being in good shape means being able to do a sport and perform reasonably well when doing it  and not be in pain the next day. I’m fortunate to be a person that has never had a weight issue to challenge me and for the most part I eat whatever I want and don’t concern myself with putting on weight. But due to an active life style of ski racing and manual labour when I was younger, I do have some aches and pains, and these pains seem much more manageable if I’m in reasonable physical condition. So I set about looking for a workout program or some guidance that would allow me to workout without spend a fortune in gym memberships or fitness equipment (if you haven’t figured out yet I’m cheap) and be reasonable on my time. So after reading several web sites I came across a program from outside magazine that seemed to fit what I was looking for.  I set about working out using this program as a guide, while working out I realized couple of things about myself:

• I need to have some variety in a workout, using a machine or repetitive routine caused me to get bored of it quickly.
• I need a goal to get me to workout.

So the idea of an adventure race came to me while brain storming for something to be my goal to work out to. What appeals to me about the adventure racing is the combination of activities I enjoy. Most adventure races have a core group of activities and sometimes others depending on the race. The core groups of activities are mountain biking, paddling, orienteering or trail running. All of these I enjoy except trail running which I’m not a fan of but will try to learn to love it.

Now I have had the desire but was concerned about what to expect, cost, equipment, and can I do it. I spent some time looking at different web sites, blogs, and race websites trying to get a feel for this sport and to help address my concerns. I was still on the fence about how to proceed, so I decided this year to attend a clinic offered locally to help get me off the fence and it did what I hoped.  I’m committed to competing next year and it is time to learn some more, so will post my progress and findings here, and maybe help someone else get off the fence. Posts for the future:

• How to get started
• Training
• Gear and cost of adventure racing
• Skill development
• Team locating
• Adventure racing goal

Thanks for reading.

The  announcement by Intrawest has made me want learn more about helmet and their use when skiing or boarding.

To begin with I have been skiing and riding and racing  for over 30 years. I’m a helmet wearer, and my son wears one also. Lets evaluate the facts why you should and your children should wear a helmet. 

Intrewest’s reason for making this statement might be more than  “underscoring Intrawest’s commitment to guest safety,” it could be insurance reasons or a PR reasons in light of the high profile death at Mount Trembant last season of Natasha Richardson. To me I personally applaud them for stepping up to the plate and making a statement no matter what the reason.

there are several sites that talk about this but I feel this site http://www.ski-injury.com/prevention/helmet has some relatively current and easy to understand stats.

In the 2008/09 ski year there was approximately 48% of skiers/border wearing helmets. This stat at my local hill seems pretty accurate. There has been a 25% increase in helmet use since 2002/03. Also interesting fact that 77% of children 9 yrs and under wear helmets.

Why not to wear a helmet? The common resons I have heard are increases accident rate, increases neck injury and the expense. The increase in accident rates  can be from the increase of population of ski/boards without looking at the ratio in comparison. There is also the fact that people feel they can do dumb things because they have a helmet on. Just because you have a helmet doesn’t mean you can ride a rail unless you have the skills. The research shows that there was no increase in neck injury since the voluntary use of helmets began. Is there an expense? Well yes you can spend $ 50.00 to $ 200.00 for a helmet but I personally wouldn’t purchase the cheaper helmet without researching it testing and approvals standard. Lets face it, if you live in US what does one hospital visit cost you? My guess is much less than a helmet. Also head size doesn’t change as fast as feet so your helmet will properly fit for several seasons unlike a boot or coat.

Should a helmet be law? The facts and my personal feelings don’t support it as the main cause of injury or death so making it a law or ski hill regulation isn’t right. The better choice is to promote it like Interwest has said not only by a press release but supported in marketing materials and adds, again like Interwest has committed to do.

The reasons I wear one and also why my son isn’t allowed on the hill without his.

• Warmer then any hat
• Protection from falling (yes I still fall as do most people who push themselves)
• Protection for being struck by other skiers/boarders
• Can’t expect my son to wear one if I don’t set the example

My son wears one for the same reasons above, we had an incident last year the reinforced my reasons. Last season at the bottom of a run as my son was turning to get to the chair lift he was cut off and that forced him to fall. The area he fell was completely ice and the first thing to hit was his head and it was hard. My first thought is he is going to be hurt but when I help him up he was completely fine and ready to go again. And to me the cost of the helmet was nothing my boy wasn’t hurt or upset.

So are you a helmet wearer? What is your reason? I would love to know.

(this is a re-post from my personal blog)

The Guppie is a small compact handy multi tool that fits in the palm of my hand. It has some clever features that make it more than a pocket knife, but not a full blown multi-tool either. 

The guppie is super small and lite at 116g, it can go in a pocket easily and comfortable or use the integrated carabineer to hook it on a dee ring, pack, or belt loop for easy and secure storage. So what are it’s features? 2” Folding blade easily opened with one hand. It has an adjustable wrench up to ½”.  Screw driver with removable bit holder, with built in LED. An integrated clip for attaching to packs, or clothing clip, can also hold important papers. This little tool also includes the all important bottle opener. CRKT also offers a life time warranty on their knives. 

What did I like about this tool? It packs a lot of features into a small light tool. I have been looking for something like this that will give me more than a pocket knife but not the bulk and size of a full size multi-tool. With the carabineer or the integrated clip I have lots of options on where to carry it. The detachable bit hole with built in light, I was concerned about the potential of bits slipping out or the holder falling off but I haven’t experienced that issue. The big advantage of the bit holder and bits is I can change the screw driver bit based on what I’m doing; allen head for mounting biking, large philips or slot for snowboarding and a hand light convently at hand for night or extra illumination. 

What I didn’t like, not too much. I would have liked to seen a more secure bit holder, but again haven’t lost any yet, just the potential down the road. Second I would have liked to have seen a locking blade feature.

For the MSRP of 39.99 very handy for the low price. Definitely in the average Joe`s price range. Check them out online at www.crkt.com/Guppie also a list of dealers off the site.