Busy Summer Happenings

Hey strange web world...

Over the next few weeks I have some time off of work and I plan to do some more posting. For the time being, here are a few photos from my "A" race this fall:

Thus, WhatsNextDave Gal is now Mrs. WhatsNextDave.

Here are a few more photos. Thanks to Michael Rastall for his great talent.

Welcome Back to Wrigleyville Mr. Ricketts

What's that I smell? Is it hope?

 

Good interview. He is probably right about the family stuff. Wrigleyville is a great place for a 22 year old, but I have seen a number of awkward situations with kids at Wrigley.

I like the discussion of player development. I think that is something the Cubs have literally traded away over the last 10 years.

So Mr. Ricketts, you are saying the right things, but of course you are. Let's see what it means for the north sides favorite ballplayers.

Triathlon Swimming... LA or Chicago?

This is from the LA Triathlon this year. As I am still working on my swimming, I am please old lake Michigan doesn't get rolling like this (in the months I would think about getting in it.





In related news... for you swimmers on the west coast, this was off Sunset Blvd a few weeks ago:

Link of HUGE Shark jumping out of water

Sure, the water is only really good for swimming 5 months a year here, but I don't have to worry about that guy swimming at Ohio Street Beach.

• Lastly, in cool news, my boys from Umphrey's McGee were featured in The Toilet Paper on Sunday. I guess they have really made it.

You Talk'n to Me?

3 days 20 Minutes.

I have been a little chilly the last few nights coming home, so I grabbed the ND pullover today leaving the house. As I did so I whissled the first couple of notes of the Victory March, like at the beginning of the game after the band is on the field and the announcer is introducing the band and the director, etc.

da, da, da, daaa, daaaaa, da ,da

"Oh no," says Melissa.

"Oh yes."

[Sigh]

"Hey hon, you know what we need to do on Thursday?" I ask the pre-wife.

"No," she says mentally running through our wedding to do list.

"Do you know what week it is?"

"Football week."

"Yes! But specifically..."

"Notre Dame football week."

"Right honey, so what do we need to do on Notre Dame football week?

"Take our meds?"

"No. Think pregame night time activities."

"Drink beer?"

"We can do this while drinking beer."

"Oh, We watch Rudy," she said proudly.

"Yes we do."

For all the info on Notre Dame's Season Opener, Click Here.

Focusing on My Mistress - Goals for 2009

Hello from the land of ice, beer, and hockey, that's right I am celebrating Memorial Day weekend like any good American, in Canada. WND Gal and I are up her visiting her aunt and uncle and cousins. Not too different from last Memorial Day weekend when we almost made it to Canada visiting my relatives.

Now, let's get to business. This blog and my WND life had been lacking focus recently. Excuses are both plenty and worthless. It's time to kick it into high gear.

Case-in-point was the annual JP Morgan Chase and Co Corporate Challenge 3.5 mile race Thursday night. You might remember last year I ran a sub 7 minute mile race, but held back a bit because it was only two days before the Bayshore Half Marathon. So I thought this year I could hold a 7 minute pace.

That worked for about a mile and a half, at which point I cramped up in my shoulder and my neck. Very odd, and not much fun. Anyway, I ended up running about a 7:40 pace, which was a full minute slower than last year. In all honesty, that is probably about what type of running shape I am in. I have not been nearly as consistant running as one needs to be to advance his base.

So let talk goals.
This summer is all triathlons all the time. I have referenced my cyberfriend Donald's great post on about his marriage to marathon running and his mistresses of triathlons before, and without a doubt I feel I am on a tryst this summer with the tri's. Last year I think I burned out a bit. I started my running very early in the year, and my training was unfocused while I was trying to do too many types of events (tri, martathoning, and that crazy idea of mountain racing). I think all the ideas where good, but it was just too much to train properly for them.

So I am focused on triathlons. The "A" race is the 2009 Whirlpool Ironman 70.3 Steelhead Triathlon August 1 in Benton Harbor MI. It is the big Ironman branded half IM in the area. The choice was that one or one in Racine WI. I decided to go for the bigger race, and one where the run was not 100% in the sun.

"B" races are the Olympic distanced Chicago Triathlon (late August) and maybe the Hy-Vee Triathlon (late June). "C" events will include the Udder Century Ride June 7 and a few running races.

How does this fit into The List?
There is the whole Ironman thingy. I am probably looking at the summer of 2011 for that. I also hope to cross off a couple other things off the list this summer too, first on that list is getting married (Sept 26, if WND Gal doesn't leave me due to too much commitment to my mistress the triathlon). Hopefully I can do a few other things too, I feel kind of ambitious.

Notes:

• I am excited to be blogging again. I hope I can keep it up. Work has been kind of a bear and the wedding has added some stuff to the schedule, but summer is a good time to write. Everything seems brighter.
  
• Happy Conrades weekend. I think I will write a post about this fantastic sounding ultra race in South Africa. This year 12,000 people are running it!
  
• I am bikeless in Toronto this weekend. It is strange not to be riding today, but I am about to take off for a run. Hopefully we will have some good photos to post when I return.
  
• Congratulations to my NYC blogging friends (link and link). They both had pretty good races in the last few weeks, so much so they inspired me to look into their training methods. More on that later.
  

A Good Post on Open Water Swimming

In honor of all the cold water swimmers in Galena over last weekend, here is a good article on how to improve your open water swimming:

Triathlon skills: how to improve your open-water swimming

The Gift of a Nice Run

The quote of the day from Runners World: 

"Running is a gift I give myself almost every day. Even on those days when things haven't gone great, I can come home and give myself the accomplishment of a 30- or 40-minute run."

ARTHUR BLANK

With the weather finally turning here in Chicago, I can appreciate this a little more. I am going to try to give myself that gift after work today. Nothing too crazy though. Tomorrow is The Race to Wrigley. Let's hope WND Gal has a little better race than last year.

Hottest Tri Ever? Ironman China

Blogging is fun, but reading race blogs from elite level athletes is fun too.  For example, this story from Chris McCormack about his experience doing the Ironman 70.3 China is crazy. I have run marathons when I was hot, but it was NOTHING near 120 degrees. It's a good read.

Ironman 70.3 China - Toughest Triathlon Day of my career

• Also, just picked up the new Triathlete Magazine last night. In it, it talks about qualifying for the Ironman World Championships in Kona. Yeah, right. I used to think the only way I could get there is by winning the lottery to get in (there is one). Now, I have found there is another way. It only cost $10,000. See the article here.
  

Happy Boston Marathon Day!

The Granddaddy of Them All. . . The Boston Marathon is today, and all the news is how Boston Billy, Bill Rodgers who won in 1975, 1978, 1979, and 1980 is running it again, and how he thinks there are some Americans who might be competetive this year.

26 more miles for Boston Billy

Boston Marathon Champ Bill Rodgers Sees U.S. Runners Winning

Ryan Hall dishes on tapering, the Boston Marathon and Chicago

Good Run in Des Moines

I joined the family in Des Moines for my mother's birthday party. It was another great Iowa weekend. The weather was warmer, I got a great run in on Saturday, and saw some good friends, and enjoyed great family time.

Here was the run:


I took off from my parents house and took the back roads down to the old location of Raccoon Valley Little League. This is where I played 12 summers worth of baseball. It has since been moved because it was in the middle of a flood zone and didn't make it back after the floods in 1993. It's now part of water works park and they have a nice little disc golf course there. It was strange running through there as I couldn't even place where the different fields where.

The whole run was enjoyable. I enjoyed the expanded bike path and was pleasantly surprised by all the flowers on the route.

• Quick note: Tomorrow is Patriot Day. I am looking forward to seeing how my good buddy Ryan Hall does in the Boston Marathon.
  

Thank God for Baseball Season

Soccer just isn't cutting it. Case-and-point: Funniest German Video Ever

Breaking News from the Cubs

Cubs To Continue Tradition Of Playing Baseball

Why I Love Baseball

Fun
Pronunciation: \ˈfən\;  Function: noun
Etymology: English dialect fun to hoax, perhaps alteration of Middle English fonnen, from fonne dupe
Date:1727

Definition: 1. When men can act like boys and it's not only ok, but exceptional.

Use in a Video: Johan Santana of the Mets (a starting pitcher non-the-less), with an unique, personalized handshake for each one of his teammates before his start.

• Yes, I will continue blogging about endurance stuff at some point, but I am in a baseball mood today.

Newest Lance Armstrong Interweb Report

He Tweets, He blogs, He videoblogs. He breaks his collarbone and rides the next week, He pisses off the French. Yes, Lance Armstrong is a Superman.

Love him or hate him, here Lance Armstrong's latest video message to all of his virtual peeps:

Lance Video

Cubs Home Opener... And I am at Work

I haven't missed an opening day since I have moved to Chicago, until today.  But it's raining, so I might miss the home opener tomorrow.   Either way I couldn't be more dissappointed in the whole situation and still consider myself an adult.

In other Cubs related news:

Goat's head found outside Wrigley Field
April 13, 2009 4:50 AM  
A new Cubs season, a new attempt to lift the curse.

A goat's head was found on the Harry Caray statue outside Wrigley Field early this morning. Police said they were treating the whole thing as a prank and didn't intend to pursue an investigation. The same thing happened two years ago, they said.


This morning I listened to WXRT radio do their annual deal from Yak-Zies on Clark. It isn't the same as starting off there and then heading over to Murphy's, then to the bleachers to sit through some crappy weather to watch the Cubs.

Some people find sitting in 40 degree rain miserable, but I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

Maybe this will be the year, and maybe it won't, but either way I will be watching from start to finish. I am back. I am on-board and strapped-in for another 164 games of the Cubs Roller Coaster ride.

God Help Me, and God Bless the Chicago National League Baseball Club.

GO CUBS!

Preseason Triathlon Inspiration

Are you like me in that you are finding it tougher and tougher to workout when the weather sucks.  Here is some good stuff from the web I thought I would share to get fired up for the upcoming race season:

"Accept your limitation and, with care, the thinking runner will have a comfortable, creditable race. But go for broke and prepare to be broken."

GEORGE SHEEHAN

"I am sure George means well, but what fun is it if you don't go for broke?"

WHATSNEXTDAVE

Here is a classic:


Looking for the answer to the question, Why Tri? This gem is from Ironman Kona survivor Steve Moore of the Chicago Tri Club.

(Steve's quote, "The music is the 4th Ballet Suite of Shostakovich. No one does pain and suffering like the Russians.")

Well if you are inspired by those clips, you are in the right sport. And you are also a little sick, but in a good way.

• I got to watch the Cubs game on the tv tonight. Good win. I am still not drinking the coolaid yet, but it's nice to see them over .500.
  
• Tough week at the whatsnextdave house, and it's only Wednesday. Melissa gets the hero award. I should have her blog here describing her whatsnext moments. They have been much more inspiring than any quotes or people falling over because they have been out in the sun too long.
  

Welcome to the Chicago Cubs Virtual Waiting Room!

"Just because it isn't working for you, or anyone you know, doesn't mean it isn't working for ticket scalpers."

Being a Cubs fan isn't easy. Never mind the annual meltdown. Don't sweat the overpaid coddled starts that are past their prime. $8 Old Styles, it's part of the charm.

Here is the actual catch of it all, despite all of that and annual face ticket price increases, YOU CAN'T BUY THEM. 

If you don't actually have to go work on wrist band day, you will lose the lottery. If you are at work and don't have to be in meetings, you can sit in the "Virtual Waiting Room" and watch games get sold out. 

But yet, here I am...

... and some sunny day in July or maybe even early August it will all make sense. I only hope one of these years that feeling makes it to Thanksgiving.

Woman Swims Across the Atlantic, Or Does She?

I hate to blow the ending of this one, but NO she didn't.  Not even close.

She did swim a real long way though. See the EverymanTri story for the explanation.

BTW- They also noted how someone could do it, but that would be even more silly than running across the Sahara (which is the subject of an upcoming post).

Lance Armstrong Comments on Doing the Ironman Triathlon

This one cracks me up (you can click on the photo to see the full photo).

For the last couple of years I have been talking about Lance Armstrong doing an Ironman.  Clearly I am not the only one, and looks like the word has gotten back to him.  See the photo above for his thoughts on it at he was training in Kona for his latest comeback bid.  Yeah Lance, the joke's on us.

"What's with all this Ironman business... I'm ready. Actually I'm not. Toughest competitors around.."

He also talked about going back to triathlons in this article in Outside.  And his coach, Chris Carmichael, talked about it in the article Lance Armstrong: Training in Kona, Thinking of Ironman (with video) from Slowtwitch.

That will be fun to see.

BTW- This is Armstrong's Twitpic page.  Kind of interesting to see what he posts.  For example, I guess someone stole his TT bike.  Since I am still riding my LeMond, it clearly wasn't me.

I Am Not Ready to Deal With The Cubs... Yet

Pitchers and catchers reported on Friday the 13th.  Really, is that a good idea for the Cubs?

I am just not there yet.  Not even close.  People are talking about going to opening day (I have gone the last 5 years now), and I have yet to throw my hat in the ring.  Single day tickets go on sale Friday and I don't think I am going to even try.

Part of it is that the Cubs are getting more expensive every year, and we are trying to save pennies now.  But truth be told, the bigger issue is that I am still pissed.  I am pissed that the Cubs continue to treat their overplay players like fragile eggs.  I am pissed that the team played like crap AGAIN in the playoffs last year.   And I am pissed that despite 100 years of not winning the playoffs it has become virtually impossible to get tickets at face (not to mention the fact the face cost of BLEACHER tickets are $60).

If I was GM I would trade any big contract guy for as many prospects as I could get.  In 4 years I would have a hell of a team.  As the Marlins how many championships they have won in the last 100 years.

So I post the video below in hopes that I get over my disappointment and jump on the Cubs bandwagon again this year.  I am sure the Kool-Aid will taste good when I get to it, but now all I can remember is the very bitter aftertaste.

• There was a good story in the Tribune today about the leadoff spot.  Stuff like this gets me closer to being able to deal with the Cubs, because I immediately get angry when Lou feels he has to coddle Soriano by leading him off.  OBP in the leadoff spot scores more runs. More runs wins games, maybe even playoff games.  I have a feeling the Ewing Theory will take effect after Fonzy leaves.
  

Happy Birthday James

I started this post in June to congratulate my buddy Charlie for winning an open water swim around Key West.  From his own report, he beat almost everyone in the race, took first place in his division (male), and he punch a shark in the face at the end for good measure.  Regardless that he got smoked by the only female in the race, they still gave him a cool trophy.  Nice work.

Since I am only some 10 months late with this post, I thought I would use it to wish by favorite God son, James a happy first birthday.  It has been a very exciting year.

See below a photo of the wonder kid taking his first swim.  This was right after the Hy-Vee Tri in June 2008.  I have been told that since this photo was taken James' swimming has vastly improved.  I am sure before we know it Chuck and I will be watching James put wakes in the Roosevelt pool or maybe be first out of the water at some triathlon. 

So Happy Birthday James.  Tell your pops I miss him and wish I could be around for him this week.  Your family is in our thoughts here in Chicago.

Dave's 2009 Motivation Blog

Will Anyone Notice If I Blog Again?  Do I care?  Not really...

Today's post is all about motivation.  I write this half to keep my ass moving in the craptastic weather that is the Chicago winter, but also to move my vast and loyal readership.

"Exercise is done against one's wishes and maintained only because the alternative is worse."   --  GEORGE SHEEHAN

Well, there are many reasons for exercise, but I think Doc Sheehan covered the basic one there.

Here is a good article about how there are no excuses not to workout (well there are a few in there).   "It may be Mardi Gras time, but don't let excuses weigh you down when it comes to exercise"  I think I really liked this article because it relates exercise to Mardi Gras.  You really do have to love New Orleans.

Sticking with the motivation theme here is an Runners World on how to Tough It Out.  I love the Star Wars reference from Brian Sell.

Since I am going to try to ease back into this internets blogging business that is all for today.  Here are a couple of odd balls for you:

• As if you needed another reason to work for Outside Magazine.  This has nothing to do with endurance events, but I suppose I should tack a few of these "Cool Party Tricks" on my to-do list.  "SHABA DO!"  Note: I really enjoyed the video where I learned to sabre a champagne bottle. Put away the knifes next New Year's Eve.   Also, I want to go on the record that I do not recommend the blowing fire bit. 
  
• Lastly, I got this from an email from Coldplay.  Glad to see they keeping their sense of humor despite all they've got going on.
  

What's Next for Dave? Hot New Things in Triathlon?

Still have to play catch up, but I read this article and thought it might be a good one looking towards next summer.

Half Ironman is the 'hot new thing' in the sport of triathlon