tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68667394320721826262024-03-14T05:17:14.240+11:0020,000 Leagues Into My BrainNautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-39389648728209601922014-03-31T14:39:00.001+11:002014-03-31T14:39:37.415+11:00IronnautI came. <br>
I saw. <br>
I hurt. <br>
I finished. <br>
Race report <a href="http://forums.transitions.org.au/index.php?showtopic=63922">here </a>if you are interested.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-76907457117836289722013-11-23T20:27:00.000+11:002013-11-23T20:27:23.322+11:00Train hard, race ......... Also hardSo I have been building my training steadily since March. It has reached the point where I can tolerate 9 sessions a week without getting sick, 3 swims, 3 rides and 3 runs.<br />
<br />
It looks something like this on a typical week:<br />
<br />
Mon<br />
- 6AM Swim 2km<br />
- lunch 8.4 km run<br />
<br />
Tues<br />
- 7am 40 min ride on spin bike in gym holding heart rate between 140-150<br />
<br />
Wed<br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- 6AM Swim 2km</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- lunch 8.4 km run or 6-8 kms high intensity intervals on treadmill</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Thurs</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">- 40 mins high intensity intervals on spin bike in gym, 2 mins on 1 min off</span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Fri</span><br />
- 6am swim 2km plus a little bit if I have time<br />
<br />
Sat<br />
- 6:30am 24km hill run or 7:30am 11km intense hill run<br />
<br />
Sun<br />
- 100km hill ride or 120km Beach rd ride<br />
<br />
Now that Ironman is 121 days away, I have to work out how to take things to the next level without adding too much training time.<br />
<br />
I need more swimming pace, might have to do some stroke correction and maybe some squads.<br />
I need to do more riding at a steady effort on flatter roads.<br />
I need to run off long rides to get used to the feeling of running on tired legs.<br />
<br />
All this training has transformed me physically. I have only a few kgs but have dropped my body fat percentage drastically.<br />
<br />
So things aren't going to bad, just have to work out how to step up a level.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-6623878978034518752013-04-17T19:28:00.000+10:002013-04-17T19:28:02.944+10:00What did I sign up for?The high from running a good marathon is dangerous. <br />
<br />
It makes you do stupid things.<br />
<br />
Very stupid things.<br />
<br />
Things like sign-up for Ironman Melbourne 2014.<br />
<br />
Those not familiar with Ironman, it is a single day triathlon comprised of a 3.8km swim, 180km ride and a 42km run (a marathon). It's a big step up with the longest I triathlon I have done being the Olympic distance of 1500 metre swim, 40km ride and 10km run. That said I have done the run and ride distances as stand alone events, it is only the swim and putting them all together on the same day that will be new. <br />
<br />
So the next few months will be spent building a cycle base, working on run speed and avoiding swimming. I finish my Masters in June/July at which time I will start a more structured training program in all 3 disciplines. It's hard to get up at 5am when you have been studying to midnight.<br />
<br />
Once into my structured program I will probably be doing 9 sessions a week, minimum 10-12 hours in total and building up to a peak of somewhere around 16 hours for a few weeks. This isn't a lot by Ironman standards so I will have to focus on getting the most out of each session. Learning nutrition will also be an important part of training. Finding out what food I can tolerated when under extreme stress and how many calories I can consume per hour.<br />
<br />
It's a huge challenge, but I have learnt that if you manage your nutrition and get your pacing right the very hard becomes manageable. The pacing is the really tough one and the only way to learn it is through lots of good strong training and then not getting carried away on race day.<br />
<br />
Having a goal is good for motivation and my weight has been steadily decreasing all year. Most of all I am loving getting out on my bike on a Sunday morning and spending a few hours enjoying the hills of Melbourne's North Eastern green wedge.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-25188277287148675662012-10-15T13:54:00.001+11:002012-10-15T14:04:24.436+11:00It's done.So I ran my first marathon back in 2006 with a finish time of 3:47. That beat my target of 4 hours, it also beat Toadie from Neighbours and I was pretty happy with it.<br />
<br />
But not as happy as I would be if I beat 3:30 and so a goal was set. <br />
<br />
I was on track of about a 3:33 in 2007 until I cramped so violently at the 38km mark that my first thought was I had torn my hamstring from the bone. It was a battle to finish that one in 3:42, but at least it was still a personal best.<br />
<br />
There was quite a break before I ran my one in 2010, I was coming back from a bad planter fascia tear which had seen me gain a heap of weight. Overweight and underdone I battled through for a 3:47 which was OK all things considered, but Toadie from Neighbours did beat me (not my PB though). <br />
<br />
Then there was 2012. I had spent the 2011/12 summer training and racing in a few triathlons. My training regime had reached as much as 8 sessions a week with lots of short distance speed work in it. I was running 5kms at close to 4 min/km pace and feeling pretty good about it. <br />
<br />
Once the triathlon season wound up, I kept the speed work in, cut a couple of sessions and started focusing on my diet. Weight came down to about 88-90kgs (from a peak in 2010 of about 114kgs) and I started building my long run. The running continued to a peak of about 70kms a week (~32km long run) with 3 weights sessions per week. While I had a calf strain followed by severe calf tightening, I didn't suffer any of the sickness that kept me out of the 2011 marathon.<br />
<br />
The 2012 Melbourne Marathon was held last Sunday and it went well for me. I stuck with the 3:30 pacer Ruth until about the 38km mark, then took off by myself to finish in 3:25. <br />
<br />
Mission accomplished.<br />
<br />
Ever so slight negative split and the best I have ever felt in a marathon (disclaimer: the last 3-4kms still hurt A LOT).<br />
<br />
I now have nothing left to prove to myself and never HAVE to run another one of these things. That doesn't mean I won't chose to run another, but I don't HAVE to.<br />
<br />
BEAT THAT TOADIE!<br />
<br />
<u>Things I have learnt about running marathons</u><br />
<ul>
<li>If you did all the things that people say give you a 5% or 10% benefit you would be at 300%. Focus on doing the training, sleeping 2 nights before and knowing your pace.</li>
<li>Knowing your pace is really, really hard. Expect to get it wrong on your first marathon. The pace guides on the net are OK, so do a half marathon a couple of months before your full to get a feel for your pace. To put it into perspective, I passed over 300 people in the last 12kms.</li>
<li>Carbo loading can mean just eat normally but ensuring there are carbs in your meals. It doesn't have to mean cram in the pasta and feel bloated.</li>
<li>It is important to drink during your run, especially the sports drinks to avoid leg cramps (warning: too much will give you gut cramps if you are not used to them). But it is equally important not to drink too much, if you feel bloated you are drinking too much.</li>
<li>Have fun, make a point of feeding off other's energy. It helps pass the time if nothing else. High fiving kids as you run is a bit of fun.</li>
<li>It's going to hurt, but be mentally prepared for when it REALLY hurts. You can use a mantra, emergency jelly beans or anything else that works.</li>
<li>Train. There is no substitute for training. If you combine great training with hitting the right pace you will minimise the pain on the day.</li>
</ul>
<br />
Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-14519692120845481252012-09-18T21:22:00.004+10:002012-09-18T21:23:31.899+10:00Hiding and donutsSo I went hiddey for a little while as there was a chance some work people may stumble past.<br />
<br />
Hi Cam!!!<br />
<br />
Now I think I have sufficiently sanitised things I can stick my head back up.<br />
<br />
Not that I have much to say anyway. Running is going well, weight is right down and kms are right up. Doing 60-70kms per week with my long run at about 34kms. Should really be doing about 90kms per week but I reckon I would be permanently injured if I tried. Still I have the best chance ever to run a sub 3:30 marathon, provided I can handle the last 5kms. Anything sub 3:40 will still be a success.<br />
<br />
If you are trying to drop a few kgs (Havock I am looking at you) try MyFitnessPal. Helps you track your daily calorie intake and the barcode scanner hasn't failed me yet. It has kept me down to 1 donut a day which makes it some kind of miracle app.<br />
<br />
Plenty going on on the work front, was in Newcastle last week and will be in Brissie the first week of October for a couple of days. Did some leadership training that was quite interesting and gives another perspective on the leaders within the company. Didn't get to mention my King of the World ideas during the training, maybe in the followup session.<br />
<br />
Ok, that's enough procrastinating from study, better get back to it. Got to get up early and get into the gym before work, loving having an on-site gym at work.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-39615638611039968962012-07-29T19:46:00.000+10:002012-07-29T19:46:17.227+10:00The most uncommon of the senses.In a classic example of common sense, whilst recovering from a badly strained calf I have entered the Melbourne Marathon.<br />
<br />
Normally, due to my penchant for injury under large kilometre training, I don't enter the marathon until as late as possible. This year I wanted to take advantage of the cheaper early bird entry fees which close today.<br />
<br />
I was way ahead in training, but this calf strain put me back a couple of weeks. That said, if I can have a clear block of training from here to the event I will be fine. If I can run the Sandy Point Half in a few weeks time, it will be of great benefit and if I can do it in 90 - 95 mins then I will be right on track.<br />
<br />
It's a bit of a catch 22, train early and hard and my performance should be better. But lots of kilometres at a high intensity almost guarantees something will break on me. I'm hoping the calf strain will be it and I will have enough common sense not to push too hard over the next couple of weeks while it finishes healing. I don't like my odds.<br />Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-49947105650490849122012-06-29T21:27:00.000+10:002012-06-29T21:27:34.985+10:00Wow! This thing still works!Don't really have anything to say, but that's never stopped me in the past.
So what's going on? Just back from JP's and soprano gurl's awesome wedding that we extended into a holiday. It was a genuine 3 day wedding and a bunch of fun.
I got into triathlons last summer and interestingly the speed work has had a positive effect on my distance running. My long run is currently a hilly 24kms in about 1:42 which for me is flying.
Things are busy at work and my masters is still chugging along. Sophasaurus is doing really well and the iPad we brought has turned into a fantastic educational tool for her. It is quite surprising how effective a learning aid it is.
Dr Yobbo if you read this http://racearoundtheweb.com.au/ is tailor made for The World of Bollocks, get into it.
Last point of this pretty shitty post - Wiggins is overrated, he is not in Cadel's league.
Now off to see if I can find a Green Frog......<strike><strike></strike></strike>Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-38942333029983957322010-05-13T22:14:00.002+10:002012-09-18T21:12:05.635+10:00Huh? What's going on.So I haven't been here for a while. I have a good excuse, honest!<br />
<br />
I have been flat out. Work. Monster. Uni. Running.<br />
The monster is going great. She is pretty much walking now. Still isn't a massive fan of it, but at least she is doing it. <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Definitely</span> has a "why walk when I can be carried" attitude.<br />
<br />
I have taken on two subjects at Uni this semester. It's proving to be a pain in the arse. I can't start it until about 9pm so most nights I don't bother. Then blow entire weekends trying to catch up. Not sure why I am bothering as there is no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">guarantee</span> I will get anything out of it.<br />
<br />
Running is going well. Started once I had polished of the last of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Moet</span> at <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Christmas</span> and is now starting to get serious. I have dropped some serious kilos and the pace is picking up, the gym at work is a handy training tool. I am planning on doing a half marathon in July to kick start my marathon prep for the Melbourne Marathon in October.<br />
<br />
So I haven't been reading or commenting much elsewhere. Apologies, but I don't really even have time for twitter these days. I promise to catch up in about 2012.<br />
<br />
Right, I'm off. Got a tax return and an assignment to do.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-32356759982903524832010-01-11T22:31:00.002+11:002010-01-11T22:42:37.628+11:00Moet Christmas!So I was <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">officially</span> redundant on the 24/12. Merry Christmas!<br /><br />I had about 6 months of contract work lined up, which would have paid nicely but been a bit of a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">headfk</span>. <br /><br />So when I got the call at about 10am on the 24<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span>, from a major luxury car manufacturer offering me a job, I rolled into Christmas a relaxed man with a nice big redundancy payout in the bank.<br /><br />Christmas came and went through the bottom of a couple of bottles of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Moet</span>, then off to Phillip Island with some friends for a holiday and NYE. A small holiday apartment with 4 adults and 3 kids under 3 is not ideal, but a couple more bottles of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Moet</span> and 3 slabs of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Boags</span> sorted that out.<br /><br />Last week was supposed to be a relaxing final holiday before kicking into the new job. Lots was planned, but the little monster got ill with a nasty fever so the week was pretty much a write-off. The only thing we did was watch Avatar at 8:30pm last Sunday night.<br /><br />Work looks like it is going to be interesting, most importantly they have a REALLY IMPRESSIVE cafeteria. Now I just have to negotiate myself a company car.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-38245455893289060652009-11-30T16:51:00.002+11:002009-11-30T16:55:28.019+11:00The frog returns!The green frog is back, check it out at <a href="http://frogofgreen.blogspot.com/">http://frogofgreen.blogspot.com/</a>.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-36230317989960070842009-11-23T13:20:00.005+11:002009-11-23T14:07:54.735+11:00I got stuff and did other stuff!<div><div><div>Whoa, big weekend just gone!</div><div></div><br /><div>Not big like in the old days, which would have meant starting drinking Wednesday and finishing sometime Sunday night. But big in adult ways befitting the new mature me.</div><div></div><br /><div>It started Saturday arvo. My parents were down from the country and staying with us so they could look after Sophasaurus on Saturday night. They owed me a few presents so we agreed they could buy me a new bbq. Dad and I ducked out to get one which became a saga in itself.</div><div></div><br /><div>We went to a big department store with a specific bbq in mind. Black steel 4 burner, nothing flash just a good solid sausage blackener. While looking at the display models we noticed the 6 burner was EXACTLY the same price as the 4 burner and as bigger is always better we decided to go the 6 burner.</div><div></div><br /><div>To cut a very long story short, after much stuffing around where they had stock, then didn't have stock and other stores wouldn't hold stock, we got a guy to say they had one and he would have it at the loading bay waiting for us. He even went so far as to tell us how the other staff were well meaning but just didn't know how to really look for stuff. So we paid our money and headed around to the loading bay.</div><div></div><br /><div>As Dad and I stood in the bay watching our new mate load the bbq boxes onto a pallet jack, Dad said to me "looks like you are getting a stainless steel one afterall". I didn't particularly want a stainless steel bbq, but they are more expensive I wasn't going to argue. I then looked a bit closer at the box and realised that not only had they given us the stainless one, but it was also the next model up from what we brought = WIN. No wonder they have stock control issues!</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407127481338136034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Rn7z6_Mm2wg/Swn5y8xpheI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/Y4QBevoY0nU/s400/Movember+001.jpg" border="0" />I always wanted a barbie big enough to cook a person in! It is the next model up as it has the recessed wok burner, rather the raised wok burner lid.<br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div>Once we got the bbq home it was time for a quick shower before the wife I barrelled out to the <a href="http://www.bluestonerestaurantbar.com.au/">Bluestone Restaurant </a>in the city for our anniversary dinner. We started with a drink in the bar before a beautiful meal accompanied by some nice Champagne and a glass of red. Post dinner was a bar hop (to stay out of the rain) until we found a nice lounge bar for some post dinner cocktails. Finishing with a not so fun 25 min queue for a taxi home. All in all a very nice night out with a beautiful woman.</div><div></div><br /><div>Sunday started slowly but quickly built up speed with furious bbq building. It took a couple of hours and a couple of attempts, but I finally got it together. Just in time as my BIL and SIL stopped by for a couple of hours with their two kids. They left early enough that I was able to undertake the day's most important mission - console hunting.</div><div></div><br /><div>I decide a few weeks ago that I was going to buy either a PS3 or an Xbox. The problem was, which one do I buy? I hassled friends, family and game store clerks looking for advice and at different times was 100% committed to each console. Logic was pointing me clearly in the direction of the PS3 but my gut was telling me I would get more use out of an Xbox. Even standing in the store having traded all my PS2 stuff I was still vacillating back and forth until I finally went with the gut and got an Xbox. Now I just need to buy a Sony Bravia TV and get a free PS3.</div><div></div><br /><div>Dinner Sunday night was a bbq on the new barbie with my parents, followed by a couple of hours playing James Bond on the Xbox. It's almost a relief to be back at work this morning.</div><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407130155880015938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Rn7z6_Mm2wg/Swn8OoOH6EI/AAAAAAAAAKI/K-itHdwdR7M/s400/Movember+002.jpg" border="0" /></div></div></div>Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-74112899679532444242009-11-17T11:46:00.006+11:002009-11-17T13:18:36.541+11:00The excruciating minutia of lifeBeen effing busy lately, what with mo growing, job hunting and exam studying.<br /><br />The mo is coming along nicely, most of you are checking <a href="http://magnumallstars.blogspot.com/">http://magnumallstars.blogspot.com/</a> so I won't waste anymore space here on it.<br /><br />Job hunting is progressing. I have missed out on a couple, one because I was selling an I.T. Manager and they were after more of an I.T. lackey. They were happy to have a manager, they just didn't want to pay for one. The other job they decided they didn't need anyone, I would not be surprised to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">receive</span> a panicked call from them in the coming months.<br /><br />I have a couple of other irons in the fire and there is a good chance my redundancy date will be extended or I will be able to contract for a couple of months at an <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">exorbitant</span> rate.<br /><br />So things are happening. Slowly, but that's better than not at all.<br /><br />I have done my last exam for the year, which is pleasant to get out of the way. I need to get more disciplined in my study. Each subject takes 12 weeks and has two assignments and an exam. The assignments usually cover one or two weeks of the study and the exam all 12 weeks. Typically I only do the reading required for the assignments during the 12 weeks and then the week before the exam I take 3-4 days and do all 12 weeks study. It works when I am only doing 1 subject a semester, but it's stressful and I probably don't do as well as I could.<br /><br />I am going to jump to two subjects a <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">semester</span> next year (so I can get this bloody thing finished faster), so I will need to develop <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">some kind</span> of weekly study plan. The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">xbox</span> I am thinking of buying may not be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">conducive</span> to those plans.<br /><br />So I have been busy, busy, busy. Fortunately over the last month or two I have also had time for socialising, catching up with Besso, Barnes, GuruBob, Havock and Lermontov. I have eaten at some nice restaurants including the flash Middle Brighton Baths. I have a work dinner at Donovans later this week and then a combined birthday/anniversary dinner at what looks like a nice restaurant on Saturday night (not naming it as the Good Lady Naut may read this). Finally the Good Lady Naut and I will wrap up the month with my work Christmas party at the Amora Hotel in Sydney.<br /><br />All that and Sophasaurus learnt to crawl a week ago so we now can't take our eyes off her for a second.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-89919139569356125622009-11-01T15:03:00.001+11:002009-11-01T15:03:54.998+11:00Movember or man-date?So what to post about? Movember or the man-date with Havock and Lermontov?<br /><br />Hmmm, decisions decisions.<br /><br />Actually the man-date was full of "had to be there" moments and all the best bits have already been on twitter thanks to Havock and his snap happy iPhone.<br /><br />I will reflect and say that it is always a please to catch up with Havock who is far enough removed from Blunty Havock to be very pleasant company while close enough to Blunty Havock to keep you laughing all night!<br /><br />Lermontov is definitely an enigma and a fascinating one at that. Class that only good breeding can produce, an earthiness that comes from all-boys schools and the military, all nicely balanced with an intelligent self-awareness. Very enjoyable company and we were all far and away the best dressed people wherever we went.<br /><br />So onto Movember. Today is the official start date, so we are all clean shaven for the kickoff! So for some photos and to see Big Bad Al's fantastic shirt go to <a href="http://magnumallstars.blogspot.com/">http://magnumallstars.blogspot.com/</a> .<br /><br />Any team members that haven't received an invite to be an author at the Magnum blog, drop me a line at <a href="mailto:naut023@gmail.com">naut023@gmail.com</a> and I will send you an invite.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-84849129489787697702009-10-28T17:17:00.002+11:002009-10-28T17:20:52.509+11:00Movember UpdateGo <a href="http://magnumallstars.blogspot.com/">here</a> now.<br /><br />Magnum commands you!<br /><br /><a href="http://magnumallstars.blogspot.com/">http://magnumallstars.blogspot.com/</a>Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-59376893978413822692009-10-23T09:59:00.005+11:002009-10-23T10:12:35.842+11:00The truth is finally out there!So as some of you already know, everyone's suspicions about me are correct and as of the 24th Dec I will officially be redundant.<br /><br />It is in no way related to the GFC, it is because the business I work for has sold all its car dealerships and I my role is very dealership focussed.<br /><br />Some of you may be thinking "those bastards, Naut is both talented and devilishly handsome". Well while I am both those things, I am also very comfortable with their decision and their treatment of me. 2 months is a pretty good notice period and my payout will be a very handy bunch of cash based on the NSW award which kicks the Vic awards arse! They were also very accommodating when I was facing all the recent personal dramas.<br /><br />I did have a chuckle yesterday as the directors came to advise me and then had to wait over an hour for me as I was "at a meeting with a supplier". I was actually in an hour long job interview!<br /><br />Anyway, at this stage my job prospects are looking good. I have had a couple of unsolicited approaches and some of the prospects look quite good. Now if I could just win the lotto ...........Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-78038280539829939182009-10-08T13:56:00.004+11:002009-10-08T17:33:48.914+11:00Magnum P.I. wants you!<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Rn7z6_Mm2wg/Ss1XAh8J07I/AAAAAAAAAIs/MgFLRlYMWCI/s1600-h/magnum_thomas7a.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5390059995654640562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 318px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Rn7z6_Mm2wg/Ss1XAh8J07I/AAAAAAAAAIs/MgFLRlYMWCI/s400/magnum_thomas7a.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>I put a bit of a call out on facebook and twitter for interested parties to join a <a href="http://au.movember.com/">Movember </a>team.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I can't say I was flooded with support, but there were a couple of interested parties.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>As I need very little encouragement to go off on self-indulgent adventures, I have started a Movember team called <a href="http://au.movember.com/mospace/24979/">The Magnum P.I. Allstars</a>. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So I am calling on you to join the team, if you don't want to grow a mo then donate! If you already have a mo then shave the bastard off and start again, call it spring cleaning! If you can't grow a Magnum worthy mo, fear not, I am still waiting for puberty to kick in!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I am going to donate $20 to Big Bad Al (not to him personally, just to his membership if you know what I mean) if he signs on. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>So join! Donate! Whatever! Just don't disappoint Magnum, no one wants to see a disappointed Magnum.</div><div> </div><div>** UPDATE **</div><div> </div><div>If you want to join the team (you don't have to grow a mo to be a team member, ladies I am talking to you), go here:</div><div> </div><div><a href="http://au.movember.com/register/8295">http://au.movember.com/register/8295</a></div>Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-55504641645749356622009-10-02T10:51:00.002+10:002009-10-02T11:13:46.052+10:00I have no morals to call my own.I have on a few <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">occasions</span> been described as having s<span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">trong</span> morals or been admired for my ability to stick to my morals.<br /><br />This has always confounded me as I don't think I have any morals at all.<br /><br />I see morals as a construct created by communities in order to protect both it's members and the structure of the community itself. If a community had no moral structure, it would have no sense of right or wrong and therefore no basis for the creation of laws. If a communities fundamental moral is the right of the individual to basic things like food, shelter and protection then that community is creating an environment that encourages membership and participation.<br /><br />So you are probably thinking, what's that got to do with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Naut</span> having or not having morals? Well here's the answer.<br /><br />I have imagined life without community, because while I enjoy people I have always been pretty self contained and never felt I needed them. My image of life without community pretty much <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">reflected</span> a post <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">apocalyptic</span> landscape where you pretty much lived in family groups (still kind of a community). While we would all like to be Mad Max for a day, it is pretty hard to buy doughnuts if there is no bakery and no matter how much fun being Mad Max is, you are still going to crave doughnuts one day.<br /><br />So I choose to live within a community within the larger society, therefore I choose to accept it's morals. If I have an objection to how those morals are reflected in law, then there are paths to address that, that are intended to reach a result that reflects the majority of the community's views.<br /><br />To conclude, I don't feel I have any morals at all, but as a community member I live within the moral <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">boundaries</span> determined by the community.<br /><br />** Extra bonus special feature **<br /><br />What if I was living in a country where the communities morals are dictated by a minority rather than a reflection of the majority? Simple, I would choose not to be a part of the community and so would base my actions on what I considered logical and suited me.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-24415922383145463062009-08-31T16:41:00.000+10:002009-08-31T16:42:19.536+10:00My foot hurts!Been a busy few days which ending with me doing something quite out of character and sleeping from about 2pm to 6pm last Sunday. It started with the burger dinner Thursday night, then followed up with a Red Bull fuelled assignment submission Friday night and closed out with JP’s book launch Saturday arvo/night.<br /><br />None of the nights were really what I would consider late nights, but I have been a bit flat lately and sleeping poorly, so I guess it all finally caught up with me Sunday arvo.<br /><br />One of the things that has been leaving me a bit flat has been a distinct lack of exercise over the last 6 weeks or so. As Havock kindly pointed out over at the cheeseburger, I have hit 100kgs thanks to a complete lack of exercise and a diet that would shame even Moko’s goats. The exercise issue is due to an injury I have picked up. I was actually started to ramp things up, doing additional running outside of footy, with a mind to running this year’s Melbourne Marathon, then started to get pain from what I thought was a bruised heel. I didn’t worry much about it until during a game of footy, while sprinting to a contest, I felt something move in my heel and then a sharp, nasty pain. I had an acute case of planter fasciitis. In layman’s terms, I had a tear in the tissue that runs from my heel to the ball of my foot and makes up the arch of your foot.<br /><br />This is not the first time I have had planter fasciitis. I had a mild case a few years ago, but was able to stretch it out through a couple of long, slow runs. This time there is a tear rather than a strain and it is taking forever to heal. It’s been 6 weeks and it still feels like it is going to snap every time I move quicker than a walk.<br /><br />I hate not being able to run. I have been running regularly for over 10 years now and with the way I eat it is the only way to keep my weight respectable. It is also a great way to wind down. Unlike many, I don’t listen to music when I run and I try to think as little as possible (yes that is easy for me to do), it becomes almost meditative, particularly on a long run.<br /><br />Hopefully I will be able to hit the road again soon, I’ve got my eye on a little run in May 2010 called the Great Ocean Road Marathon. If I can make that and run the 42.2 in under 3.30 hrs I will never need to run another marathon.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-7395721831884925592009-08-18T13:24:00.002+10:002009-08-18T13:58:45.937+10:00Roses are from NantucketI don't really get poetry.<br /><br />Actually scratch that, I get it, I just don't really like it much.<br /><br />I can't say I am a massive reader of poetry to make me the best judge, but I have read more than the odd 4 liner about people from Nantucket or what colour roses are.<br /><br />Some battlefield poetry particularly from the first World War has a certain resonance, but all said and done I would prefer if they shared their thoughts and emotions in a simpler written format.<br /><br />My dislike of poetry probably <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">stems</span> from my appreciation of the beauty of simplicity. To my sensibilities, something that performs it's duty completely, in the simplest way possible is <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">inherently</span> beautiful. Poetry seems to perform it's duty of conveying a message, using a combination of words that the author finds evokes particular emotions for them, but could be interpreted completely differently by others. If the intention is to evoke specific emotions, then poetry can be a pretty haphazard way of doing it.<br /><br />I got this definition of poetry from about.com :<br /><br /><em>Poetry is an imaginative awareness of experience expressed through meaning, sound, and rhythmic language choices so as to evoke an emotional response. Poetry has been known to employ meter and rhyme, but this is by no means necessary. Poetry is an ancient form that has gone through numerous and drastic reinvention over time. The very nature of poetry as an authentic and individual mode of expression makes it nearly impossible to define.</em><br /><em></em><br />I see the written word as a means to convey information and at times solicit an emotional response. If you want me to have an emotional response then tell me a simple story, don't string a bunch of fancy words together in some kind of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">rhythmic</span> pattern and expect any emotional response other than frustration, after I've spent 20 minutes working out what you are on about.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Hmmm</span>, might explain why I generally prefer photography over other forms of visual art.<br /><br />Anyway, feel free to tell me just how wrong I am.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-18862492311691378202009-07-14T11:20:00.002+10:002009-07-14T12:02:26.533+10:00Tour rest day updateSo the Pyrenees are over and the first rest arrives. <br /><br />As expected, the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">GC</span> didn't change much, the only difference of note is that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Contador</span> stole a couple of seconds lead on Armstrong. It's impossible to know for sure, but Armstrong's and the team's reaction to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Contador's</span> attack seemed pretty genuine. So <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Contador's</span> attack went against the team plans which Armstrong followed by not chasing him down. I would have done the same if I was <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Contador</span> and if I was Armstrong I would be using his breaking of team plans to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">galvanise</span> the team around me. It is going to be interesting to see how it pans out when we hit the Alps. An point of interest is Armstrong's improving fitness. I read an article by Armstrong's coach about how Lance needed to shed muscle from his upper body. He pretty much hit the targets just as the tour started, so in terms of form, the Giro is not going to be a good guide. The first two weeks of the tour could prove to be the perfect conditioning for Lance.<br /><br />The only other significant event during the Pyrenees was the attempted breakaway by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Cadel</span>. He jumped onto a breakaway group and then jumped off the front of them to form his own breakaway. He was then joined by a number of other riders including <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Cancellara</span> and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Hincape</span>. At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Cancellara's</span> prompting, the riders in the breakaway abused <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Cadel</span> and refused to work with him until he gave up and returned to the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">peleton</span>. They did this for two reasons, first of all Astana were always going to chase hard a breakaway with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Cadel</span> in it. Secondly a number of the riders in the breakaway had teammates with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">GC</span> aspirations so their teams wouldn't let them support another rider gaining time on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">GC</span>. <br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Cadel</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">received</span> a lot of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">criticism</span> from people for wasting energy on a stupid, doomed attack. This came from the same people that had a go at him for never attacking. Personally I think that while it had little or no chance of success, it was a great symbolic move. It showed that he is racing to win and won't accept that just because Astana are the strongest team, they will supply the race winner. Even Armstrong called the move "gutsy" <a href="http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,25779408-5015775,00.html">http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,25779408-5015775,00.html</a> .<br /><br />Many people are complaining that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Cadel's</span> team has lost him the tour. Yes they had a very poor Team Time Trial and even if they had had a trouble free run they probably still would have lost at least 1 minute. But watching the team in the mountains they have been brilliant. There have always been 1 or two guys with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Cadel</span> and they have even launched the odd attack to soften up Astana. If <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Cadel's</span> team had performed like this last year, the results in Paris may have been very different.<br /><br />Anyway, the race now has a couple of relatively flat days before we get into the Alps. The final week of this year's tour is supposed to be a monster week and looking at the stage profiles, the mountain top finish at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Verbier</span> on stage 15 will be <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">critical</span>, but some later stages with downhill finishes also offer some <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">opportunities</span>. The penultimate stage (20) is an <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">HC</span> mountain top finish coming after the Time Trial on stage 18. The tour may only just be decided by the time they start the stage into Paris.Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-76056103836403271732009-07-10T10:17:00.002+10:002009-07-10T11:00:32.628+10:00Post stage 6 Tour updateIt has been interesting watching the performance of Astana in the tour so far. Tradition says that the team of the Yellow Jersey are the marshals of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">peleton</span> and are responsible for pace making until other teams self-interest propel them to the front. Deals can be made between teams saying "I'll help you with pace now but you have to help me later". But amongst all that the Yellow Jersey team are supposed to be the organising and controlling force in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">peleton</span>.<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Saxo</span> Bank have had the Yellow Jersey since the prologue, but for the most part Astana have been behaving as if they have the Jersey. Not only because Astana done their fair share of pace setting, but also because of their <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">behaviour</span> in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">peleton</span>. When a narrow dangerous road approaches, Astana jump on the front and ride tempo to string the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">peleton</span> out and make it safer. Last night (obviously day where the tour is) when they had a simple climb with a tricky descent, again Astana hit the front and rode tempo up the climb. They weren't looking to hurt people on the climb, more to string out the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">peleton</span> so they could block the road on the descent and force the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">peleton</span> to descend slowly and safely. All things <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Saxo</span> Bank could have done, but seem happy to leave to Astana.<br /><br />This behaviour is typical of a Johan/Lance team. Very dominant and bullying when <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">necessary</span> to ensure their <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">GC</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">contenders</span> face the minimum possible risk. It's this attention to detail and building such a strong team that won Lance 7 tours. Lance is also the ultimate team leader. If you watch the team time trial, you will notice that when Lance peeled off the front of the group he would be talking to each team member as he drifted to the back. A couple of times I noticed him pace a team mate for a few seconds, up on his toes yelling <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">encouragement</span> to them. I didn't see any of the other team leaders do that.<br /><br />So what does all this mean for the tour? The first stage in the Pyrenees tonight is a tough one with a very high mountain top finish. The Pyrenees are generally considered a little easier than the Alps and so you wouldn't expect the race to be won or lost tonight, but foundations could be laid.<br /><br />Logically, this is how the stage should go:<br /><ul><li>Astana set the pace over the early climbs and at the base of the last so that it is difficult for the other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">GC</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">contenders</span> to break away.</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">Saxo</span> Bank lets them.</li><li>A pure climber with little <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">GC</span> hopes may get away on the early climbs and Astana will let him go, although they may try and get <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Kloden</span> up the road with one of them.</li><li>Other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">GC</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">contenders</span> attack on the final climb as they need to pull back some of the time lost in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">TTT</span>.</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Cancellera</span> battles valiantly to hold onto yellow but loses time in the last 3-5 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">klms</span>.</li><li>Armstrong and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">Contador</span> watch all the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">GC</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">contenders</span> and just cover their attacks. Neither of them attack unless the other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">GC</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">contenders</span> are showing extreme weakness.</li><li>The majority of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">GC</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">contenders</span> end up crossing the line together.</li></ul><p>The one thing that may throw the cat among the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">pigeons</span> is the dispute over team leadership at Astana. Armstrong has been seemingly taunting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Contador</span> in the press about his lack of leadership and how maybe the strongest rider is actually the strongest leader. He has been suggesting that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Contador</span> needs to attack this climb to take leadership of the team. He is effectively saying "hey Alberto, I have your team, if you're man enough come and get it". </p><p>Now this could be brilliant mind games by Armstrong, getting <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">Contador</span> worried about him and pressuring him into making rash attacks and burning energy wastefully. It would be a very Armstrong thing to do and would demonstrate how much of a master tactically he is. Of course it is also possible that the whole thing is a ruse by Armstrong and Johan to draw attention to Armstrong, confuse the opposition teams and give <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Contador</span> the best chance possible. I reckon the former but would not be shocked if the latter turned out to be true.</p><p>We may well find out which tonight!</p><p> </p>Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-89312489473607400572009-07-08T13:20:00.004+10:002009-07-08T13:54:33.789+10:00Tour de updateWell the first 4 stages of this years Tour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">de</span> France have been run and won.<br /><br />The opening Time Trial went pretty much to script. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Contador</span> managed to pull a little time on Evans, but not a massive amount.<br /><br />The first big surprise of this year's event came on stage 3 when Armstrong was used his experience and found himself in the front half of a split in the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">peleton</span>. The 40 odd seconds that group was able to pull out, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">rocketed</span> him up the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">leader board</span>. The surprise wasn't that Armstrong was in the group, but that so many of the other <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">GC</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">contenders</span> missed it. Everyone was talking about the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">likelyhood</span> of a split in the crosswinds and the corner where it happened was the obvious spot, but still plenty of guys got caught out.<br /><br />The Team Time Trial was a disaster for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Cadel</span>. It's not so much that his team let him down, more that his team was never constructed with the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">TTT</span> in mind. They were never going to set the course on fire and when you throw in a crash and a puncture you end up with a 2 minute + loss and probably throw away any chance at overall victory. I thought both <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Cancellara</span> and Armstrong did brilliant jobs pulling both their teams through.<br /><br />So what now? All the talk is about whether Armstrong will work for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Contador</span> or whether they will decided team leader after the first mountain stage. I have changed my mind about 30 times, so I decided to inhabit Armstrong's mind and work out what he would do.<br /><br />So if I was Armstrong I would be thinking ..........<br /><br /><em>Damn I'm good</em> (I think that even though I am not Lance)<em>. 7 time winner, I still have the pace and showed all those idiots on stage 3 what a Grand Tour is all about! "Lance should ride for <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Contador</span>" they all say. Well screw that, Lance rides for Lance and Lance knows Levi and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Popo</span> will ride for Lance as well, all Lance needs to do is ask. The others probably will too. Johan is just waiting for an opportunity to shift things my way without obviously screwing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Contador</span>, just so he can shove it up those stupid, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">mankini</span> wearing <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">Kazaks</span>! There is no way I am riding for that bunch of commies, I '<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">aint</span> even taking their paychecks so I don't owe 'em <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">nothin</span>'. If that poor man's Mexican wants me to support him, then he is going to have to storm the Alamo! This team is my team no matter what names are written on their jerseys. When I tell 'em to ride they will ride and when I tell 'em to bury themselves for me I better see dirt flying! Screw Astana, screw <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Contador</span> and screw Johan if he doesn't jump on board the Lance express!</em><br /><em></em><br />So that's what I think is going to happen. Lance will <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">solicit</span> help from at least Levi and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Popo</span> and will ride for himself. If <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Contador</span> wants his assistance then he is going to have to make it obvious that not only has he got Lance well and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">truly</span> beaten, but can also get the most out of the team.<br /><br />Unless Astana make a massive mistake or get thrown out because one of their members gets caught doping then the winner will come from Astana. There is just too much talent there.<br /><br />Mind you, this is Le Tour so anything is possible!Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-81426288476394991342009-07-02T14:49:00.002+10:002009-07-02T15:29:43.809+10:00Blarkon has competitionI was making the invite for the monster's 1st birthday party and couldn't resist creating this.<br /><p> </p><p><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Rn7z6_Mm2wg/Skw8gW5fOaI/AAAAAAAAAIk/XTjr-0oGAUQ/s1600-h/final+sph.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353720583636859298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 382px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Rn7z6_Mm2wg/Skw8gW5fOaI/AAAAAAAAAIk/XTjr-0oGAUQ/s400/final+sph.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></p>Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-58952293607644322932009-06-26T11:23:00.003+10:002009-06-26T11:33:29.518+10:00Another plate for Steve<div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Rn7z6_Mm2wg/SkQjiqnjw2I/AAAAAAAAAIU/TZNCL1cFpGg/s1600-h/IMG_0063.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351441335685727074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Rn7z6_Mm2wg/SkQjiqnjw2I/AAAAAAAAAIU/TZNCL1cFpGg/s400/IMG_0063.jpg" border="0" /></a> Most doctors drive BMWs, Mercs or Porches and GPs doctors drive SAABs and Volvos. Never seen a doctor in a Hiace van? Does the Rod bit refer to his name or his specialisation?</div><div></div><br /><div>You may be thinking he is some kind of welder and is a guru with the welding rod, but there are no real indications that is the case. I passed the van a little further on and it had no signwriting to provide a clue.</div><br /><div></div><div>Finally for those that missed it on twitter:</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351442873078061634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Rn7z6_Mm2wg/SkQk8J2dGkI/AAAAAAAAAIc/yGZ9xpQkHCw/s400/IMG_0065.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div>Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6866739432072182626.post-17991309853639850202009-06-25T09:50:00.004+10:002009-06-25T10:13:48.590+10:00Roger the Dodger and Tour de FrogWell Roger finally came through with the good and I have my suit back. I must have been a big lad when I brought it, because even after alteration it still doesn't sit quite right. <br /><br />The jacket has been brought in at the waist as much as it can, but it still looks to me like it needs some material out of the front of it as well. Although the front in profile looks <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ok</span>. The pants now fit around the waist, but my legs and arse are still swimming in material. I don't think the cut of this suit suited me right from the start and I guess all the alterations in the world aren't going to fix that.<br /><br />I will probably give myself a week to think and then take one of my new, better fitting suits to Roger to be altered. Photos will follow when I have time to get the camera out.<br /><br />In other news, the start of the Tour <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">de</span> France is fast approaching and it could be one of the most interesting years ever. There are so many questions:<br /><br /><ul><li>Can Carlos <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Sastre</span> go back to back?</li><li>Does Armstrong still have what it takes?</li><li>The Astana team will be strong, but will having Levi, Lance and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Contador</span> all in the same team hurt them?</li><li>Will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Cadel</span> benefit from having less attention <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">focused</span> on him?</li><li><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Menchov</span> won the Giro, will that hurt him in the Tour?</li><li>What will the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Schleck</span> bros get up to?</li><li>Which team will be <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">dominant</span> on the tough climbs?</li><li>Michael Rodgers has a good team and has become a very good tour rider, can he figure highly in the final standings and maybe even win?</li></ul><p>The make-up of the teams is making this a really tough tour for me to predict. Astana looks really strong and Armstrong has that rare ability to get the team to go above and beyond for him, but what if he doesn't end up as team leader? </p><p>No sleep in July for me.</p>Nautilushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03709472759179704843noreply@blogger.com10