VBTR 10

The best running shoe knot

OK,
You have been able to tie your shoes since you were a baby, and when you started running you were told to do a double knot so laces would not come untied as you were leading the race.
But we all know that the double knot is not perfect. Yes it can still come undone but worse is in the winter when you are done running in sub zero temperatures you are almost tempted to cut the laces off because they are frozen solid and your fingers are numb.
Well rather than revert to Velcro closures, may I recommend the best shoe lace knot around. 'The Swiss Knot'
It is so easy to do, and stays tied till you give it a gentle tug when the run is over.
I have included a You Tube video since the proof is in seeing it done.
Also know for reenactments in the bedroom from your favorite chapters of Shades of Grey for those who don't own hand cuffs, but what happens in your bedroom is your business.

Londoner Finishes Badwater 135

Dave Carver

Londoner and Ultra running machine, Dave Carver finished 21st overall, covering 135 miles (217km) non-stop from Death Valley to Mt. Whitney, CA in temperatures up to 130F / 55c, it is the most demanding and extreme running race offered anywhere on the planet.
Dave's finishing time was 32:10.3

Why am I the only muddy one?

Pictured here after the Creemore Vertical Challenge 25K Race, you will notice that the other three have already been dipping into the Mad River to get cleaned off of mud and sweat. And Richard Bird had already left for a family function by the time I finished.
Pictured from left to right: Danny (Woo-Hoo) Murphy @ 2:51.50, Larry (slow train to no where) Gooder @ 3:40.0, Bill (Hoover) Wheeler @ 2:06.44 and 'Chef' Andre Kaniuk @ 2:51.04.
And Richard Bird not shown, finished in 2:24.04.
The weather went from a huge thunder, lightening and heavy rain to sunny and humid for the race. The few trail sections were of the shoe sucking mud variety and the gentle Mad River was running fast and deep.
Anyone who wants a race that you will love to hate, this is the one as it earns it's name Creemore Vertical Challenge.

Bill Wheeler Retires From 3M

Yes it's true and here is the video to prove it, Bill Wheeler has made the big break from 3M.
Amid rumors that Bill had mistakenly switched the formula for the 3M adhesive for the Post It Note with the VHB (Very High Bond) sealing tape, his "retirement" was not a surprise to upper management or the legal liability department .
The company stock on the New York Stock Exchange has spiked by 10% since Friday, but cafeteria sales at the Oxford Street plant has plummeted and lay offs are expected.
Way to go Bill!!

Christine Torres wins Niagara Ultra 100K

Did I mention that while I was out doing a measly little 1/2 marathon at Niagara, Londoner Christine Torres won the 100km event overall?

The following is a write up in London City Life Magazine from last year on some London notables well established in Ultra Running events.

I hate road races!!

OK, so everyone who has ever been within ear shot of my whining on the trails, knows that I hate road races. So why do I sign up for the Niagara 1/2 Marathon when I know it is 99.99% pavement and the temperatures are always hot and humid. 

Well for those that can be swayed with bull shit its because the course is scenic and relatively flat. But those in the know, will guess correctly that I would do a race anywhere when there is free beer at the end. Because we all know beer tastes best when free, cold and served at 10:00 am.

I also got to witness the Connor boys at work.Steve did the 1/2 Marathon and finished in 1:28.18 taking 8th overall and first in age group.
And I finished just behind Steve. (as did a hundred others that were blocking me all the way)

Pat pictured here, marked this as his 50th marathon, with a finish time of 3:57.50. But I was well ahead of him at the beer table.