Giardia Strike

I was always wary of travel bugs that had to watched out for when in other countries. Usually I hear of the tales regarding Asia and Africa and even the southern Americas. But 2 years ago after a trip through the Americas I came back fit as a fiddle and then after being back in Oz for a few months I got sick in the nation's capital which I soon found out to be Giardia.

Well after 2 years the pain in the arse Parasite (literally) has returned to slow down the training regime.Seems like I am out of commission for a few days and am going to have to wait it out. With all the travel warnings Canada and Australia never seemed to hit the top 10lists of places to watch out for such things.

I guess you can never have the most ideal lead up to a race. At least it didn't happen on the race weekend.

Spring is a sprung but i'm still feeling cold!

This weekend is looking like the 1st possible ride outside. I can't remember the last time I was able to ride on the roads and I imagine there will be some balance issues to deal with.

The swimming is looking strong and the running outdoors has been made much easier thanks to the runs with the group.


Just a few weeks ago I braved the cold along the great lakes to model the new swimmers. Lets just say that I am looking forward to summer.

Why I Stayed!!!

It seems that with an on-going winter and people struggling to understand how I can live let alone train in this environment, especially with the easily accessible option of Australia and 30 degree heat just a plane ride away I figured it was time to show you why I am here.

It has been eight months today since I have been seeing Karla and although the weather is not the kindest Factor it is enough to get me through this miserable outdoor freeze.


I am missing my friends back home and can't wait to go back in November for Rich's Wedding but I am very lucky to also have met some great friends here to train and socialise with.


Canada is a great place. It is also a place that I would gladly welcome some warmer climate change weather.

The Weather Channel Sux

22 Weeks on a schedule has begun and I am three weeks the better for it. Considering my only outdoor training happens once or twice a month I am seeing real improvement in strength and endurance. The weather here is relentless, and only occasionally offers a reprieve involving sunlight.
Among my Winter hiding I have often sat inside and cursed the weather channel which now sits atop my most hated of channels. Even ahead of the shopping network and the channel that shows Big Brother and other reality TV Shows.

I am starting to see the occasional 4 hour ride crop up on the schedule and despite the constant use of the home trainer I am actually enjoying most of the rides. Quite often I am lucky enough to do these rides with Karla or with a group of friends being instructed by coach Jen.

Can't see an end in sight for this weather but I guess it will only make me appreciate the warm weather even more when it gets here.

Splish on Board

Looking at the few photos and pictures on the Blog I am sure you will come accross a sign for Splish Custom Swimwear. This great group have been brave enough to sponsor me over the season and I in turn am wearing their swimwear.

I was amazed when I saw the range of colours available and once seeing a custom suit on Chrissy Parks (now in Touscan) I had to make the call. I have posted some photos of the designs I have developed for my personal use and will soon post some pictures of the modeling stage.

The options are endless and anybody can design a suit to wet their appetite.

The website is www.splish.com

Thanks guys!!

I Thought I was a cold weather runner!!!

I always considered my body to be more capable in the cold than in the heat. I guess that's because my idea of a cold weather run consisted of temperatures close to Zero Degrees Celsius with perhaps a bit of light drizzle.

Well how wrong I was when I layered up for my FIRST EVER cold weather run. With thermal underwear, compression tights and cold weather tights on bottom, and 4 layers of protection on the torso, plus the 2 pairs of gloves and beanies (or touques as they are called in Canada), I was ready to face the weather. ( I also forgot to add the balaclava I had on under the beanie).

I stepped outside and paused, thinking to myself, "this isn't too bad". As I turned the corner however I was overcome by how cold the weather really was.

I arrived at the Gym where the Runners Choice Group were meeting as person by person trekked in all layered up to varying degrees. We had our stretch and talk and our bold leader John led us outside.12.5 Miles was the call for my run today(a huge run for me only 6 months ago). The go-getters settling on over 14 Miles.

We got moving and started our Trek as a light mist of snow blew into our faces. All the front runners, like the packs behind, were snuggled together to form wind breaks, at one point or another swapping roles to take the brunt of the weather. Small conversation was on the cards as I was welcomed with the prospect that with the wind chill, todays weather was -25 Degrees Celsius. That is Nuts.

Well the run was quite bearable. The moment in time when I spotted a port-a-loo along the trail was a magic one, and allowed me to relieve myself of the feast from the Mongolian Restaurant the night before. And instead of the planned 12.5 Miles, I ended up missing my turn and doing the whole distance. But probably the most amazing part of the experience was seeing the ice settle on peoples faces as saliva and snot froze to the face, and how I personally had to unfreeze my eyelashes from my eyelids.

Would I do this again? I think, with the right group of people and a smart route it is a definite possibility. But my solo runs during the week are going to be all indoors.