Product Review – Vital ID

I started thinking about being out on training paddles or runs for that matter and having identification, but after my little mishap during a downwind run in English Bay the other week, it brought it to the top of the priority list.

I have been researching for a product that I could wear that would have my identification on it. I needed something that could be changed easily and be water proof. I was reading Canadian Runner magazine and came across the prefect product for my needs. It is the Vital ID sport band.

It is inexpensive, and can include all the emergency information required. It comes with two id strips, and you can order more if needed. So now I have my ID with me when I go paddling or running.

I have included a quick link to the VitalId site on my blog.

Deep Cove # 14 – Hard Race, Paddle Test

Tonights race was going to include a swim in the middle. The long course was going to be, out from Deep Cove over to the mainland across from Jugg Island. Beach your boat and swim 160 meters over to Jugg and back, then paddle around Raccoon Island, over to Lone Rock lighthouse and back to Deep Cove.The total distance would be just under 8 kilometers.


As well tonight I was paddle testing. I'm in the market for a new paddle, so I am trying out as many blades as possible. During the race I was using a Max paddle. It was the Hank McGregor model in carbon. As soon as it was handed to me, I knew that this paddle was going to be a little much for me, due to its size and the aggressive shape. It came in between the SET paddle I normally use and my large blade Epic, which I use on occasion.


The quality of the paddle was top notch, and the small shaft was perfect for my hands. So off I went for my warm up paddle. With the blade in the water, it became apparent that this was going to be a chore for me over the 8 km distance. The grip at the catch is big, and the blade holds the water all the through the stroke with minimal slip. The exit is effortless.

After a quick paddle to the 5 knot can, it was time to hustle to the start line. As we were sitting at the line, Bob got out of his ski onto the dock, and started to speak through the load speaker. He said that Ty's wife to be, had secretly bought him a new Kevlar Legend and was going to give it to him in a couple of weeks, but because he was whining about getting a new ski, that she gave it to him tonight. So with that said Bob pushed the boat out into the cove and said that if Ty wanted to use his new ski, he would have to swim for it. With everyone cheering him on, that is exactly what he did. He had the biggest smile as he was swimming for it.

Then it was time to go. It was a quick start, and I got a good position beside Rod. I looked over to the far right and there was a group of paddlers behind the double XT of Brian and Sasha, moving fast. Up at the front of our group was Jim in his K1. During this time, actual throughout the whole race my balance was just not on. I was tippy, and could not seem to get it to work. It was not long before I was off the back of the group. I was basically on my own for the next 2000 meters, when Lina came up on my left hand side. Lina is getting stronger every week in the XT. So I decided to fight with my balance a little and stay with her. She would start passing me, and I would up the rate and move in front . She would then up the rate and try to pass again, so I would up it again. It was fun messing with her, but after awhile my balance became an issue again and I dropped off.

As we were coming up to Jugg, and the swim, I could see Jim carrying his K1 up the beach, and head out for his swim. I got to the beach and pulled my ski up on the beach, and headed out for my swim. Boy was it cold. It may have been a hot day, but that water was not. I managed to pass a couple of people on the swim. Once back on shore I grabbed my ski, and tried to manoeuvre through the piles of boats all over the beach.

I managed to squeeze through a gap, and get going after Colleen who was ahead of me. Around Jugg, and off to raccoon, With both Hope Brothers right behind me. The balance thing was still going on, and slowing me down. Rod passed me, but I managed to hold off Greg. As we approached Raccoon Island, I pulled up beside Colleen, and sat there for the length of the island. We we reached the northern tip of the island, I decided it was time to go. So I upped the pace, and managed to catch some decent waves to scoot ahead. I was on my own from then on. Steve was just in front of me, but I just could not real him in before the finish line.

Deep Cove #12 – Short Course, 5 Km. Time Trial

Deep Cove #12 – Short Course, 5 Km. Time Trial

Today I was not feeling 100%, and with the upcoming Mountain to Sound relay race on the weekend, and Big Chop #5 on Thursday, I decided to do the short course tonight. (if there was one) Not many racers choose the short course, so I knew it would be a time trial for me.

Since I have a slight cold and a bit stuffed up, I wanted to test some of those Breathe Right nasal strips. As soon as I put one on, there was a huge difference in my breathing. It was alot easier, and a bigger throughput, so to speak.

Checked out the course board for tonight's course, and was greeted by a short course, yes! It was going to be from Deep Cove to Boulder Island and back. The same course Amber and I did in the double XT. Of course I got the usual flak for doing the short course, but with the up coming races, I was willing to take the heat.

Bob had a pre-race meeting with all the paddlers on the beach. He was telling us that we should be ble to self rescue should be come out of our boats, and that part of the race would involve a self rescue. Luckily for me, it was going to be at the end of the race. I didn't want my cold to get worse, and paddling soaking wet for 25 minutes was not going to help. So as you approuched the dock on the left hand side, you had to get out of your boat, and go under water, (head and all) and get back in your boat. This was for everyone, not just the skis.

With that said everyone went for a quick warmup paddle, and headed to the line for the start. After the usual course description, it was a GO. I started fast because I wanted to stay near the front. I managed to get on at the end of the lead group, and kept it there all the way to the edge of the cove. After that a gap started to form. We were cruising along the west wall out of the cove trying to dodge the incoming current. I could see some confusion at the front of the pack, as to where they were going. All of a sudden everyone cranked a hard left and started going across the arm.

Everyone up front was doing the long course and were going far to the left of where I wanted to go. This wasn't a problem because I was off the back of the lead group. That was until a white nose witha big red maple leaf came along my right side. That was going to be a problem because he was in the way of me heading to Boulder. To make things worse along came the nose of a V10L inbetween us. It was Renee, and he was telling us to go left, but I kept heading towards Boulder. He did not like this too much and then he started banging the side of my ski with his paddle. I guess I was squeezing him up against Mike.

I could see that this was going to go no where fast, so I let up and let them pass in front of me. This gave me a clear shot for the north tip of Boulder. As I was crossing over, I glanced down at my GPS, and saw 9.8 kph. I could feel the current, but didn't realize just how much it was slowing me down. My tactic would be to go to the north tip of Boulder and paddle as close to it as I could get. That way I might catch an eddy , and push up my speed. Sure enough the GPS was reading 11.5 going along the wall.

As I was going around the corner, I was checking out the for sale sign, and was wondering how much does an island cost these days. Soon I was back in the middle of the arm going with the current and making some good speed. I passed Brian and Brigid Wong going the other way in a plastic sit on top. I found out later that they came in second in the short course.

Coming into the cove the sun was shining directly into my eyes. This was another good time to practice eyes closed paddling. So that is what I did. Four strokes eyes open, and four strokes eyes closed. I did this for about 6 sets. Once I was in the shadow, I could see the dock and my destiny with the water. I really wasn't looking forward to being cold, but them are the rules.

So I hanged my legs over, which is really easy in the EVO, and in I went. I looked back to see if anyone was coming, and saw no one. I said to the girls/time keepers that I guess I could take my time, but since I did not want to stay in the water for too long, I quickly dunked my head, and remounted my ski. Then it was a easy paddle to the finish line.

My time was in the range I was looking for, and the nasal strip did its job perfectly. Made for a good time trial.

Product Review – Garmin Forerunner 101

I have been receiving quite a few emails asking what GPS I use for training. The answer would be the Garmin Forerunner 101.

This unit is the lowest priced of its kind that Garmin sells, but don't let the cheap price fool you. This unit has plenty of features. The price was one of the reasons, that I bought the 101, I managed to get mine for $79 at a running store, the other was the display. You can use the custom display feature and make the “units” that you want big in the main window. This was required with my eye sight being what it is.

The lack of a rechargeable battery has not really be an issue. I just stock up on batteries. Plus it is one less contact point to corrode in salt water. The same goes for the link to the computer. Since I do most of my data collection in a spreadsheet, the lack of being able to download has not hinder me in the least. Sure in the future it might be handy to have that feature, but for the price I am willing to live without it.

During training the I use the Training Assistant in the interval mode. The main mode, I use is the time on / time off,. (set time & rest time) but there are many modes that I even touched yet, that are invaluable for workouts.

During a race, I have it set to straight timing with the main display showing KPH. That way I can see if I am in a current or my stroke technique needs a little adjustment to go quicker.

I have no problems with the unit. The main thing with any GPS that is being used in salt water is that you need to ALWAYS rinse it in fresh water immediately after use. If you are looking for a cheap GPS for training this is the unit for you.

Product Testing - Energy Drink

Now the product test was another energy drink. This one was a mix. So I mixed it up with 12 oz. of water, instead of the 8 oz. as per the instructions. I was told by the person that gave it to me that the taste was not very good. In fact it was down right disgusting, that she could not drink it all. Well my impression was close to the same, it defiantly not very good tasting.

Today was a great day for testing energy drinks, because I had none. Same as when I tested the Monster drink. I took the drink 45 mins before my run. it took about 15 mins before it kicked in. It did raise my energy level no doubt, but it did not last very long. In my 2nd set I could feel it wearing off. So on a scale of 10, I rate this drink a 5.

New Run with Monster Energy

Well we decided to change up today's run and stretch it out. It was now going to be 6 X 3 mins jog / 2 mins walk. Which after Sunday's run was a comfort to me.

Since this was going to be a medium run, I decided to "test" some of the Monster Energy M80 Drink that they were handing out at the erg races a couple of weeks back. Since I was bagged from getting not enough sleep last night, what better time to try it out, and see if it works.

Well let me tell you, I was pumped after 15 mins of drinking the can. I didn't like the taste too much. I was thinking how I was going to handle the carbonation during the run. I even told the girls who were going to be setting the pace, that if they hear something nasty behind them, to just keep running. ;-)

As it turned out, everything was fine for the whole run. We did a good medium pace. I had set up my Garmin Forerunner 101 for intervals, so I could track it as well tell us when to jog or run.
Out of the year or so that I have had it, I never used that feature. Well it will really come in handy in the boat and on dry land.

Here are the times for each set: