Brian Martin

IMC my impossible

2011-09-01T22:06:00.000-06:00

The Thanks
The kids (Best supporters ever and my inspiration)
Wife(Kid wrangler and mover shaker)
Dad and Brother (Best transition team without them my race would not be what it is)
Tri It Multisport Calgary (Best tri store around, Iron Elvis lives)
Alberta Paraplegic fund (helping out with equipment needed to even attempt)
Rest of my family, friends, Spanish Villa group, volunteers and supporters
Steve Fleck (doesn't know it yet but is going to hook me up with a nineteen wetsuit and shirt)

Pre Race
Had a great sleep, felt great got to T1 setup talk to some pro's (Jordan) wished them luck

Swim - 1:26:45
I had planed to start for left as I heard that would be the best place to not get beat up but its so shallow and since I don't walk I decided on just left of the buoy line deep enough that everyone had to swim about 4 people back. I was fine until I hear a guy say "No broken noses" and thought WFT never thought of that and we are off.
First 400m a little rough but much better then I thought it would be I swam the buoy line the whole way out got bunched at the front of the buoy but after the buoy was open, I got elbowed, dunked and grabbed but felt it was ok, if someone was overly aggressive or zigzagging I just stopped for a sec and let them be. Turns felt fine and stayed to the right of the buoy line on the way back.
Super pumped for the swim I kept thinking I would be 1:30 - 1:40 and really figured it would be 1:40 so at 1:26ish happy and surprised

Bike - Offical DNF - or just under 11hours
Was out on the bike in 1:35ish and felt great I was aiming for over 25km average out to the bottom of Richter Pass, I was passing people and being passed hit McLean Creek felt good, my plan to get water at McLean Creek was to not happen as they were out, got through the top of McLean Creek unscathed by the tacks but saw a lot of victims tore done to Ok Falls and on my way to Richter Pass.

Just pass Ok Falls by shoulders started to feel crappy something I had not felt before so stretched a bit and kept on going.

I hit the bottom of Richter Pass at over 25km average and felt good shoulders sore, again no water, now as I was climbing it just did not feel right I just did not seem to have the power to climb I was loosing time fast and being passed a lot, I just kept going lots of support from everyone even when I got passed by sister Madonna Buder she called my name and wished me luck.

At the top of Richter I knew that I was going to miss the cut off my average speed was destroyed and now I just wanted to see by how much I would miss it.

Great going down, rollers no big deal just got through them hit the section after the rollers and again could not find the power to put down.

Must have gotten a second wind on the out and back felt good speed was up, hit the special needs, at this point I am the last person they find my bag I switch out my camelbak and keep going at this point they are closing aid stations as I keep going but I have been able to get some water and I am fine for nutrition so I keep going, I am told by the great support crew that I have a few hours to the cut off and they will keep supporting me till then.

I turn right after the out and back towards yellow lake and I start the long climb to the top, again the power just does not seem to there my shoulders are angry and my speed is not so good.

I hit the penalty tent at yellow lake at 5:30 I meet up with the official and given two options go back with them(recommended) or continue unsupported I choose to continue.

As I am climbing I keep thinking if I see that van again I am getting a ride back I am no longer having fun, I am sore and keep thinking this was just to much to soon at times I am doing 3km/hr and stopping every 1km to rest, I finally hit the very top and cruise down to transition and arrive to meet my family my boys are waiting and run with me into transition at 7:30.

Post Bike
Everything feels fine accept for my shoulders it was strange mentally I felt fine the rest of my physically felt fine but my shoulders were just done something I had not thought as I had not had an issue with them like this before.

Post Race thoughts
-Swim great
-Bike an hour longer then I wanted to be I figured I would be at worst 10hours on the bike not 11
-Not sure why my shoulders gave out so fast, could be from the swim, I think it could also be from pushing around Penticton for a week before the race more then I would at home.
-So much support from everyone
-Two guys from ST I met stood out not sure why but they offered words of encouragement, Steve and Nick thanks for you kind words

I am still decompressing and not sure what I will do next, I have a lot of support from people to try again next year but I am not sure, the bike may not be doable within the time cutoff, I might focus on some halves and sprints but I keep having this feeling of unfinished business.

I have to give huge props to David Lee, he became the first wheelchair athlete to finish IMC within the time cutoffs. He was a paralympian in Beijing for handcyling a personal trainer and devoted a month of training in Penticton to finish the race.

I heard a quote from Jordan and it has been eating away at me

"Chase your dreams, don't believe anything is impossible, only believe in the possible" -Jordan Rapp

IMC is my impossible but also a dream I hope mentally and physically it can become my possible one day

Kelowna National Championships

2011-09-01T19:55:00.000-06:00

Had a great race person best for swim, bike and run and that added up to a PB for the whole race.

750m swim - 15:52
20km Bike - 48:55
5km Run - 19:08

Total - 1:29:33

Under 1:30 WooHoo I wanted to go under 1:30 and I did so I was pumped

I finished 3rd behind two great guys racing with the Canadian National team, one guy crushed me by 15min the other only 6min I lost it on the bike.

This result motivated me to seriously consider moving to the short distance and make a run at the national team

Two amazing upcoming weeks

2011-08-15T20:43:00.000-06:00

Sunday 21st 2011 Canadian National Triathlon championships, I plan to own it.

Sunday 28th Ironman Canada I have been dreaming out this for years and look forward to taking in the whole experience, nervous about it and at times feel under prepared but I suspect that is normal, regardless my kids will see me do the biggest race and event of my life and will be cheering me on all the way and that will get me across the finish line!!

Lake Chaparral Triathlon

2011-08-10T11:19:00.000-06:00

This was the third year I have done this event and its one of my favorites

This year sticking with the sprint distance as that is the official para distance.

Swim - Got in a good warm up swam well out in 17:57

Bike - This is a tougher bike course due to a steep hill and with the handcycle climbing is tough. They also altered the course this year to make sure that it was a full 20km, unfortunately the extension went onto a road that is not in very good shape super bumpy, started to get spasms and thought that if I have to do this section too many times I would pull out. finished the bike in 55:59(this includes t1 and t2)

Run / Push - Got a good start, I worry a bit about the pathways and passing people but no issues this time. Ended up with a 21:12 run time

Overall 1:35:08 great time for me getting faster every race ended up 79th out of 177 finishers felt great to not finish last or near the end.

Swim Swim Swim

2011-08-10T10:49:00.000-06:00

Decided to do a last minute 3km swim race with Xterra at an event in Canmore at quarry lake. Event Link

Figured this would be a good test event for IMC to see if I can swim 3km as I have focused mostly on the bike.

Started off well took me about 500m to get in my grove which tells me that I need to make sure that I get in a good warm up to get my heart rate up so that I can settle in faster into my swim.

Swam the 6 laps coming back was the toughest the high winds kept pushing me to the right and I have a tendency to move that direction also so off course a bit.

Ended up doing the 3km in 1hour 15min supper happy about it was hoping for an 1hour and 30min.

I am on track for my swim at IMC so that is great just have to figure out how to bike and the day will be in the bag.

Lake Chestermere Triathlon

2011-07-24T21:51:00.001-06:00

Quick race update.

One week after the Desert Half I decided to do a sprint distance event this would be the first Lake Chestermere Triathlon

I decided to do the sprint distance as this is the official distance for para triathlon and the last time I did a tri a week after a half it was rough to I figure this would be a good event

Swim
- Good seemed long but was out in under 20min, got my goggles knocked off but was in the mix and needed more experience in a group.

T1
- Was quick my team and I are starting to really get it together

Bike
- Overall the course was flat "YEA" one small uphill and a head wind but I felt fast I was passed 'expected' but I also did some passing something that I am doing more often so happy about that.

T2
- Quick

Push
- First hydration system is better when the tube is clean first few drinks where gross
The run is on a pathway started out nice but the middle was twisty and undulating this makes it tough to get a rhythm and maintain a good push on the chair, one steep hill in the middle made is tough also so not great but got it done.

Finish 1:40 49/90 overall and 8/11 for age group

This was the first local race that I was not last or close to last I was right in the middle felt so great, I hope to get my time down to the 1:30's. I would also like to place in the top half of my age group and top 20 over all.

This was a fun race put on by MultisportsCanada I have been doing their local races for the last 3 years and they always put on a great event... Oh their best event is the Lake Chaparral tri tough course but best post race meal at any event I have done worth it just for the post race food

DNF Happens to the best and now me

2011-07-12T22:53:00.000-06:00

Osoyoos Desert Half Iron race report

So what do you do when you want a challenge and want to try part of the Ironman Canada course you sign up for the hardest half Ironman 70.3 you can in Canada.

Well that is the Osoyoos Desert Half Iron

The only reason I deiced on this course was that it was a great chance to do a dress rehearsal for IMC my 'A' race for this year.

It really started the week before I use Infinit and have gotten use to it but being scattered brained I waited until I was out to re-order I also wanted to change my formula so I did that and sent an email for some more information, well I got in contact with Darcy he was a huge help and spent quite a bit of time with me on the phone to get my formula dialed in (oh I found out he is the president after my order was placed how often do you get the head of the company help you out)

I spent the week getting ready doing a few last rides and hitting my favorite tri store Tri It Multisport for clothing and nutrition and my new sweet Zoot tri bag those guys are the best.

I left Friday morning with my Dad one of my two man support crew we did the long drive up to Osoyoos hitting the Bike Barn in Penticton, then into Osoyoos got some dinner and relaxed, my Brother then showed up at 3am he is my second man in the support crew.

Got up Saturday and we all drove the bike course my brother kept saying it would not be a problem but in my head I new the bike cutoff was going to be tough very tough and I later found out that my Dad was thinking the same as me.

My Dad and brother went for a ride out to Oliver, I went for a ride on the run course to check it out and get the arms spinning a bit, good ride and got a chance to see the run and figure out some things that might be an issue with the racing chair.

We all went to the pre race meeting and I got a chance to meet Joe the RD, the head medic and the head official. We had a chance to talk about some concerns with the transitions, access and some support such as having my brother follow me on the bike and run. They were all very helpful and supportive and really wanted to make this a success for me. We got my equipment to transition and set up then off for a quick bite and off to bed.

Got up on race day and felt good headed to transition to find out that our plan to the swim had to change, but that was the only issue and took care of it.

Swim
- Got in the water and felt good talk with a guy at the start found out later his name was Nathan (oh he won the day) really great guy. The horn goes off and so do I now usually I just wait for the group to go by and I hang in the back but this time I decided to get in the mix not sure I enjoyed getting beat up but needed the experience, I fell back a bit but I felt strong and was going straight. I finished the first loop it felt fast the second loop was tougher but still felt good. Last year at the Calgary 70.3 I did the swim in 1:15 this time I was hoping for a 1 hour swim well this time I pulled out a 45min swim!!! I came in so fast that my support crew was caught off guard I felt great.

T1
- We thought it would be around 10-12 min but we hit it in 8min this was great considering I have to be lifted out of the water pushed across the beach, change and get on the bike so far so good.

Bike
- At this point we figure I will have 5 hours to do the bike this would put me past the official cutoff time but close enough that I would not be so far off it and would be able to continue on the run.
- The climb from the start to the top of Richter's is about 14km I just found a good gear and pushed up by the time I got to the top my average speed was 9km/hr, I go over the top and expect to tear down the back side well not much of a tear down with the head wind I could not get over 70km/hr slow for me, but I am feeling good and hope I can make up some time.
- I then hit the 7 rollers on the way to the turn around they crushed me I actually hit my highest max speed going down them. The issue with the handcycle is that its momentum drops quickly and since you cant stand or get over the cranks all power comes from spinning or just grinding up so its near impossible to power over any of the rollers as they are to long and get to steep at 7%-11% my average speed was going up but not enough but the head wind was coming down.
- I hit the halfway point at 3hours, 30min later then I wanted but I was still feeling good I could feel some fatigue but it was ok, I got back onto the highway and thought 'hey that feels like a head wind impossible mother nature wouldn't mess with me like that' well she can and did looking at some streamers on a line and sure enough it was a strong headwind, oh well just another challenge.
- Back to the rollers and knowing how fast I came down them I knew they would be tough going back I pushed up and over them, at around 50km in I had a feel sorry for myself moment but told myself to suck it up and I did, I hit the last aid station got some fluid gave a thanks to them for sticking around and off I went.
- The climb up the back side of Richter's felt better and faster so that was good, but then my brother got a call saying that I had missed the cutoff time and they where going to pick me up!! so every time I saw a van I thought my day was done I could see the top and really did not want to be picked up. Just as we are about to crest the top I hear my brother swearing then I see the van and I think how could they stop me a the top, I climb 4000feet and don't get a chance to tear back down to finish the bike!! I get closer they just wanted to make sure I was ok and if I needed anything super cool so I crest the top and start heading down into the head wind of course so no top speed but all good.
- Now due to my time I know I have missed the cutoff I also know that I can do the run in an hour and half but seeing the time I wont even have that so I just enjoy the rest of the ride down, and think back to what I have just done, I also expected to have all the road opened up again to traffic but no all intersections are still controlled so I slow down and thank them for sticking it out I get a police escort back to transition and I am done the bike.

DNF

Well that was it missed it by about 30min, still I got lots of support from everyone and Joe was there to see me in great guy.

I headed out to the finish to see some other racers in and grab some food, and got a chance to see what my finish will look like next year.

Hit the awards after talk to lots of great people and met up with Nathan who approach me at the start.

This was the biggest challenge I have done yet and learned a lot about myself and what I need to focus on more leading up to IMC.

Hard race but amazing support, organization and racers make this a must do race I will come back a crush this course... well maybe not crush just beat it up a little.

KOS Triathlon

2011-06-20T21:50:00.002-06:00

My boys both did it, this last weekend both my boys Jack and Zach did the first Elbow Valley KOS race.

It was a very cold day and the water was like ice Jack got in and did the swim Zach walked up to the water and turned around so funny he's not dumb.

Jack did the bike and rocked the run, Zach did half the bike and walked the run he was not really having fun at this point so I was just trying to keep him going and happy he finished and said he never wanted to to a triathlon again, little did he know that I already have him signed up for another in August but he thinks he might do it.

Woo Hoo Got a Grant

2011-06-20T21:46:00.002-06:00

Great news I was lucky enough to receive a grant from the "Alberta Paraplegic Foundation, Active Living Fund"

It is enough that I will be getting a new hand cycle a Force R, I have just ordered it and will be picking it up in 5 weeks I hope that it will help give me an edge in getting through IMC.

Paternity

2011-06-20T21:39:00.003-06:00

I started Paternity leave in May, I had a huge list of things that I wanted to do and so far not much has been done but I have had a chance to spend more time with my kids and family that is great.

I once again did the golden triangle this year a 300km bike ride over three days this year I was able to complete the who first day and felt great over 100km two huge climbs and felt great, Day two was a tough day only got about 50km done and 30km on the third day but felt great and was an improvement over last year.

I also did the Calgary Marathon for the 3rd time it was very good I took over 40 min off my time last year finishing in under 2hours I was going fast enough that I was stopped as they did not have the roads closed fast enough.

Next up last few weeks

Winter update

2011-06-20T21:24:00.002-06:00

Well in June and winter is way over but I need to add in what I was up to so quick and easy point form.

1) I started doing cross country skiing, I was not going to do any at all but got the chance to attend Canada Winter games in Halifax I so needed to get out and go for it. By the time I got to Halifax I got about 10 days in so my expectations where not to high but that was OK I had a great time got to compete with some great guys I ended up with a perfect record of three last place finishes.

2) I continued to teach the local CADS alpine program here in Calgary and had a great time with that, I did not get in too many days of alpine skiing this season but the days I got in was great and look forward to spending a lot of time in the mountains next season with the family.

Well that was winter next up spring

Avenue Magazine... I'm in it

2011-01-22T15:51:00.003-07:00

I was lucky enough to be selected as one of five Calgarians in this moths featured article in Avenue Magazines "Life Re-Imagined" feature

Life Re-Imagined

One more makes Three

2011-01-22T15:49:00.001-07:00

So December 11th I welcomed my newest addition, her name is Scarlett and she is amazing

New year should blog

2011-01-22T15:47:00.001-07:00

Well its a new year and I have been neglecting my blogging so hope to get some more updates soon

Count down to IRONMAN 2011

2010-08-31T11:27:00.002-06:00

Yesterday registered for IRONMAN Canada 2011.

Let the training begin

Lake Chaparral Triathlon

2010-08-08T19:43:00.002-06:00

Last triathlon of the year.

One week after the Calgary 70.3 I decide to do the sprint distance at Lake Chaparral, but due to some encouragement from my Dad and brother I moved up to the Olympic distance.

I was so tired at the start I did not feel great about how the race was going to go but everyone was there and I paid for it so I just went for it.

Swim - Have I ever said I hate swimming well I still do, started with freestyle but still have not gotten it figured out so backstroke it was, slow and steady not sure of the time but I think it was about the same as the last Olympic I did

Bike - Not sure I said I hate hills but I do the coarse was 5 laps so I got to do the one long steep hill 5 times, I finished in over 2 hours longer then last time but tougher coarse so not overly bad.

Run - All good I was felling good for the run, it was OK.

Finished and won my age group, heck I always win my age group but thats what you get when you race yourself I will take it.

Kids of Steel

2010-08-08T19:29:00.002-06:00

I am the proudest dad in the world, heck I am tearing up writing this (So lame).

Jack my 5 year old did his first Triathlon a kids of steel event at Lake Chaparral in the 7 and under age group.

Swim - After waiting for over two hours they got in to the water, my wife took him in she said that he cried and wanted out once it got deep and as he got closer to me watching on the dock he wanted to get out with me but she convinced him to swim toward her and that worked out. as they were getting out of the water he wanted to stay in as he was getting it.

T1 - Once out of the water he was soooo happy he was fist pumping and so proud of himself.

Bike he race out of T1 got on his bike and took off I followed as I was not sure how he would do but he rocked it, he was passed by one kid was was determined to get him fun to see his competitive side, he rang his horn and into T2

T2 - Met my mom at T2 she took the bike and he was off.

Run - He was fast really fast I could not keep up he only slowed down to find out which way to go, I just encouraged him from behind. He them sprinted to the finish it was awesome he totally rocked the whole thing.

It was over in the blink of an eye I am again so proud of him and hope that he continues to kick ass both him and his brother will do it next year.

Calgary 70.3 Half Ironman

2010-08-04T21:13:00.006-06:00

First thing first I have to give a huge thanks to my Dad and Brother for being my support crew for this race (Without them I would not had finished), and second a big thanks to all the volunteers and organizers.

August 3rd @ 2am I was awaken to thunder showers and rain on my skylight it continued until I left so I knew that it was going to be wet I was just hopping that the wind would be going my way.

I arrived at ghost lake around 4:45 half way on my way I realize that I left my nutrition at home so had to turn around and pick that up but had left early enough to no big deal.

When I got to ghost lake it was raining still and muddy, I got my bike ready and the rain started to end, at the same time all the buses started to arrive with the other athletes so it got a little busy but I was pumped, I met Cheryl a race official she was super helpful in getting me organized and was a super support the whole race.

6:10 the race starts I am in the water swimming freestyle well I suck at that and cant sight to save my life, I end up way off coarse so I switch to back crawl I still cant swim strait but better then freestyle only real problem is its so slow, at about the halfway point I get caught by the next wave then around 3/4 of the way through I get caught by the wave after that.... I hate swimming I was slow and frustrated but kept on going, I finally got it done in 50:45

Get up to my bike change and get on the road, transition was 6:13

So I am on the road and I feel good there is no wind so that makes me happy, I had done the first part of the ride so knew what to expect the only thing I was not ready for was the mosquitoes I was attacked by them it was brutal, I was also passed by many people but was expecting that and everyone was very supportive.

When I got to around the 50km mark I was ahead of schedule and still felt really good, headed up the Cochrane hill and still felt good my average speed was just right....But then I started to crash well not so much crash but just got beat down the climb out just kept going and going and going and to top it off I could feel a head wind coming up.

I got to the top and was happy that I was on my way to the "fast" section of the coarse well I got a head wind so the section I was counting on to make up time was a huge fail, the closer I got to the finish the more I new I would not make the cut off, now I did not know for sure what the cutoff time was I assumed it was at 12:00 and knew that I would be in around 10min after that but would be close to finishing in under 5hours.

I pulled up to the last right were my brother was waiting for me, I had missed the cut off, I continued to T2, I was not able to cross the timing mat due to the cut off but with a quick call to a race official I was told I could keep going so off I went total time for the bike was 4:53:40

So onto the racing chair I went nice downhill to start then a slight uphill, I then came to the first big down hill, I met up with my dad and brother here I was able to get down no problem, off across the bridge to the south side there are some very large hills at over 9% and one at 15%. On the big hills I received support from my brother to get up them (with the RD Approval) the run was had definitely not a good coarse for a racing chair way to hilly and narrow so had to watch out for runners but being that I was so far behind there was not as many of them on the coarse, also a thanks to Tony my police escort.

I approached the finish slowly it was on an uphill grade (nothing but hills all day), I started to get tunnel vision and started to break down I was physically and emotionally done I crossed the line and it was over, got my belt buckle and finisher shirt.

Total time for race was 7:53:16 under the 8 hour cutoff!!!

The days that followed I felt pretty good not overly sore but definitely fatigued.

Unfortunately due to not making the bike cutoff I officially got a DNF seems lame as they let me continue and I ended up finishing under the official race cutoff so I guess I will just have to kick some bigger ass next year!!

Calgary 70.3

2010-07-26T20:00:00.002-06:00

One week to go.

I have been feeling really good since Coral Springs, I am feeling stronger and more prepared. Note I could be more prepared.

I think the swim will be fine should take about an hour or less I hope I start with the pros so I will be swimming by myself until the first age group catches me.

T1 should take about 5min

The Bike is going be the make or break it for me I only have 5 hours after the last wave to finish it so really I figure I will have about 4hours and 30min I have to average 20km/hr and have been right around that speed in training.

Once the bike is done and I hit T2 I will be home free i will be able to do the run in 2hours or less but after riding part of the course the other day I have some issues with the two hills one gets to 14%grade that I will really struggle with but once that is out of the way it will he all good.

I am very exited about this race, it will be one of the hardest things I will ever do but I have to get my kids a medal and there is only one day to do this, finish.

Coral Springs Tri it Triathlon

2010-07-26T19:38:00.002-06:00

Best Triathlon yet!!

Last year I did this triathlon as my first ever as a para-triathlon at the sprint distance but this year I decided to move on up to the Olympic distance and use it as a bit of a warm up for the Calgary 70.3 as they are 3 weeks apart.

In the morning when I got up and saw the big dark cloud I was not happy but by the time I was set up and ready to go the Sky's cleared and it ended up a beautifull day.

The swim was good if I could swim a straight line I would have taken off about 10-15 min I figure but finished in 47min

The bike was good I felt fast and ended up going just under 2hours

Then the run, I had not been in the race wheelchair since December so it was a challenge but I still felt good.

At the start my goal was to finish in under 4hours I crossed the line, looked at the clock and it was over 4hours ah crap...... But then then I was told that was the start of the first group soooo i finished in

3:47!!!!!!!

So happy and based on last years result I was over 30min faster so super great race for me

Huge thanks to my dad and my brother for all there support and help.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS - PARA-CYCLING

2010-07-16T16:37:00.002-06:00

First time at nationals and what a great experience.

First I went in totally under trained, after being sick more then I was healthy for all of June I reset my expectations as I knew I was going to be near the bottom or very close so I changed my mindset to have a great time and really learn from the other riders.

The first race was the time trial on Saturday it was 20km and not overly hard but it did have some hills and there was a head wind, well I got my ass kicked in a big way dead last by a long shot.

Sunday was the road race it was 40km long in 5km loops, this turned out better then expected I finished 2nd!!!! when they called my name my coach and looked at each other and thought WTF thats a mistake but apparently I outlasted the others in my class so I will take it.

Things that I learned
1. I need to ride way more
2. I need to lose about 30-40lbs

So over all a great time and looking forward to next year.

Took me long enough

2010-07-03T16:43:00.003-06:00

So its only been a few months time for another post, this will be short and sweet as I have a brutal memory.

1. Mothers day race 10km - Well I won this one so that was great, first race of the season and on the new bike..... But it did not go well I blame the weather the rain then snow at the start caused me some issues by about 3 km in my hands and finger started to loose feeling by about 8km in I just wanted to finish and could tell that my hands were in bad condition. Best part seeing my kids at the finish line they are so cute but ended up with frost bite on my finger tips so for about a few months some finger tips ended up being numb no good.

2. Golden Triangle weekend - What a great adventure spent the long weekend with my Dad and brother on a 3 day trip in the rocky mountains. Starting at the castle mountain junction heading to Radium the first day then from Radium to Golden then from Golden back to castle moutain junction just like a triangle. At about 100km per day and some super crazy climbs I only did about 60-70km per day. The weather was great and it is riding in some of the most amazing country in the world.

3. Calgary Marathon - So last year I did this in 2hour and 14min my goal this year was to be under 2hours well that did not happen I was sick for this event and finished in just over 2 and a half hours, so this sucked fro me but just need to move on.

Now I ended up sick for most of June and the problem with that is that the Canadian National Para-cycling championships are the the end of June so I got in a pretty much no training at all and it effected my results but if you have read this far then you would have already seen my blog on the results if I have not posted it yet then come on back.

PM Gear - Skis

2010-04-14T14:23:00.003-06:00

Just a really quick entry and a plug for a great company.

I bought a pair of PM Gear Skies back in January they are BRO 174's and all I can say is they kick ass, I have used them from boiler plate conditions to fresh powder and they have been great they are my goto ski.

Almost as good as the ski's is the customer service, I bent a ski due to the abuse I put the ski through 3 days of bumps on one ski with the combined weight of about 200lbs is tough for a ski. Well PM Gear hooked me up with a replacement I was not expecting it but I got it and thats great.

So bottom line you want a great ski buy from these guys you can only get them on line.

PM Gear FKNA

Oh they also sponsor some ski skier named Andy, so they are supporting everyone who enjoys a little gravity hucking down the hill.

Skiing Camp Jackson Hole - Grand Targhee

2010-04-07T15:08:00.011-06:00

Well this post is one month late but I had to get it done more so to show off the great photos that I got.

So after having my bobsleigh driving course canceled at the last minute and with plans to attend the Grand Targhee all mountain camp, I decided to make my way down to Jackson Hole and try and get into the Adaptive Steep and Deep camp I figured if I did not get in I would at least get some skiing so really a win win.

Happy to say that I was able to get into the camp and it was the best thing I did all year my skiing improved soooo much, I ended up changing the way I ski I learned new drills and techniques that moved me from what I felt was an intermediate level skier to an advanced one "at least thats what I was told".

Since it took so long to get this post in I will just have to sum up the trip and if anyone wants more info let me know, so to sum it up

Jackson Hole Steep and Deep ended up being Steep and Technical due to no deep but this was great for me and allowed me to work on my skills. Thanks to Kurt, Nate, Nick, Ryan, Blair, Elizabeth for helping me out during my days they made the experience amazing and thanks to JH for having this camp and being leaders in adaptive integration, oh and hi to Connie she is one of the owners of JH and chatting with her in the bar was really cool, also see below about Hannah she gets a special post coming up.

Grand Targhee another great camp I was able to rock this camp, well I felt I did with my new skills from JH I was doing steep stuff, lots and lots of bumps and even went into the trees!! I would never have gone into the trees before. Again huge thanks to Joel, Matt, Cindy who tried to take me out, Gil and all the helpers at GT again another great camp.

Bottom line if you are an adaptive skier you need to goto both camps or at least one, you will improve you skills, you will have a great time, you will come back.

OK here are the links to the camps that you must goto, oh and if you are not an adaptive skier great you can still go but go and help out you pay less and get to make a difference in a persons life.

These are the two groups that put on the camps:
tetonadaptivesports.com
adaptiveadventures.org

And here are the camp links:
jacksonhole.com
grand-targhee

All right now time for some photos, right now just going to put up some photos that got taken of me by Hannah Hardaway, who is this person? well she is a professional photographer that I got the pleasure of hanging out with at Jackson Hole and she happened to take some kick ass shots, note the first two photos.

Here is her website: Hannah Hardaway Photography

Here is a link of some photos that she took at the Jackson Hole Camp:
Jackson Hole Adaptive Camp Photos

Well thats it I did get some more skiing in at Panorama and Kicking Horse on my birthday but its time to switch to summer mode and get out training.

Kicking Horse + Sit Ski = Kick Ass Time

2010-01-25T19:43:00.006-07:00

Best Weekend Ever

This last weekend I had the privilege to join a group of friends that teach the disabled program with me CADS, these amazing friends made this weekend unforgettable!

So thanks to Jakob who did a lot of the heavy lifting carrying around and setting up my ski, Kendra Jakob's back up and super star.

Special thanks to Cheryl Link for the use of her stunning house she is an amazing architect check out some of her stunning work here MOUNTAIN MODERN

Ok now on to the skiing, I was a little nervous before the first run I was not sure I was ready for this hill and the nerves only got worse the farther up the gondola we went and I saw the amazing terrain that we were about to ski.

First run was not so great over half way down with my nerves gone I was flying, I felt fantastic this was going to be a great day then I hit a small bump got air caught my front down edge on the landing then boom, I explode out of my sit ski sheared my buckle right off I was flying through the air with only my feet attached to my sit ski, I recall being in the air and seeing my ski thinking I should not see what I am looking at.

I was able to get back into the ski and ski down with a little help from John, who was able to rig up a temporary strap once down I was able to get a new buckle from the very friendly ski patrol to continue the day.

The rest of the day was great I was really able to push myself with the huge amount of terrain that this hill has.

Day two I was a little sore but was ready to go, and go I did Kendra introduced me to "Bubbly" a run that I would do 5 times that day it was a great time.

I also took on "My Blue Heaven" not the groomed part the mogul part, fell a few times but its was a good challenge.

I then went for my biggest challenge of the weekend the run called "Think Twice" I thought way more then twice but with Jakob following behind me I took the plunge literally, I dropped in and was ok traversed then made my first turn it was fast and I fell into the hill but it was all good, got up traversed a little more made a turn but did not commit that was a mistake I tumbled a bit down the hill I stopped in a awkward position but luckily Jakob was right behind me helping me up. I did some longer traverses to get down the rest of the way down and learned a few things about my level of skiing, I want to advance, I will nail this run next time.

The rest of the second day was a little more low key I was getting tired and still had to drive home so I took it easy.

Bottom line a kick ass weekend I will be back to Kicking Horse again and again it was truly epic for me and to my understanding it gets even better!!!

Now for photos and Video as they speak louder then my crappy writing skills.

New Sit Ski testing

2009-12-22T11:00:00.003-07:00

There is a new group from the University of Calgary that is developing a new Sit Ski with a focus on affordable, they are looking at bringing it to market for around $1500.00 can.

Here is a short news segment on it, oh and I got to be the tester for this new ski so I get some screen time.

Global News Sit Ski Clip
Calgary Herald Sit Ski Clip

Las Vegas Half Marathon 1 hour 32 min

2009-12-12T11:38:00.003-07:00

Viva Las Vegas!!

Had a good training camp down in Vegas last week did some good training rides on Thursday and Friday, came home with an extra $50 bucks oh and did the half marathon.

I have to say that the race was organized much better this year they had 26,000 runners.

Race day was a cold 2 degrees as the start and I don't think it got much warmer, we were treated to group of skydivers at the start jumping in the dark at 6am then fireworks to start the race big show and fun to see.

After the first 10km or so I though to myself I really don't like the racing chair its not very comfortable and I am not very strong at it but I had to get it done.

The course was mostly flat, the first 10km was slightly down hill the last of it was slightly up hill but over all a good fast course.

One of the highlights of the race was the rock bands every 3km or so they added a great touch and kept the motivation going, also the crowds were great lots and lots of energy and on a cold day in Vegas it was great to see so many people out.

Finished in 1hour and 32 min, 24 min faster then the Victoria Half so I am happy with the result just have to get another 45 min faster as I would like to be able to do the half in under 1hour.

First Paraplegic Ski Patroller in Canada

2009-11-14T21:19:00.007-07:00

One year late but last year I became the first paraplegic in Canada to be become a ski Patroller, and just last week I re-certified to maintain my certification.

So what did I do for this and what is my current status?

Well my story starts at the information session last year, I met Geoff Scotton the president for the Calgary Ski Patrol Zone he was of coarse unsure about my participation in the course as it had not been done before.

Well Geoff called me back and said that I could take the course but I would not be able to continue after that, I was fine with that as I had really not expected to be able to do that much.

So during the course an 80+ hour course I was able to demonstrate that I had the skills to continue on after the classroom sessions, at that point Geoff let me know that they would let me continue until I was not able to perform at a level that they require just like everyone else so that was great news to me.

I passed the the written test, I passed the diagnostic scenario test. I have to say this would not have been possible with out the support of the amazing instructors, after that I just had to pass the on snow testing to finish.

The on snow testing was an assessment of my skiing ability and my ability to pull a toboggan down the hill. This is were is gets tough I don't ski like your typical Patroller but I do have to use some of the same skills such as turn initiation, weighting and unweighting in a turn I was passed with my skiing ability.

Next was pulling a toboggan down a hill this was tough but I did it and it was the first time it was done. I did it with at tail gunner who is a person that ski's behind the toboggan with a rope attached to the back of it to help maintain control.

I had planned to patrol at Nakiska if I was able to so I attended the returning Patroller weekend, we did scenarios through out the first day, the second day we did lift evacuations that was the first time I was evacuated in the sit ski I was a little nervous but it was all good.

Unfortunately this is were I finished I attend the ski around day at Nakiska with the Patrollers, this allows them to see if I would be a fit and to see my abilities. During one of the last runs I was dropped off the gold lift this caused some serious damage to my shoulder, that was my last day of skiing for the year.

But now I am back and feeling better then ever, I hope to be able to continue were I left off at Nakiska I hope to start out doing some sessions in the Patrol hut and if I am able to, start patrolling on the hill itself in some sort of capacity.

As of last year I finishes as an Associate Patroller not an active Patroller as I did not end up patrolling at a ski hill last year.

I have to give a huge thanks and shout out to Geoff, the whole Calgary zone and the Canadian ski patrol system for taking a chance and being leaders in allowing me the chance to become a Patroller they could have just as easily said no.

Ski season has started

2009-11-14T20:45:00.011-07:00

Spent last night ripping up Canada Olympic Park, OK you don't really rip up COP but it had been 10 months since I had been on the ski.

It felt really good getting back in the bucket after my shoulder injury last year at Nakiska after getting dropped off the gold chair lift, and oh so happy that they have replaced the gold lift with a new detachable.

I have a feeling that its going to be a great ski season can't wait to get into the mountains again to really shred it up.

Here is some old video from my first season of skiing

Ski Video one
Ski Video Two

Almost 10 Years, Gotta Plan

2009-11-11T22:56:00.004-07:00

So I have been thinking of what I should do on the 10 year anniversary of the accident that changed my life.

After 10 hours in surgery and from what I understand close to passing away I started my new life as a person with a SCI, this as you can imagine was quite a new change for me but I was determined to live my life finishing up school and getting a job. (A later post will contain more details)

So what to do for the 10 year anniversary have a party, have a drink?

I have decided to do something that I have been wanting to do since I was 16 and that being IRONMAN Canada, I still remember watching this race live and thinking that one day I would do it. That day will be in 2011 to celebrate all the life that I have lived since 2001. I hope to have as much family there as they have all supported me through this process and know that seeing them and my kids at the finish line when I roll on through will be one of the greatest days of my life.

Victoria Half Marathon Champion

2009-10-13T20:39:00.006-06:00

Race Weekend recap

Had a good flight out to Victoria I got upgraded to executive class so that was a good start to the weekend, checked into a nice room at the Grand Pacific thanks to my friend Amanda for the room hookup.

Headed out to the expo picked up my race package and I was able to move from the full marathon to the half and this turned out to be a great thing.

Spent the evening with my fellow racer Glen and our coach Steve on the patio overlooking the bay drinking ice cold water.

Saturday got the wheelchair together and ready to go for Sunday then had lunch with Amanda, she offered to show me the course. Now I was expecting a flat course I figured when the website says fast Boston qualifying times I'm thinking flat, I was wrong I heard the world rolling and that it was very rolling with some steep sections I new that it was going to really challenge me.

Got up early on Sunday headed down and did some warming up, then off to the start line and off I went, I am pretty sure that were not ready to for me as they still had some roads closed off but I did get a police escort for a while.

After the first 3km up hill I was caught by the runners I expected it and received lots of encouragement so that was all good, at around the 10km mark I was thinking hmmm good thing I am only doing the half, at about 11km mark I was thinking what the heck am I doing out here my arms were getting rubbery and I was having trouble lifting them, at the 12km mark I was feeling better for the rest of the race I felt good and bad but kept pushing through it.

Crossed the finish line and I must not have looked very good as they kept asking me if I was ok, I got my finishers medal and headed back to the room.

Post race went to the awards and found out that they did not have my chip time so I went off my computer 1:56 slower then I wanted but considering the conditions of the course I feel ok with it.

I received my first trophy that Jack has been wanting since I started racing and he was very happy to receive it when I got home, its now his trophy and he is very proud of it.

Post race had a hot tub, sangria on a patio and some wine.

The next day I was pretty sore but better then I thought I had a good flight back to Calgary Glen and I both got bumped to executive class can't get much better then that.

POST RACE thoughts

I am very happy that I was able to move into the Half the Full would have been less then fun it was the right choice, I think that this was a great first race in the chair and prepare me for Vegas in Dec, I will now have to get some rollers and get training for it as I don't role so well in the snow.

Next race Vegas baby!!!!!!!!

RMR - Resting Metabolism Rate Testing

2009-10-03T19:16:00.003-06:00

Got my RMR - Resting Metabolism Rate Testing done today, this is a test that is used to determine a persons baseline calories that they use in a day.

This test involved me sitting in a chair for about 30min while hooked up to a vent to gather my exhaled gasses, the toughest part of the test was the nose plug it was a little tight.

My results are as follows
RMR = 1579

The following numbers represent how I burn calories so looking at the numbers when resting I burn 21% carbohydrates and 79% fat this is good and indicates that I am active or I fooled the test :)

%CHO = 21
%FAT = 79

I also used an online calculator to see what the results would be but its very inaccurate and would not recommend using one, online result = 1712

So what does this all mean? Well I am trying to loose about 30lbs and knowing how many calories I need daily based on no activity will allow me to alter my diet to match my activity level to my food consumption.

I was tested at TCR Sport Lab http://www.tcrsportlab.com/index.htm in Calgary.

testing was done by Cory who was very helpful in explaining the procedure and results, after the test I had a nutritional consult with him that was very informative that I am sure will help me achieve my weight loss goal.

TCR Sport Lab has many other services and testing such as VO2 max, bike fittings, spin classes, Swim and run clinics so check them out.

Calgary 70.3

2009-09-29T22:38:00.002-06:00

Just signed up for the Calgary 70.3

August 1st, 2010 I will be doing my first Half Ironman Triathlon

Training Update

2009-09-26T19:55:00.003-06:00

Well I am now focused on training for the Victoria Marathon in the racing chair. I am not a big fan of the racing chair as its not nearly as comfortable to race in and not nearly as fast.

So not ever having gone farther then about 12km in my race chair I am feeling a little apprehensive about doing a full 42km in 14 days so I might see about changing to the half marathon once I get to registration, I am fairly sure that I could push the full 42km but I am pretty sure that I would not enjoy it and I do these races to not only push myself but to enjoy it also.

Whats Up Next

2009-09-14T10:58:00.005-06:00

I have one full marathon and one half marathions that I will be doing my my race chair.

First the Royal Victoria Full Marathon on October the 11th
Second the Las Vegas Half Marathon on Dec 6th

Edit: I am now doing the Full Marathon in Victoria as the half is sold out, Hmmm go big or go home.

Provincial Hill Climb Championships

2009-09-14T10:25:00.003-06:00

So yesterday was my last handcycle race of the season and what a painful but fun way to end it.

It was the Provincial Hill Climb Championships at the hill leading up to Mt Norquay ski resort, now I have never been up this hill so on my way to registration I drove it and thought to myself this could be a bad idea.

I did a quick warm up and got into the start area I felt good and I new that I would be setting a course record as no one on a handcycle has been dumb enough to do this climb.

I started the climb at 11:14 and within the first 500 meters I though "hmmm what if I just turned around and skipped this" well there was no way that was going to happen as my wife and kids where already at the top waiting for me to "ride" across the finish line and I already told my 4 year old that I was going to get a medal for him.

Greg the prez from my cycling club bicisport passed me which I expected but as I came around a switch back I saw his bike park on the side of the road, I thought why didn't he use the bathroom before the climb, turns out he stopped to take a photo of me suffering and to encourage me.

It was a tough climb when I was going fast enough for my computer to tell me the grade it was reading 8-12 percent and I am sure that some of the switch backs were even higher at least it felt that way, as I approached the 1km to go sign I noticed that I might be able to do this in under an hour so I pushed hard it was a long kilometer great to see people cheering on the last switch back including my coach Stephen Burke. The last 200 meters was down hill I think or it just felt that way I saw my wife and kids cheering me on as I charged the finish line in 1:00:31:08, just over 1 hour.

I road back to my family and my 4 year old gave me a piece of grass as a trophy.

The ride down back to the car was fast and a nice reward for doing the climb, my only issue was that I parked at the top of a hill so I had to climb back to it I won't make that mistake next year.

Thanks to all the volunteers and RMCC for putting on this event.

I can't wait till next year to break my time.

Also thanks to http://www.speedtheorycyclingteam.blogspot.com/ for giving me a shout-out on there blog, I am a speedtheory blog stalker and privileged to get my name on there.

Provincial Time Trial Photos by Mark Kay

2009-08-25T20:17:00.006-06:00

Just got some great shots of the Time Trial by Mark Kay.
Check out his site http://kayphoto.ca/ lots of other great photos.

Alberta Time Trial Champion

2009-08-22T19:09:00.004-06:00

Great day today became the Alberta time trail champion!!

Attended a great event put on by the Speed Theory Cycling team here in Calgary.

The race took place on the soon to be open ring road in the NE, great 15km ride on a brand new road with no traffic.

This was the first race I did this year that had other handcyclist in my class HC C, there where 3 of us so I was not guarantied the win.

I started out behind one guy in my category with one starting right behind me, I started with the intention of catching the guy in front and did so at around 3 km into the race at this point my heart rate monitor was screaming at me, once I passed him I settled into a strong pace to make sure that I would not get caught by the one guy I passed and the one guy that started behind me. The ride out to the turn around was slightly uphill with a tail wind. Once around the turnaround I noted my time once I saw the first handcyclist, I was 1:20 min ahead and then saw the second guy and was over two min ahead. The ride back was slightly downhill with a head wind that seem to get stronger. I finished strong and definitely left it all on the course.

Got my official time and its a huge improvement over my time at the beginning of the year About 25% increase. Finished in 0:37:17.6 with an average speed of 24.14 - 73% of the national standard.

My average speed at the June 6th TT was 19.61

My next race will be the provincial hill climb championship were I plan to set a course record as long as I will this will happen as no handcyclist has done this race.

Calgary 70.3 Triathlon

2009-08-15T10:26:00.004-06:00

I was a volunteer for it this year but plan on racing next year.

So I decided to volunteer for two reasons one was I wanted to help out in what would be a great event in Calgary and second I wanted to scout it out to see if I would be able to race it next year.

Now first I have to rant, I show up to pick up my volunteer shirt and band at the registration process and this guy directing people looks at me and says "So you not here to race are you" WTF I just let out a little smile and asked for the volunteer station. This is one of those times where I was just left bedazzled and came up with lots of other remarks after the fact. I hope he in there next year and says the same thing so I can run over his foot on the way to pick up my race package. Rant over

So got up at 4am to get to T1 to do body markings and police the bike mount, I have to say this was a blast if I did not plan to race next year I would totally volunteer again, everyone was great and had a good time the weather was perfect, I got really inspired to race next year.

Oh and best looking volunteer shirts, even my wife thinks they looked great!

Calgary Marathon 2010

2009-08-14T22:25:00.002-06:00

Just Signed up for the 2010 Calgary Marathon, my goal is to be under 2 hours, going to try for 1:45!!

Second Triathlon Lake Chaparral Sprint 2009

2009-08-14T22:10:00.005-06:00

Well I did not drown in the first triathlon so that meant I had to do another

The swim was faster this time but due to my helpers sill playing at the beach when I was getting out of the water I lost a few minutes waiting for then and the wheelchair.

Transition to bike was good, the bike course was great but the hill was a bit much it was long a ran about 8% all the way up glad I only had to do it twice.

Transition to the chair was good but I found the course to be twisty the racing wheelchair does not like twisty.

Good race overall, I was faster then the last one overall and found out that if I wait until the end I get a medal and possible prise well I got my medal and won a pair of shoe's.

Overall a great event will be doing the Olympic distance next year.

Total Time - 209/223 1:55:39
Swim Time - 217/225 25:29
Bike Time -218/220 1:02:08
Roll/Run Time -38/222 28:03

My First Triathlon Coral Springs Sprint 2009

2009-08-14T21:50:00.005-06:00

I decide that I wanted to run a triathlon, actually I have always wanted to to one since I saw my first one in Penticton at Ironman Canada.

I decided to do the Coral Springs sprint Tri as I felt that the distance would be good mainly the swim, I would have had not problem with the run and bike but I am not a great swimmer.

So the swim was ok I backstroked most of the course but I did not get picked up by the boat and was not last out of the water.

The transition was good with the great support from my Dad and Brother they carried me from the water to my transition chair got me into the hand cycle and off for the bike.

The bike could have been fast but due to a very strong cross wind that felt like a head wind in both directions I just could not get the bike really rolling.

The role/run was good once I got into the grove I felt great I could have gone harder as I felt I could have done a few more laps the course was nice mostly flat with some small up and downs.

Total Time -123/125 2:09:42
Swim Time - 126/127 26:15
Bike Time - 125/125 1:18:20
Roll/Run Time - 24/125 25:09

I plan to do the Olympic Distance next time

Calgary Ring Road 30km Time Trial

2009-08-14T21:36:00.003-06:00

This was my first official time trial and it went well the course was great a five lane beautifully paved road not yet open to the public.

The race ended up delayed due to rain, snow and hail. I got a good start about 7km in I got hit by rain, snow and hail, not a big fan of hail.

Ok time for the race it was a little windy but a good first race for the season.

Calgary Marathon 2009

2009-08-14T21:20:00.005-06:00

This was the first year wheelchairs and handcycles where allowed in the marathon and this being my home city it was a great time to compete in my second marathon.

It started off on great a little downhill section I lead everyone until the hill climb going up Shaganappi trail were I got caught by Glenn a local wheelchair racer. I chased him down and caught him just after the the ride back down the hill, from there I lead the race all the way to the finish.

I finished in just over 2:14 slower then my last marathon in Las Vegas at 2:02 but is was a harder course.

Gotta Start Some Time

2009-08-14T21:01:00.004-06:00

I have been a blog lurker for a while and have wanted to start one for some time so now is the time.

My first blog is about a magic date that date being May 24, 2001 at least I think that is the magic date.

What is so magic about this date, well that is a date that changed my life a little motorcycle accident and 3 months in the hospital leaving in a wheelchair with a new title to my name T12 Paraplegic.

So not to bore anyone that might read this I will give the quick rundown of what has happened since, Things that I feel at note worthy

1) Finished my Bachelor of Science degree - 2003
2) Got Married to my girlfriend at the time of my accident (Miranda) - 2001
3) Got a job working at a medical software company (CLINICARE) - 2003
4) Had kid number 1 Jackson David Martin - 2002
5) Had Kid number 2 Zachary Edward Martin - 2007
6) And I will say started this blog - 2009

I plan to use this blog to keep track of rants, accomplishments and success to share with anyone that might want to read about be but mostly to share with my kids as they grow older.