Tale of a Tough Ride

In an attempt to step up our training Lisa and I set out early this morning to meet Nobu for a LAR ("Long Ass Ride"). We define a LAR as anything over 50 miles. The first couple hours on the bike offered everything a roadie could dream up. We started with a ride over the Gold Gate Bridge. Headed down into the sleepy bayside town of Sausolito. Then headed into the Marin headlands. The romance of the ride pushed us further and further out. Instead of turning around at 25 miles, we extended to 30. Then we extended our turn around point to 35 miles (Point Reyes). That set us up for 70 miles on the day.

Shortly after turning around, my back tire blew out. Here began a comedy of errors which would have been funny, but for the blazing sun and lack of any breeze or shade. Ask any roadie how to change a tire and you'll likely get different answers regarding the best technique. That said, all would likely agree getting a road tire on a wheel is frustrating.

An exercise in frustration. . . My first attempt was with a tire with too small of a stem. My second attempt was with my patched up blown tire. It almost worked until the stem broke off! My third attempt was with a donated tire from another roadie. It went flat right after I got it on. Finally, I patched the donated tire, got it on my wheel and started off again down the road. All in, I spent 90 minutes on the side of the road and switched out 4 tires.

My repair worked for about 5-10 miles at at time. Then I would have to hop off and pump up my tire. The 4 hours of riding and roadside repair had taken a toll on all of us. It became clear to all that it was time to call in reinforcements. Without discussion, Nobu called his girlfriend, Kaori, to pick me up in Fairfax. I had covered 50 miles and my ride was over. Thanks Kaori!!!

Nobu and Lisa pushed on into some fierce winds. While climbing back up to the Golden Gate, Lisa was literally blown over by a rouge gust of wind. 20 miles and almost two hours later Nobu and Lisa rolled into the parking lot. I could not have been more impressed with their effort and accomplishment. They covered 70 miles!!! Don't let Lisa's casual smile fool you, she pushed her limits and is now passed out beside me.


Reflections on the day. . . bring correct tires to IMAZ (x2). . . Nobu is no joke. . . Lisa is one tough lady. . . running a marathon is unimaginable right now. . . in fact, I can barely walk. . . hoping for a better ride next week.

IM Training - A Balancing Act

My first month of Ironman training was a complete blur. Early morning swims, lunchtime runs and late night spins. Not surprisingly, balancing family, career, training and sleep has been difficult.

During June, my training slipped a bit. I feel I'm still on track but with 4.5 months to race day, it is definitely time to step up the training. My attitude toward training and the race is still very positive.

Right now my focus is consistency in training and maintaining my confidence. Missing work outs or feaking out about what lies ahead present the greatest risk at this stage. This month I'll train (and frankly live) like I race - steady controlled efforts, grateful for the experience and expecting the best.

The Ironman Commitment

On November 23, 2008 my wife, Lisa, and I will race Ironman Arizona. We registered for the race some time ago, but for me at least the commitment to Ironman training has just set in. I've spent the last month or so re-tooling my training, equipment, schedule and mindset and I am now Ironman focused.

As an 'initiated' Ironman athlete, I am well aware of how grueling the training is and what an amazing experience crossing the finish line can be. I'm constantly amazed by Lisa. . . this will be her first Ironman triathlon.

6 months to race day!

[X]press Magazine Article - Published!

A while back I blogged about my interview with [X]press Magazine. The article was published today. Here is an excerpt and a link to the article. Enjoy!

"Even with a wetsuit, it feels like suicide. With each stroke away from the secluded beach, the swimmer becomes more aware that if he stops moving his limbs, the cold of the fifty-degree water will consume them. Within about ten minutes, feet aren’t feet anymore—they become solid blocks attached to legs. The inexperienced ocean swimmers can’t keep their face under to exhale after each stroke because the denseness of the freezing water makes their chest constrict so tightly that exhaling into the blackness would be like trying to blow through a thin straw. But the swimmer keeps moving, struggling against the force of the ocean, like the sensation of two magnets being held so close that they almost meet."

"During the early morning, Kevin Haugh often swims among historic boats resting in the water against the docks where tourists walk in the afternoon. This morning the sun has not risen, and the only distinguishable light he can see is from the round glow sticks attached to his fellow swimmers’ caps. As he swims with his head down, he feels something so large under him that it seems to displace the water, making it rise. As he brings his arm down. . ."

Link to Full Article

Wildflower 2008 - Photo Essay

Race reports to follow. . . here are the pics!

Chillin watching the Pros and oh, Mark and Victor!

A blur which was Mark McKee on the long course (he finished 10th).

Victor on the long course (Saturday afternoon)


Dave and Doug arrive Saturday evening.


It ain't Wildflower if you don't camp.


With camp established. . . let the drinking begin!
(limit 3 beers per athlete on race night)


Foggy race morning (Sunday) . . . here are your athletes!


Future Ironman and 1st grade teacher - Nobu Takahashi



T1 - Swim to Bike transition


The swim start.


Alex begins the swim.


Long course (Ironman) Victor with two young Olympic Distance virgins . . . Lisa & Elaine

Nobu on the bike, he is a Team Kaori-Man!

Just how does one post a 40 minute run time at the Olympic Wildlower course? Observe. . .


The transformation begins, from the Nobu we all know. . .
to the possessed speed demon.


You have now entered the Nobu Zone!


Check out the spectators!


I'm sorry, but these all get posted, look at this guy!

A man possessed, the most incredible transformation I've ever seen!


Now, THAT is the Nobu I know and love!


If it looks like a seal, swims like a seal, and runs like a seal. . .
its has to be Kev. Haugh
I've never been much of a runner, but the desire is there.


Lisa at the Finish Line with Nobu and Alex.


Crazy Tri-Fans
(Bob, Kev., Dave)


Julie (x2 Boston Marathoner), Alex, Kaori & Nobu


Happy couple - Kaori & Nobu


Another happy couple - Lisa & Kev.


A parting shot of our amazing crew. It was an unforgettable weekend!
Thanks everyone!
(Kev., Dave, Doug, Bob)
(Lisa, Nobu, Alex)

All Iron-April Athletes Finish with Mile Sharing!

Due to the MASSIVE MILES posted by the early Iron-April Finishers, there were more than enough miles to bring EVERY Iron-April Athlete across the finish line!

Congrats to all Athletes! Lets do it again next year.

See you at the Iron-April BBQ!


Click HERE to view Mitch's Iron-April Art.

Iron-April 2008 FINISHER LIST

1. Mark McKee (4/13)
2. Sunny McKee (4/13)
3. Victor Shum (4/13)
4. Nobu Takahashi (4/13)
5. Larry Low (4/21)
6. Elaine Shum (4/21)
7. Bill Hogan (4/21)
8. Mitch Moghadassi (4/21)
10. Jim Wirth (4/23)
11. Rick Graves (4/26)
12. Kaori (4/27)
13. Kevin Haugh (4/27)
14. Alex (4/27)
15. Shannon Moore (4/28)
16. Team Jamie Lin (4/28)
17. Lisa Haugh (4/28)
18. Bob Conover (4/28)
19. Jason Prodoehl (4/28)
20. Rebecca Tilley (4/29)
21. Pauline Falstrom (4/29)
22. Jon Nakamura (4/30)
23. Frances Yang (4/30)
24. Team Kobold Watch Co. (4/30)
25. Kenneth Schwartzman (4/30)
26. Yoko Kasai (4/30)
27. Bob Morelli (4/30)
28. Ron Scrivani (4/30)
29. Dave Landa (4/30)

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE FINISHERS!!!