CadesDad - Life

Corona

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:50:31 -0700

This weekend Cadesdad ran the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon. It was fun. Esthers mom joined him for over half of the run - - great to have company, especially during those hard bits.

The first half was roughly 2 hours, the second half 2.5 hours. To me, this means I really wasn't in the shape to go out and do it. Amen to that, I DEFINITELY was not in shape to start a marathon on race morning. However, the first half or so, was quite enjoyable. It was a great two hours to stay in my head, feel STRONG, and run. Smooth and Strong. Its a motto I've heard before and it really is true. I'm going to hold on to that.

So TCM is history and done.

CadesMom rocked the TCM10, even though she was miserably sick, and still is a day later. She does rock and has unbelievable strengh. Unless of course you know her, then it is believeable.

So now, I'm watching the Vikes- Green Bay game with this guy name Jefe. Super cool guy Jefe although I think he is asleep now. During the game there have been a few Corona commercials. Seriously, why am I here? They make the carribean/mexico/etc. look so so so so so so so fantastic! Heres a video of someones corona like vacation. Am I jealous?

Continue reading "Corona"

Best Run Evah

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 19:32:43 -0700

Yes. Another prolong haitus.

Well, the little guys birthday is coming up so Shawn and I decided it was time for another bicycle. He had a bicycle last year. I really really sweet 20" Haro BMX bike which our fantastic neighbors the O'Rourkes gave us. Sadly it was stolen from our front yard last fall. Sad.

So, we visited a couple of stores until Cade latched on to this sweet beauty.

Don't mess with the Mini Viper

After throughly testing the machine throughout the top floor of Dicks Sporting goods in Bloomington, riding the bike to and into the elevator, riding out and a another lap of Dicks 1st floor; he was convinced. After Mom and Dad paid for the orange beauty he rode it through the front doors, to the car in the parking lot. This now reminds me of his Uncle Pauls first car. Ask him about it, he loves to tell the story. Also ask him about Tang cake.

So here's my point. I'd shared with Cade that I wanted to sometime this summer go for a run and have him join me on his bike. Well it happened, and on the first day he had his new bike. We went to Nokomis talking the WHOLE way there. Once there we swam to cool off and then headed back toward home. We stopped at Adrians for cheeseburgers and cokes. All in all it was an absolutely fantastic day.

And with the cold water at Lake Nokomis my ankle didn't hurt at all on the run home. FANTASTIC.

Poopy Head

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 09:12:28 -0700

Cade will be entering kindergarten this year. It feels like a big time for us, as Cade will be beginning school. Which as I've thought about it means lots of changes for us as a family. Vacation schedules, school and afterschool events, (official) homework etc.

Cadesmom and I have been touring schools to try to find the right fit for the uber dude. This week I toured Hale Elementary with a group of parents. I arrived early, so I was there when all the other parents showed. Being my first tour, I had my ears tuned in to hear what the other parents had to say about the schools they've toured etc. Well, this was probably a mistake, as the other parents shared they'd already toured 100 schools and were pretty sure they'd decided. This immediately had my head spinning in the realization that I am a bad parent due to the thought that I'd only thought to tour 3 schools. Ugh. The tour was great, but being around the other parents made me feel like the school we send Cade will make the difference between Harvard and Cell Block A. Its hard to at least hear the hype and get sucked in.

In the last few weeks the hot lingo around the house has been anything "poop". Poopyhead, poopybutt, poopy, poopy, poopy. I'm just sure that if we could go back to ancient greek, Mongols or caveman times and we'd find kids saying poopybutt, poopy head etc.

It never gets old.

Montana

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 18:33:21 -0700

Vacation always makes me reflect on my life. Nearly every time I've been away from home (particularly with Shawn) I've ended up making a goals list or rethinking something in my life. This vacation was no different.

We returned last Thursday from a week in Montana. I'll have to be honest and say I was a tad apprehensive about this trip. Shawn and I (and Cade) have always vacationed somewhere warm. But this trip was definitely a cool weather trip. We were headed to Big Sky, MT to ski. Mind you, Shawn and I don't ski. I think between us we'd downhill skied 2-3 times in our life. I've cross country'd plenty, but I never got the hang of downhill and consequently it was never any fun.

We met Jane and Esther at the Airport and together we flew to Billings. From Billings we drove a couple of hours to Big Sky and got settled in. The next day we decided to explore, get our bearings and plan. After checking out the slopes and town we sorted out the plan for the next day. Shawn and I rented Snowshoes at Grizzly Outfitters and hit a trail she had read about in a local magazine. Getting to this trail was crazy. We had to drive down a hill so steep that I was afraid we wouldn't make it back up. It was also covered in packed snow. Crazy. Once we found the trail we hiked in. It was fun, and quite a bit of work. I was huffing and puffing like crazy. It began to get dark and we decided we'd better head back to the truck - - the way back was SO much easier. Turns out we'd hiked up the whole way in. No wonder I was panting like a dog.

That evening Mark and Mike joined us. It was nice to have them as they're both so easy going and fun. It is too bad they weren't able to stay longer but it was great to have them with us, even if for a few days.

The next morning we all headed to Moonlight Basin. First we all trekked to Grizzly Outfitters (we ended up spending a lot of time there) for Skis and lift tickets. We got everybody all set and we were off! We got Esther and Cade signed up for ski school. Mark and Mike spent some time pushing Esther and Cade around on skis which was awesome. They were shortly released and freed to ski as they chose and Jane skied a bit as well. We pushed them around the Madison Base area where they had a magic carpet so the kids could ride up a small pseudo slope and come right back down. We had a couple hours until ski school started so we pushed them around, ate lunch etc. I think school began at 1(?). Once it was time to start, Cade had decided he'd had enough. Esther was a super trooper; she continued on to class and got a sticker for turning! Cade and I went back to the Condo while Shawn joined Mark, Mike and Jane to ski.

The next morning, Shawn woke up and went for a run to Grizzly Outfitters to pick up a couple of lift tickets. Mark and Mike skied at Big Sky, while the rest of us went back to Moonlight Basin. Again we pushed the kids around for a while. Esther the trooper when to ski school (where she earned her stopping sticker). This time Cade met his instructor, but again it was just too much for him. I don't think he wanted his parents to leave. The instructor assigned to him was way type A and loud which may have helped push him into his shell too. Anyway, he DID NOT want to ski, and DID NOT want to go to class. We knew there was a sledding hill nearby so we thought we'd try that. Shawn, Cade and I walked to the hill, but there were no sleds. So Shawn walked back to Madison to see about a sled, while Cade and I traipsed around the ski hill. Once Shawn returned we learned that sledding hill was closed. (Bad timing there) So we again made the best of it and had lunch at the base area (and the adults had a beer). It didn't take long and Esther's class was over and Jane was ready too. So we drove back to the Condo. Once there Shawn and I agreed to try cross country skiing at a nearby place called Lone Mountain ranch. Jane agreed to watch the bambinos. So Shawn and I again headed to......Grizzly Outfitters for x country skis. Once equipt, we drove the 2 miles to the ranch, paid our access fees and were off. I gave Shawn my Rod Hammer (my elementary Phy Ed teacher) 2 minute technique lesson and we were off. Shawn picked it up really fast and we both enjoyed it tremendously (even the EXPERT hill we descended). Shawn then went back with Jane that same evening for another run around - - so we all got a bit of exercise in.

The next morning Mark and Mike left early, leaving only the parents and the 4 and 5 year olds. This morning Cade went to Mountain Kids camp, while the adults and Esther skied in the AM. Esther, that super trooper 5 year old skied down with the adults. It was pretty cool. I have to say that I was TREMENDOUSLY (I can't capitalize that more) nervous about downhill skiing. I'd not had much experience at this and I had boat loads of anxiety. Once at Madison Base area, Shawn and I left Jane and Esther and headed up the Six Shooter lift. By the time we got down to the lift I was beginning to really enjoy this downhill ski thing. It was fun. I was able to snowplow as well as move from side to side and stop hockey style. It was really fun! Shawn and I did a couple of runs and then hit the restaurant to eat and have a beer. I don't think Shawn enjoyed it as much as I did.

The following day Cade and Esther went to Moonlight Kids (which they both enjoyed. Jane and I skied in the AM while Shawn choose to workout at the Lodge. This time skiing I felt like I got better with each run. To be fair the first run felt treacherous as there were icy parts and then lots of powder - - which made for quite a contrast. At noon-ish Jane got Esther for a ski lesson and Shawn and Cade swam in the outdoor pool (and Hot TUB!) I made a few more and different runs and continued to enjoy this downhill thing more and more.

The final day in Montana Jane and Esther skied, Shawn and Cade swam and I sat in the lodge and read a book in the morning sunshine. In the afternoon the kids went to Moonlight Kids and the adults decided to explore Big Sky Resort.

All in all this ended up being a good vacation - - although I'm sure our next one will be to somewhere warm. The people of the Big Sky area and employees of Moonlight Basin were just such cool laid back people. There was always a friendly genuine hello and often conversation. It struck me immediately on Monday morning when I returned to work where the norm is to listen to head phones on the way in, not make eye contact in the elevator or on any of the floors or hallways. Totally Unfun.

Here’s the score on what we rented from the good fellas at Grizzly Outfitters:

5 pairs of downhill skis
5 pairs of downhill ski poles
5 pair of downhill ski boots
2 pair snowshoes
2 pair snowshoe poles
2 pair cross country skis
2 pair cross country poles
2 pair cross country boots

Maxing the Envelope

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 20:39:00 -0700

I think it's natural for many of us to want push ourselves. See how fast we can move, far we can travel, or how long we can persevere.

In the last year, I've learned that I can push myself further and harder than I thought. I've learned that I need to. I want to continue to do so next year. I'll definitely do triathlons next year and likely participate in a marathon - - and PR.

But I will never ever participate in a DecaTriathlon. This is taking place in Mexico as we speak. The DecaTriathlon is 10 Ironman races! So, there swimming 24 miles in the pool. Then 1120 miles bike, 262 mile run. Ah.... no this event will not be on my life goals list. Nope. Never.

Here's a picture I found of the feet of one the participants during or after the swim

Meet the Robot.

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 06:48:54 -0700

I have to imagine that my during the course of my grandparents long lives there were moments when they thought, "Well, by gosh, I never thought I'd see the day....". My guess is that thought may have crossed their minds at any number of inventions that changed their lives. Just my grandparents alone saw great change in their lifetimes. Please note I haven't researched this, so this list is composed of my guesses: Electricity via powerline, Telephone, televsion, color television, mass produced automobiles, Engines replacing human and animal labor, refrigeration, gas and electric ovens, clothes washers, sewer services and water services, Microwaves, Nuclear power, Nuclear weapons, Space Travel, Air Conditioning, Records

Recently I had a, "I can't believe we really..." moment, when a package arrived via Fedex. Inside, was our very own cleaning robot. Thinking that we had a robot to vacuum the floor reminded me of the Jetson's and their robot, Rosie. We got an IRobot Roomba. Its definitely not like Rosie; it doesn't talk or look human, er, or cartoonish. Its like a giant wafer. Somewhat larger in diameter than a frisbee and probably 4 inches tall. Just low enough to get under most furniture. We didn't get the fanciest Roomba either. We may have bought the lowest Roomba in the line, I don't know. Its not programmable as some are. When you want it to work, you press a button and it vacuums. It does a pretty good job, going over rugs, under chairs, and doing a suprisingly good job of getting in between chair legs and table legs. Once its complete or if the battery starts to go low, it returns to the docking station to be recharged. Pretty cool.

Getting back to my first point. I think my generation has been around for a great deal of change. It's pretty easy to forget it though. Here's a list of items that were invented or made it to mass production in the last 35ish years. Think of your own list too, its pretty crazy to think about whats changed during our lifetimes:
Microwaves
Fax Machines
Internet
Broadband
Cell Phones
Personal Computers & Laptops
Cell Phones
GPS
Video Games
Satellite Television, Cable Television
VCRs/DVDs
CD's
Instant Replay
Artificial Heart
Artificial Limbs, etc
The Granny Gear

Great Urban Race

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:40:43 -0700

We arrived at Town Hall Brewery early. This wasn't entirely my own fault. It's my fathers, and I'm merely the victim of genetics.

We were able to walk right up to the registration table, sign away our life in exchange for two t-shirts and matching numbers 2612. We dutifully pinned the numbers to the front of our tshirts. After walking the new "Great Urban Race" t-shirts to the Subie. We sat outside in anticipation of pre-race announcements. It was 11, we were set to start at 12 pm.

Soon more participants arrived. Some were like us, in matching t-shirts. others were in full costumes of varying tastes and efforts. Obama and McCain joined forces on the race which was nice to see some unity, although I'm sure noone cheered for them to win. We served as a case study for the power of suggestion. As we ordered drinks immediately after we saw two racers with a bloody mary and a screwdriver. Raeann and Mark found us. After they signed in, they joined our table. As I was approaching the bottom of my second screwdriver the race announcements started and the clue envelopes were handed out.

The race is set up that you're given 12 clues to 12 separate destinations in town. Each is different. Some require you to have your picture taken in front of a place, person, thing, others send you to a park and ask you to complete a stunt.

We worked together to solve the clues and quickly decided to head for our first destination. Eliot Park. We were pretty sure we knew where it was, so we ran right for it. Unfortunately, the park we thought was Eliot Park was actually Franklin Steele Square. After a few phone calls and bit of running we found Eliot Park, Phew! This clue "closed at 1" and we made it with 10-15 minutes to spare. At Eliot Park each teammmate had to balance an apple on our head and walk 10 yards without touching or dropping the apple.

After completing this stunt we worked on our next clue. This one was a cryptogram involving the movie, "Fargo". We deciphered without completely solving the clue that we needed to take our picture in front of a sign on a parking ramp used in the movie. Again, we consulted friends and family who uniformly had us heading to the Daytons (now Macys) parking ramp. We ran a few blocks and were informed that in fact it was the Minneapolis Club parking ramp. We ran back a block and snapped the picture.

Next we were off to our 3rd stop. This clue was something like, "Take your picture next to the statue of the person mentioned in the hit Weezer song." That wasn't hard. Had to be the Mary Tyler Moore statue. What out of town based contest couldn't have picked that? Again here a photo of both of us with the bronze MTM.

Next clue we tackled was getting a photo of 4 people doing cartwheels in front of Candyland. We could have opted for this or getting a photo of 12 people in front of the orpheum. Since there we already some people doing cartwheels and we were there this was easy. Or, I guess to be fair, easy for me. Shawn and Raeann had to do cartwheels.

Next we were off to GameWorks to find a Game called Monkey Ball, and get our picture with it. We stood in a short line of racers and got our photos snapped. We also had to get 3 tickets from any game. There was a guy handing out tickets from skeeball. Not sure if he worked there or was just a bystander helping out. Either way we were out of the quickly.

The next clue we tackled was a riddle. It went something like this, "Juan like Dr. Pepper, but not Coke. He likes Strawberries but not Watermelon. He eat Cheese but not Milk. He likes pepper but not salt." We then were instructed to take a photo of both teammates in front of a street sign that Juan would like. We noted that old Juan like things with double letters, like pePPer, beRRies, chEEse, etc. So we took a picture of ourselves in front of a Hennipen Avenue street sign.

I'll have to say it was nice to have Raeann and Mark with us as we were able to get our photos taken quickly and didn't have to get bystanders or wait for another team.

We were off to Loring Park. As a team we had to hop on these skis that had ropes attached and walk them 20 yards or so. We made quick work of this and quickly went to the next stop.

The sculpture garden. Again, what out of town hosted race couldn't resiste the allure of the spoon and cherry sculpture. The clue was to have your photo take in front of the sculpture picture on the GreatUrbanRace website. Check!

Next we needed to scoot on up to Golooneys pizza. Before we got to Galooneys we had to have our photo taken at the park across the street from the pizzeria. We were instructed to count the benches in the park and hold up the number of fingers equaling the number of benches. I don't recall how we solved to go this park, but Shawn figured it out and counted the benches.

Now! On to Galooneys. The task here was to have one teammate feed the other a slice of pizza. Shawn fed me a bite and a bystander took our picture. Deliciouso! I devoured the rest while we waited for bus to take us back down Hennepin. Man the pizza was GOOD. We hopped the bus, this was the only bus ride for us.

Our next and last stop was to get our picture taken in front of the name and address for the Campbell Mithun building. We ran 9th to the building with Mark and Raeann. Took our last picture and ran back to Town Hall Brewery. On this run we somehow lost Mark and Raeann. I think they may have taken a slightly different route. Shawn and I zig zagged through Twins traffic and mercifully made it back to the finish/start.

Since we were allowed to skip one stop, we deleted the picture of us holding the number of benches (although we found out we got it right). After a review of our photos (yeah no errors!), we sad down outside for refreshments. Kevin and Heather joined us. It sounded like they had a great time as well! Beer, sweet potato fries (SWEET) and goat cheese nachos (wonderful!). It didn't take long and we got a bit cold. So we moved inside for more beer and a bit of warmth.

We bought a growler of oatmeal stout on the way out and listened to the awards. We were disappointed we didn't get top 25. I think we would have it we hadn't had the mix up finding Eliot Park, but whatever. We had fun, and beer and food. I think Team Mabusi would do it again if they return in 2009!

And we got in 9 miles!

Why

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:27:27 -0700

Years ago, I abhorred running. This dislike started early in my childhood. I can too vividly recall the overwhelming feeling of doom the morning of track and field days at Zachary Lane Elementary. The dread of having to line up for even the shortest of race still grips me. Even now as I write this, my back is growing warm and I have the sensation of blood rushing to the skin of my face. I longed to come up with some believable Brady Bunch like scheme to stay home from school. Perhaps appear at breakfast with a sore throat or a water bottle filled with ice on my head would do it. Catholic guilt kept me from executing any such scheme, and the school bus still came right on time.

After roll was taken (HERE!) we'd all line up single file to be escorted like prisoners of war outside to begin track and field day. I'd scan the starting line for someone that I knew I'd be able to outrun. My goal, usually, was to not be last. At the end of track and field days, my neighborhood friends would return home with multiple sheets of vividly colored paper. Each sheet documenting that they were 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 9th fastest in one dash or another. Not me. Thank god there were also "Field" events. As I was a big kid, the shot put the sole event that kept me from complete and total humiliation. I was able to put that shot just about as far as anybody, or rather far enough to get a sheet of that colored paper with my name on it.

We lived in a suburban neighborhood with lots of kids my age. I can't recall many girls, but I can name the boys. Tim D, Nathan, Tim J, Dan, Doug, Sean, Mark, Chad. We were all in the same grade. There were other boys a bit older, but not many younger. Whatever the season we'd play the appropriate sport. Primarily this meant we played: baseball, basketball, football and hockey with the occasional volleyball, badminton, tennis, golf game thrown in. I mention this to illustrate that I was an active kid. In fact I'd say that I'd run as long as required if I was chasing a ball.

When I entered the University I continued to be active - - but not running. In my freshman year, I rode mountain bike (and tried to race), organized an intramural flag football team, and played more basketball than I'd ever played in my life. My sophomore year I studied abroad. Outside of walking I didn't do to much athletic - and still not running. Junior, Senior and senior senior years I continued to bike with friends and I joined the Lacrosse team. Lacrosse was just like all the other sports I'd always played. Lots of running, but I was chasing a ball. One of my buddies Tim (same Tim as from Elementary school) had ran cross country in high school and continued to run in college. I'm not sure why, but for a while he and I would run. I insisted we go late in the evenings so no one would see me. We did a couple of 5k's, but I still didn't like it. I continued to play lacrosse post graduation.

Grandmas Marathon runs every June in Duluth. I remember watching the runners on television, and in some years seeing them cross the finish line. If you've never been to the finish line of a marathon, I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it. The air is electric. One can observe and share in the emotions/relief/exhilaration of each runner crossing that line. The finish line is a very inspiring place. It was here, when I still hated running, that I vowed silently to myself that someday SOMEDAY I would run a marathon. I knew, running hater that I was, that this was quite a daunting feat and a real stretch of my imagination to think that I could do it.

My first real employer's office was connected to a set of trails that twisted around a marshy area to a larger park with a ski jump (!) and trails around a small lake. One of my coworkers would run these trails from time to time over lunch hour. I thought it would be good exercise and fun to hang out, so I joined him. I still hated running.

My next job was with a company called Whittman-Hart. This company asked all employees to have development plans listing personal and professional goals. I'm not sure I remember this correctly, but I think they said they'd provide rewards for how well you did on all your goals. In composing my goals for that first year, I put spoken vow to paper. 1999 goals: to finish a marathon. Due to the marvels of the internet, I found this guy, Hal Hilgdon who had a website with a plan for beginners. I copied the plan into a spreadsheet and bought a pair of Nike Air Max. Reading through the plan I needed to be able to run 3 miles without stopping by February as the plan required me to run 3 miles 3 times the first week! It was December 1998. It was cold. Minnesota cold. It was dark (so I wouldn't be noticed). I told my roommate I was going out for a run, Id be back soon. He just shook his head and laughed. I got dressed. It may have taken me longer to get dressed than I ran:
2 pair long pants
2 pair socks
1 short sleeve shirt
1 long sleeve shirt
1 sweat shirt
1 pair liner gloves
1 pair mittens
1 winter hat
1 winter jacket
1 scarf
1 pair of Nike Air Max

Once dressed. I again told my roommate I was going for a run, "I'll be back in 10 minutes." Baby steps.

I stepped outside and the cold froze my nose hairs, raced down my throat and held a tight grip on my lungs. It hurt. I didn't stop. I ran probably 6 blocks down and 6 blocks back. Hopped in and my roommate laughed some more. I can't believe you’re really meant 10 minutes! I hated running.

Slowly I made progress and started to lose weight. There are only a few runs I really remember from that year. I distinctly remember the first time I ran 10 miles. I ran the whole time without stopping. Sweat drops fell from the brim of my baseball cap while I rounded Lake of the Isles. One foot felt numb and started to tingle. I finished. I was immensely proud. I got home ravenously hungry, and cold. After devouring everything in sight and a hot shower the cold away, I fell into a deep flu like sleep. Still I was proud.

At some point along this training plan I began to enjoy running. On days I didn't run, I missed it.

Grandmas Marathon 1999. I had no idea what to expect, even though I had read everything I could get my hands on; I wasn't sure what the next 26.2 miles would present. I moved like a cow into the starting chute, staying near the back I wanted to stay out of everyone’s way, certainly they all knew what they were doing. I met so many people during this run. Men, Women, old and young. I spoke to people I passed or those that passed me. I recall running nearly all of it (although my time makes me wonder if I did). I described the event to friends as just a big moving party. I had so much fun. Here’s my result:

3792 1448 M 19-34 BRIAN T CORRIGAN MINNEAPOLIS, MN 5:15:04 12:02

This year they had a camera taking stills of the finish line. I was lucky enough to find my picture crossing the finish line!

My brother did a little MS Paint magic to make my 5 hour run a 2 hour run!

In 1999 there were 3,984 Grandmas finishers. For contrast in 2008 there were 6876 finishers!

Since this run, I've loved running. Why do I do it now? Hmmmm
to feel good - for the endorphins!, and stay healthy
to exercise the dogs
to share something fun and healthy with my wife
to be a good example to my son
to strive to be better/faster

Just for fun, here are my marathon results

1999 Grandmas Marathon 5:15:04
2000 Grandmas Marathon 5:22:14
2003 Rome Marathon 5:21:55
2003 Grandmas Marathon 4:38:57
2005 Grandmas Marathon 5:09:04
2006 Fargo Marathon 4:45:44
2006 Grandmas Marathon 4:58:50
2007 Grandmas Marathon 4:29:58
2007 Twin Cities Marathon 4:31:42
2007 Tulsa World Marathon 4:31:03
2008 P.F Change Rock N Roll 4:03:10 PR!
2008 Grandmas Marathon 4:42:45

Urban Assault Race

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 14:07:27 -0700

Yesterday, the NBUAR (New Belgium Urban Assault Ride) visited our home town Minneapolis. We thought it was only reasonable to head down to great NBUAR and participate. Glad we did, Glad you came to visit! You look great! etc. Shawn and I signed up as a Co-Ed team.

We were lucky/skilled/smart? enough to start in the first wave of participants. The waves were decided by a pre-race quiz which was required to be submitted the Friday before the race. Most of the questions were such that you had to do a little research on the events sponsors. So, that meant visiting a few websites, blogs, and a bit of head scratching. Anyway, so the race started at the midtown greenway Freewheel bike shop. The majority of the first wave headed directly west on the greenway to Chipotle. I'd say we got there as in the front of the wave. Once in the parking lot, each teammate had to complete 3 passes of "bicycle limbo". You got 6 tries to get it right. The first pass the bar was pretty high so it wasn't too tough. The second pass was a bit lower, but easily doable. The third, I got a bit of momentum, then swung my right leg back to the left side and coasted under the bar, next to my bike. This was doable, but a bit tricky. Shawn did the same. We collected our bead (which indicated you completed the checkpoint), and we were off.

Funny thing though. As we turned of the bike path, my front wheel slipped on some sand. I didn't go down or anything but it was a bit etchy, I thought I had flatted. After that, if I tried to crank hard, I could feel the tire fold under neath and it was really sketchy riding. It wasn't flat, just lacking pressure. I think now it must have been that way the whole time, and I just didn't realize.

We next headed to Lake Harriet to look for someone in an afro wig with wings, dressed like a fairy. We made a bit of a mistake here, as we headed in the direction of the bike path (clockwise). If we had just gone the other way, we would've likely saved 10 minutes (3 ish miles). Oh well. We found the the guy, got our bead and read the clue to the next "Mystery" checkpoint. I didn't really read the clue but scanned it and knew immediately it was One on One bike shop. Shawn and I decided to continue on our route south to the next know checkpoints (Penn Cycle in Richfield and REI in Bloomington). We were thinking the 3rd mystery checkpoint would be Eureka Recycling (it wasn't) which was further north.

So.... we were off to Penn Cycle. Initially we thought we'd avoid Penn Avenue as it's a busier street, but after I made a navigationaly mistake we found ourselves on Penn. The traffic wasn't an issue so we just stayed right on. We hit Penn Cycle (they were closed!) where we had to ride what are called Runt bikes. One team member rode the bike a length of the course (15 yards or so) and the other teammate rode back. This looked harder than it was. We got our bead and were off to REI.

I think the stunt at REI was probably the best stunt of the event. One teammate had to ride a kids bike (smaller with a banana seat like I had when I was a kid!). This bike had a basket on the front stocked with a few newspapers. While riding the bike a teammate had to throw the newspaper and the other teammate stood 20 yards or so away and had to catch 3 newspapers. It took me a couple of circles around on the bike to get the swing of it. Again, we collected our bead.

Now, we believed that everything was north of us. Shawn suggested we go next to One on One bike, the second "Mystery" checkpoint. We rode Nicollet to 1st. We did stop and get Snickers and a Powerade (MAN that Snickers was good). Once at One on One, the mystery clue was easy - First Avenue and there was a tire pump! Man, what a difference proper inflation makes! Our Bead in hand we were off!

We sprinted down to First Avenue for our next Bead. Then headed west.

This got a bit more interesting as it was now, 11:30ish and there were mobs of cultish viking fans in the streets in cars, etc heading to the dome. All clad in purple, purple faces, purple trucks, purple hair. Kah Razee. We pedaled through that crowd, down Washington Avenue to Freewheel. The challenge here was to collect New Belgium bottle caps off the parking lot ashphalt, whild volunteers sprayed water at you. The trick was you had to wear oven mits to pick up the bottle caps and deposit them into a bowl. Once the bowl was full, you were done. We made pretty quick work of this one too.

We were then off to Peace Coffee. Peace Coffee was located right off the bike trail, which was really nice. It gave us a straight shot back to the finish once we had completed the checkpoint. At Peace Coffee, they had lots of ice and lots of cold press coffee and water bottles. So, we each picked up a water bottle, some ice and some coffee. mmmmmmmmmmmm delicious! The line here was long, so we enjoyed the coffee. The stunt at here was to ride a Trek Big Wheel around the parking lot course completing 2 laps. This was pretty fun. We did our laps, spun out at the finish (as seemed to be tradition) and headed for the finish.

We biked the final 10 short blocks to the finish, parked our bikes and completed the last obstacle, an inflatable obstacle course. Then the "officials" checked us in (all the beads and a time 2:46). Wooo!

We went looking for beer. We found chipotle burritos, and free beer inside. Be both had the New Belgium 1554 which was, like the Peace Coffee, delicious. The remainder of the afternoon we hung out, had beer and coffee and waited to win a raffle prize. We were both sure we'd win (we didn't). That's alright we had a blast.

NBUAR, you'll have to come back next year.

Here is the route we took to complete the course.
09/22/2008 Route
Find more Bike Rides in Minneapolis, Minnesota

Burrito Union 10-hr Triathlon

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 12:41:17 -0700

Kyle, CadesMom and I did the Brewhouse Triathlon this year. Curses! This year Kyle beat me (by less than a minute). This was the 3rd year that I've participated and 4th year for CadesMom. It’s a fun, relaxed event and it's held in Duluth. Being in Duluth is a bonus as I really like Duluth and we get to see my friends Kyle and Kim and they're kids Will and Ilee and dogs Lexi and Sam. It’s always great to visit Duluth. The evening before the Brewhouse Triathlon we were all sitting around talking about another area event, the Burrito Union 10 hour Triathlon.

After finishing the Tri, the idea of the Burrito Union Tri was stuck in my mind. I was a tad, if one can be only slightly, obsessed. Kyle gave it a thumbs up and CadesMom said, "whatever", and moments later we were registered.

So Cade stayed with Gpa and Gma, Fiona looked after the hounds and buddy, and Shawn and I went to Gear West to rent her a wetsuit. Given that the race was held in Northern Wisconsin in early September it was a good bet that a wetsuit would be needed. Shawn’s been having issues with her hip. Sciatica-ish painful issues, so she had volunteered to do the swimming. Kyle and I agreed to alternate the biking and running.

We arrived at the Smith household past Will and Ilees bet time, chatted for a bit and went to bed. Kyle had gone to the pre-race meeting and shared that timing would only occur once the runner crossed the finish line. No other times would be kept. We all woke 5:30ish and were on our way. After a few failed attempts we were successful in finding a muffin/bagel shop serving coffee. The coffee prerequisite satisfied we carried on to Pattision State Park, the site of the event.

Kyle finishing the bike leg.

We found it really easily, and got situated. Kyle smartly brought a tent which we set up 30 yards from the transition area. The weather was cool (lower 60’s?) and overcast. Showers were threatening. Shawn started us off in the swim. Kyle and I aligned that I’d bike first and he would run the first tri, and wed alternate. So, after Shawn came out of the water she tagged me and I was off on the bike. Now outside of races, my bike hasn’t been on the road this year. The little time I’ve been on it, has been either on the trainer or in a race. So, I wasn’t prepared for cold weather. I wasn’t even sure what to wear…. So I wore a lot. I had a short-sleeve tshirt, long sleeve shirt, and a windbreaker on my upper body. Tri shorts and a pair of running shorts below. A thinner stocking cap and my helmet. Kyle thought I might be over dressed… I said he didn’t know what he was talking about.

Shawn off to another Swim leg

The bike course was an out and back 7 miles out and 7 miles back. Turning out of the park on to the road it was all downhill! I got about halfway and I was HOT and tired. (For whatever reason, it never occurred to me to stop and take off some clothes). I was wearing my HRM and it read 165. I was sure that my bike speedometer was interfering with it, as I never go about 135 when riding….. After the turnaround (and after being passed by everyone and a few people who weren’t racing!) it didn’t get any easier. I swear it was all false flats and false downhills until the last tenth of a mile, when it was a decent uphill. The kind where, especially if you’re already cooked) you look for more gears and wonder if walking wouldn’t be faster.

Kyle finished with the bike leg, tags Shawn to start the Run.

Okay, so I survived. Kyle was there and he took off running on the 3.1 mile trail run. Shawn and I talked about the swim and bike course. Kyle arrived too quickly and Shawn was off back into the water. Kyle quickly changed into his biking stuff in the tent. We chatted for a bit (this was how the day passed, hanging and talking with your teammate while waiting for the other to finish a leg. I encouraged Kyle to wear a couple of stocking caps on the bike, but he didn’t listen. Shawn ran out of the water and Kyle was off biking. Shawn was cold and a bit tired from a hard frigid swim. We chatted a bit and sat by a heater in the lodge to warm up. Shawn was thinking she could do another swim but the water was just too cold to keep going. She said she’d do the next one, and I agreed to swim after that.

Kyle roared in on the bike, and I started off on the run. This time I was dressed better, wearing a shirt and shorts. I had a stocking cap on as it was still cold, but I ended up carrying it for most of the run. What a fun run. I love trail running and this trail was along the lake/pond and a stream that feed it. The run was mostly an out and back. At the turnaround was an aid station with Heed, water and Hammer gel. There was also a nice waterfall to take a peak at before turning around. On the way back I was behind two other runners who were talking. I just sorta latched on to them and listened in on the conversation. Funny thing. Both the runners live relatively close to me, Jeff lives near Nokomis, and Sage lives in Linden Hills. Funny world sometimes. Anyway I finished the run, and Shawn again took off on the swim. I then made the change to get ready again for the bike. This time I wore fewer layers and probably could have skipped the jacket as I was still really hot. After cracking up the damn hill, I tagged off to Kyle. Then I got ready for the swim.

Kyle and Shawn

Brian and Shawn

The swim marked my 3 straight every other legs Brian (Run) – Shawn (swim) – Brian) Bike – Kyle Run- Brian (swim). I got into the wetsuit bottom half and left the top off while waiting for Kyle to finish the run. Once it seemed like he’d be coming, I put the sleeves on and had Shawn zip up the suit. Or try to zip it up. It took like 7 minutes and assistance from another lady to help get it zipped up! I guess the women’s suits are set up for bodies like mine! Anyway, Kyle came in and it was my turn to get wet. I had heard Shawn and everyone else say how cold it was, so I feared the worst and it didn’t seem that bad. It was cold, but not horrible. Perhaps all the peeing in the lake had warmed it up! I walked out of the lake, tagged off to Kyle who went on to bike. Shawn finished the tri with the run. We did that same order again. Finally we did start our sixth Tri. While Kyle was out on the bike it just poured! He finished the bike leg and I started the run in the pouring rain. I had the trail all to myself. There were huge puddles and it was really really fun. There was a bit of hail, but nothing to be afraid off, about halfway on the run the rain stopped and the sun came out. Beautiful. I finished the run and we all went to finish packing everything up.

Burrito Union was great. We all agreed we’ll be back next year.

Shawn finishing the run leg.

Our Results: (I think this is slightly off. I think we finished our 6th tri at like 9:00. I remember thinking there we're still people in the water and that we COULD have done 1 more).

8 Looks like a deer ; Brian T Corrigan , Shawn Strathe , Kyle Smith 6 09:25:55
1: 1:30:42 01:30:42
2: 1:29:27 03:00:08
3: 1:34:33 04:34:40
4: 1:34:59 06:09:38
5: 1:39:20 07:48:58
6: 1:36:58 09:25:55

I believe this video shows why led 5 was so much slower than the rest. This is Kyle starting the bike leg of Triathlon 5.

Zuchini Bread?

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 18:49:40 -0700

This year we signed up for a CSA with Rock Spring Farm. We've really liked it although we've definitely not known what to do with the herbs.

Last week, amongst various root plants and leafy greens we had a zucchini! I'd guess if poled 85% of the populations first though upon hearing the word "zucchini" is something related to zucchini bread. As a kid I always loved zucchini bread and the other variations banana bread etc. However, I am now allergic to bananas and nuts which makes banana bread a huge allergic bomb.

However I still have zucchini bread!

I talked to Cade about it and he was in. The lil' guy loves to cook and especially loves it if the cooking/baking/roasting involves tools, fire and stirring. This was right up his alley. After assembling the ingredients and being pretty much ready to go, Cade and I went at grating the zucchini. It only took a minute and I could smell the cool, crisp fragrance of zucchini. I continued to grate and the semi transparent gratings were lying on the plate with a pool of zucchini juices.....

Wait. This is NOT a zucchini. This was a cucumber. Now, honestly, I'm not stupid. I knew looking at this thing that it was a cucumber. But for some reason I had it in my head that it was a zucchini and that was that.

I knew that the lil guys heart would be broken if we didn't continue with the recipe. I KNEW that if we didn't include the ingredient we'd be grating for the last few minutes he'd confused and heartbroken. So, we carried on. I did pose the question that perhaps we should call it something different, but Cade overruled. What do I care if our zucchini bread has no zucchini, but has 2 cups of grated cucumber?

That is the story of how we made Zucchini Bread! And as a public service, here they are below: The zucchini and the cucumber.

Cucumber!

Zucchini!

TIL Numero Dos

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 21:09:24 -0700

Yes. Todays, Things I Like (TIL) subject is...... COFFEE! Long long ago, my first real non-temp job out of college was at a small company where one of the ladies had a cup which said, "No Coffee, no workee." At the time I did not see the wisdom which I now comprehend.

Although I can go without, I choose not to. Each morning CadesMom or I brew up a pot (or two). Some days, today for example. Neither of us have felt that great CadesMom is downright S.I.C.K., but the coffee has pulled us through. We've tried several different kinds and I believe that all of these are solid: Kirkland (Costco), Starbucks Mexican Shade Tree, Anything Peace Coffee, and most recently we've had really REALLY good coffee from Alterra.

3 days

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 12:12:35 -0700

After the marathon, CadesMom and I headed for a little mini vacation. CadesGrandparents(tm) were kind enough to watch the little guy allowing us to get away. We didn't want to go too far just in case we needed to hightail it back if Cade was having a hard time. Fortunately he did great. However wanting to stay close to Afton, OK meant that we had somewhat limited options. We decided to visit Eureka Springs, AR.

We registered at a hotel where the GhostHunters had once investigated, the Crescent Hotel- - we didn't know that initially but it sounded like it could be fun. CadesMom said, "the more haunted the better!" Mostly though we were looking forward to 3 nights of complete and long sleep. Lately the lil' dude has been waking up and its been tough (editor's note: Cade has been sleeping quite nicely since we returned home). However, fate was not on our side the first night. At 2:30 am....... Fire alarm and didn't get back to our room until 5 am or so.

Oh... but before the run, we drove down to Fayetteville, AR to hit the mall for some shopping! No, not really. Neither of us are shoppers. We went there cause we had called and found a Lenscrafters in Fayetteville. I got an eye appointment scheduled as I'm told Arkansas law requires that any glasses dispensed have a valid perscription. The eye doc fit me in really quickly and my sweetie helped me to pick out some new frames. So... today I come to you with a new look!

While we were waiting for my glasses to be made we found a photo booth. I know I'm a bit of a geek/gomer/fool saying it, but that photo booth was tres fun. If you're every in Fayetteville, AR check it out!

Right! Back to Eureka. After the first night we got some sleep and then hoofed it around town. The second day we just lounged around read, etc and got a massage at the hotel. The last day we went to Walmart! and visited the gi-normous Jesus statue that overlooks the town. Oh, and we ate our best meal in Eureka Springs at Ermilios. Simple italian type stuff.

On the way back to Oklahoma, we spotted a giant turkey and a giant rooster along the side of the road. I couldn't pass it up.

CadesDad and a medium sized rooster.

We returned to see Cade having a great time with Grandma and Grandpa. He spent his time waiting for us riding horse, chasing kitties, riding tractors and hanging out with Grandma.

Poor kid, he really suffered.

Cade, Chico and Grandma

Cade and Puf the Kitten (don't tell Buddy)

Cade, CadesMom and Jake

IsaResults

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 04:48:54 -0700

I didn't exactly take my measurements and weight exactly at the end of the IsaCleanse program. I ate like crap for a couple of days AND THEN thought, "oh hey, I should weigh in again".

So...drumroll parle vous.....the results.

I'm down 2-3 lbs which is great. The really interesting thing is these measurements:

According to these measurements, compliments of the lovely CadesMom(tm), I've "lost" an accumulative 8.875 inches. Over half coming from the waist and abdomen area - - exactly where I wanted to lose weight. Pretty cool.

I must say I didn't adhere rigidly to the plan - - which makes me want to try it again. I'll look at my calendar and try to find another good time to do the 9 day cleanse and I'll re-record the results and blow by blow daily reports!

Gotta jet.

Happy Halloween

nospam@example.com (Cadesdad) — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 20:23:25 -0700

Buddy the cat in costume

CadesMom as Dora
CadesDad as Diego

Say No More

On a running note. Today I did treadmill intervals again. I really love that workout. I think come next spring I'll try to do more intervals outside. But for not its nice to think/know you're running on pace. So.... today was 7X800, and I found my pace using an ambitious target finish of 3:40 for a marathon. Per the calculator I used I need to run the 800's at 6:00 or so per mile pace. I did 1 800 and realized if I hoped to complete the 7, I needed to take it down a notch....or two notches.... or just a whole lotta notches..... so I decided on 7:00 minute per mile pace. This was much better. I was still working, but it felt doable and I didn't feel too strained until the last 2 800's. The final 800 I picked up the pace as I was finishing. In all I ran nearly 5 miles in 46:12 with 2:00 walk breaks in between 800's.

Love it. Great workout.

This weekend we'll either do 10, 15 or 20. Depending on how we feel.