Machine on the move

It has been a very frustrating experience trying to track Jen and the Machine. They seem to finally have the tracking system working, but because of the bonus check point options, it's really hard to know who is winning. This race is totally a game of strategy because if the teams try to get all of the bonus check points, they won't be able to make the cut-off times for the various stages. Allowing for the fatigue that has got to be absolutely crazy by now, this is still anyone's win, as far as I can see.

According the finally published leaderboard, nuun-Feed The Machine was in 13th place at the end of Stage 3. I really don't think we will know how the results play out until they cross the finish line. In the meantime, I know Jen appreciates your encouragement and support. This is definitely a race designed to test the metal! And the machine just keeps rollin'....

Tracking trouble....

Not much to report just yet, as there seems to be a bit of a problem with the tracking system. As soon as I find out anything (I sure hope I don't have to call the Race Director AGAIN!!!- Jen will Kill me!) I will pass it on. In the meantime, I found a picture of nuun-Feed The Machine on the move!!

Pulling it all together

I have had two emails from Jen since she arrived in Portugal. The first one said that the race requires a support crew and her team, nuun-Feed The Machine (#18)did not have a support crew, which was very concerning. Jen is racing in the 2009 Adventure Race World Championships with the formidables - Cyril Jay-Rayon, Aaron Rinn and Aaron Matzke.

A follow-up email yesterday said that one of the Portuguese teams has given up a member of their crew. Very sportsman like! Also, they ran across an old friend, Richard King, who is the master of logistics and helping teams from back home. He has joined their crew, so they will have 2 people to support them, which is such good news, as it would be impossible to do the almost 900km race without assistance.

Jen also said that 60 maps will be given out Saturday night. Just keeping those organized is a feat in itself!

Apparently, the course will be in Northern Portugal, with 80,000 feet of climbing over the 900km course. (I did not make that up - Jen said it herself! I'm just hoping she accidently added an extra zero or two!) She said it feels a bit chaotic right now, but will no doubt smooth out as they get more familiar with their surroundings. Sunday is the opening parade and a prologue stage in Cascais, followed by a 3-hour bus ride to central Portugal to restart the race on Monday morning. Once underway, the teams will be going non-stop until they hit the finish line, probably Friday night or Saturday morning. With skill, speed, smarts, strength, endurance, and your good wishes, hopefully Team #18 will arrive in 1st place!!

I will update you as I get more information. Let the race begin!!
Bonnie

World Championships - Portugal

Last race of 2009 and I am stoked. We are off to Portugal, the location of this years world adventure racing championships. Here are the details so that you can follow along. I will blog & post as much as possible leading up to and prior.

Race Website: www.arwc2009.com/en/

Sleepmonsters coverage: www.sleepmonsters.com

TEAM: nuun FeedtheMachine (#18)

We can assume that once the race gets underway on Sunday 8th, the website will direct you to the live coverage. More than likely, you will be able to follow along also on Sleepmonsters too as usual.

Thanks to everyone for all their support! Enjoy following, send us healthy vibes, lots of energy and good weather. Its time to ROCK!!

Blender Power

And just what is in that you ask??? This is my everyday post workout drink. Throw everything in, blend & drink. Cheers to good health.

1 banana

1 cup blueberries

1 handful spinach

1 cup rice/soy or regular milk

1 scoop protein powder

1 scoop Perfect Food (greens)

3 dashes of cinnamon

Fill the rest up with cold water

1 tbsp Udo's Oil (for the good, 3, 6, 9 fats)

and voila!!! A rehydrating, recovering and high antioxidant smoothy with all the essentials!

Rocky Mountain Running BOOK

Check out this new book out called "Mountain Running in the Canadian Rockies" by Bob Walker. It just arrived to my house and I must say I am stoked for summer 2010 already! All the great running routes are described with maps in an easy to follow format. The pictures are stunning! I did a weekend getaway to Banff, AB last year and it kicked ass! Support Bob & the book by ordering at www.mtnrunning.ca

On another note, here in the pacific northwest where rainy days are becoming the normal again (but what a great summer we had so we must really not complain) I grunted it up the Chief once again. This is my 3x a week workout. With very little running in my program right now, the chief gets it done with the almost hurling feel each and every time.

The Cool Down - hmmmmmm

Just came across this article recently published in the New York Times talking about the "why" factor of the cool-down. Interesting. Sometimes I think we tend to just go with what people say without ever really questioning if it makes sense or not. I'm not too sure what to think about the cool-down just yet but it will be interesting to see what research gets done on it in the near future. As a coach, I'm always trying to stay on top of these topics but the "what to do's" and "what not to do's" are always changing. It's actually kind of exciting. Now read up and form your own opinion and I am going to go and see what else I can dig up on this topic!

The Achilles

I have come to respect the largest tendon in the human body over the past few months. Since my training and racing at the Rock & Ice back in March, my running season has been one big mess. While I have pushed through, relying heavily on my pain box, it was time to finally face the reality of having full blown chronic Achilles Tendonitis. NOT FUN!!!! I had not run since the Vancouver Island Quest and then last week, Laura (my miracle worker massage therapist) who has been experimenting with some new treatment techniques finally cleared me to try a few runs. I am happy to report great progress. ICE is still my best friend and I think will always be. My Salomon XT wings and SOLE footbeds continue to rock. Laura has worked so hard on loosening my tight calves and getting some flexibility back into the tendon. Together we are getting there.

Worlds is in 2 weeks and I think I have maintained great fitness by big biking hours, hugs power hikes and paddles. Crossfit is back in my life and running is day by day. I had an awesome weekend training with the DART boys down in Bellingham on Sunday.

My words of advice to you (but mostly to me so that I actually listen)....

1) STOP when things flare up

2) Run with good technique which might mean re-learning how to run again

3) ICE and ICE and ICE

4) Work with (and don't reverse their treatment) of a knowledgeable massage therapist