New Bike

So im riding on my nre bike! its amazing! I LOVE IT! i could not believe what a difference in weight there is between my guru and the opus! Once i rode the opus for the first time i was motivated to ride, ride and ride! Its amazing...........swimming and running is going well but biking is priority! I have a race next weekend, in guelph.....i hope it goes well!

BIKE

So things have been looking up lately. I have stepped up my running doing some more intense lactate threshold and VO2 Max workouts on the run and have finally dove into the lakes! Nothing makes me more happy then getting outside and training! I did a solid tempo run the other day on a measured 3.22 km run with one 100m hill. I managed to run it in 10:10 and am stoked. I also am pleased to say i am getting a new bike!!! FINALLY, thanks to Aarron @ gears and Grinds and Opus bikes!. The Bike will be a serious upgrade from my current long time friend, Miss Guru Crono. My bike will be nearly 5lbs lighter and will bring my motivation through the roof!!

found this on youtube. From 1993, see how much we have some along. What is seen in the clip would have been unimaginable!

Watching the ITU races is one thing. Racing them is a completely different experience. It is almost a mind game with other athletes as well as a team effort. How can, as an individual sport, bring people together to help each other get to the finish the fastest. Its an awesome sport which comes down to the final leg...the run.

This clip of Bevan Docherty winning with an incredible kick is amazing.

This pumps me up bigtime!

Thinking

Im in the midst of thinking about what to pursue, as far as my life goes. How to Balance sport and life. As far as things go im still looking for a well paying job while really gearing to step up my act in the sport of triathlon. So far its been a long year and im deciding what to do. I am not sure whether to stay with the ITU race series or move to the 70.3 series for this year. I have yet to sign up for a race so far but i need to do so soon.

As far as training goes, its moderate. I am currently training once a day and balancing the long days at work with sleep. Swimming is going well right now, not feeling as out of shape in the pool as i did in the beginning of winter. Running is steady, but not really organized. I say this because i am only really doing one workout type with running. Mostly tempo, and have not moved towards interval training yet, but i will soon.

Cycling is on its way and am excited for the potential new bike as my current steed is getting old and fragile. She (yes its a girl) has done me well in the past, i certainty cannot deny that but what could i do with a bike 4 pounds lighter??.

I have been watching a lot of ITU races this year on the net and it is really pumping me up to get back into that style of racing. However, right now i need my drafting card to be able to race and i haven't had the chance to get it as they are far and limited.

Race season is soon to come, and right now is the time to step it up. I have a feeling this year is going to be a real prep year and the next will be the time to light it up.

Thats all for now

Scott Takala

April

Wow, April has so far been Amazing! Warm temperatures and sunshine, just makes training easier. I've been building up mileage on my runs and swimming is comming along well. Last week i went for a ride when an unfortunate event occured. I was about 5k out from my house and my pedal fell off the crank, still attached to my shoe! Thank god i was close to home because even the 5k of one legged cycling took a toll on my left leg! When i got back i took a look and both the pedal and crank were damaged and the bike is in the shop getting new parts.

Sunshine is in the forecast for this week and temperatures warming.

so long for now

Spring is in the air. Today was a beautiful day, April 1st and nearly 20 degrees. Went for a beautiful 16k run on the Cat trail and it felt like summer, although i did see some ice and snow in the shaded areas. Just over a week ago i returned from a training camp in Florida and it was amazing. Had a lot of long rides and runs and a couple of swims at the National Training Center in Clermont, Florida. Some of the workouts included 100km+ rides, a 70km bike and a 10k run for a brick workout and a 1/2 marathon run + a 3k swim. All in all it was a great time. It was nice to see all the Maple Trees in Florida Blooming throughout the week, something we will see here in Mid May. For now its time to take advantage of the sun and warmth and get riding outdoors!