Racing Season 2016

This year I have made a few changes to my traditional plan and I want to focus on a few different priorities. Of course, my family is the highest importance and this is where I want to spend most of my spare time. I do feel though that I need to make time for my fitness. It not only helps me clear my mind and keeps me mentally calm but it gives me a goal that I can aim towards. I feel that I can be more engaged with my family, friends, and business if I get enough exercise EVERY SINGLE DAY!

Some exciting developments in the triathlon and trail running realm in that coming to BC this year. First, the Canada Cup Mountain Bike race was hosted here on Vancouver Island at Bear Mountain in Victoria. On March 5th, the top mountain bikers in Canada travelled to Victoria for a great early-season blast off. 

I was able to compete and ended up 3rd in my Category (masters 30-39). It was four muddy loops of a 5km course. A ton of climbing with over 800m elevation in the 20km race. 

Totally exhausted at Bear Mountain - Kevin Light Photo

My next few weeks will be taken up with some mountain biking and road running races aiming toward the next two big races.

First, the Cumby 20km Trail Running Race. Brand new this year, mapped out to have tons of hills and explore the amazing trails in Cumberland. 

Secondly, the ITU (International Triathlon Union) has jumped on board with Off-Road triathlons (like Xterra) and is hosting the 2017 World Championship qualifier in Penticton on Aug. 25th! A summer of training for swim, mtn bike, and trail run is exactly what I want to do all summer. 

Here are my seasons races (roughly)

March 5 -  Bear Mountain Canada Cup Mtn Bike Race 

March 6 - Bazan Bay 5k Run Race Sidney, BC

March 13 - Hammerfest Parksville XC mtn bike race

March 20 - CV 1/2 Marathon 

April 10 - Cobble Hill Trail Running Race

April 17 - Cumberland xc Mtn bike race
April 24 - Snow to Surf relay race

May 1 - BMO Vancouver 1/2 marathon (BC 1/2 marathon championships)
May 28 - Inagural Cumby 20km trail run Cumberland
June 11 - 12 hours of Cumberland Mt. Bike 4 Person Relay
June 26 - Lazo Road Bike Race Courtenay CVCC
July 3 - Cowichan Challenge Triathlon Almost Olympic Distance

Aug. 27th ITU Cross Triathlon Penticton - Off-road Triathlon
Sept.  24th MOMAR Adventure Race Cumberland

Rough times at Bazan Bay 5km - facebook image 

Summer Success!

The Summer Events have come and gone! What a ride.

I have decided that I really like fierce competition and the whole process of reaching a level of fitness where I am competitive. I enjoy training and pushing myself every day. I like how good I feel after a long workout session. 

This year, after competing in a handful of road-running races, some trail runs, a cross-fit competition, a sprint and olympic distance triathlon, I finally felt I was ready for the Xterra Victoria race on July 14th, 2013. The official Victoria Xterra results are not correct, run times are incomplete. But, here is the important part:

The Xterra World championships are in Hawaii on Oct. 27, 2013.

I need to thank my training partner Clay for all the focus and motivation for the practice sessions, recon missions, and competitions through the spring and summer.  He kept me coming back and helping me regaining focus after I wanted to look into a multitude of other distracting things.  

 

 

I'm going to take a break from fierce competition. I will be travelling to Europe with Rowing Canada to be the team medical therapist for the Junior World Championships from July, 29th - Aug. 12th, 2013. I'm excited for the trip and a break from training and racing!

My wife and I are moving to the Comox Valley. A small paradise on Vancouver Island, close the Huge alpine mountains and glaciers alongside the ocean and wild outdoors. I will be there starting work the first week of November, 2013.  Read more here.