NBC Sports and Ironman have teamed up for the thirteenth consecutive year to bring you two hours of amazing Ironman coverage. From 5-6PM EST on December 6, will be the first of an Ironman doubleheader.

From 8-9pm, NBC will air the signature broadcast of the 25th anniversary world championship. From footage by underwater cameramen, cameramen on motorcycles/cars along the bike and run courses and three helicopters above the action, you almost feel like you are there cheering the athletes in their quest to finish. As you watch them finish, you will understand why the say, “ There is no better sense of personal accomplishment in life than finishing the Ironman!”

An old friend gave me a call today. He told me he was training for a triathlon. He is running 18k+ 3 times a week. He is looking to compete in the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kailua Kona, Hawaii in 2005. He wants to place in the top 100. I found this bizarre because I was just about to tell him what I've been up to and what my plans were. I think its great that I know someone else who is training for the same goal (except for the top 100 part). I invited him to the YMCA event (if I can get it off the ground) Here is the weird part. He doesn't know how to swim. I guess its possible to go from a sinker to a floater in 18 months. I think my strongest piece is the swim yet I doubt I could do 2.4 miles (yet) in open water. There are no lines on the bottom of the ocean to help you go straight, there are BIG waves, no pool ends to grab onto, no rest and 1,600 other guys/gals trying to beat you. I could be wrong but I think he may want to quit smoking before the race. This could push him over the edge to break the top 100. So if you read this Denz GO FOR IT! And don't forget your goggles.

Exercise
3k walk (spent the day putting up Christmas decorations, active rest day)
Diet
Breakfast
Fruit and yogurt smoothie, coffee
Snack
None
Lunch
Mr. Noodle Soup with Leeks and salami
Snack
Cookies
Dinner
Roast chicken, peas, corn, potatoes, V8, Chardonnay
Snack
More cookies and coffee

I had the pleasure of trying this Chardonnay at the "Gourmet Food and Wine Expo" It was a little pricey and I have to admit, I tried it because of that fact. (costs more, must be better) and... it was very nice. Price $36.95 a bottle.

"Earthy, Mushroomy scent, Oak, Orange and Lime flavors"

(on the label) I was eating sweetbreads in a mushroom sauce while I sampled this Vintage which made the wine just that much more enjoyable.
If your looking for a Chard to try, you wont be disappointed with this choice.

Cuvaison Chardonnay 2000, Carneros, Napa Valley, Calf. a>

Hearts and Minds - US style
By Scott Taylor in Tikrit, Iraq
Saturday 29 November 2003, 12:41 Makka Time, 9:41 GMT

Excerpt from Aljazeera article.

As American troops exit the former Presidential Palace complex in Tikrit, the last thing they see emblazoned above the arched gateway is the Fourth Infantry Division motto: Strike First.

I asked my escort Specialist Jack Craig, a military policeman from Minnesota, how he correlated the "strike first" directive with the US military's current policy of attempting to win the "hearts and minds" of the local population.

Jack Craig: "Actually, I see 'hearts and minds' as a tactical doctrine. To me, it means that's where we should aim first," said Craig. "Shoot them in the body or in the head, but just make sure you shoot them first."

Interesting insight on how the US are winning the hearts and minds of Iraqi people?

Found this little treat at the liquor store this week while looking for the Leasingham Shiraz/Malbec 98
It's made byCheviot Bridge - Long Flat Wines, South Eastern Australia and is a Cabernet (80%), Shiraz (10%), Malbec (10%) blend.
At $10.05 a bottle it can definitely hold its own with some of the higher priced vintages.

"This outstanding dry red combines the full flavor of Cabernet with the richness of Shiraz and perfumed aroma of Malbec. A delight to drink now with grilled meats, pasta and Mediterranean dishes"

Under usual circumstances, today would have been an active rest day for me. But Ross came by for a "Y" try.
So I exercised a bit more than usual for an off day. I was able to prepare for the extra work last night by taking a hot bath with bath salts and using some Antiphlogistine (A535) on my sore calf. This combo worked incredibly well, as I had virtually no pain at all. Having someone to exercise with the last 2 days has been a pleasant change from the solitary routine I have grown accustomed too. I found a swimming buddy made very little difference as I spend almost half my time submerged and its virtually impossible to carry on a conversation unless you want to drown. It was quite comical when Ross dove belly flopped into the pool (Big Sign "NO DIVING") wearing goggles. I couldn't see them but I'm sure they were either pushed into his eye sockets or forced violently downward towards his hips lips by the force of the water. Next we went for a run. I think running with someone would have a positive effect on my performance. I found myself thinking, "no way will I stop before he does". I'm sure if Ross could would have ran for 5K I would have set a new personal best. After the run we moved over to the stationary bikes. For me this was where having someone to exercise with had the biggest impact. When I ride alone I am aware of every minute I spend on the bike but because of the conversation the time flew. I felt like I had just started peddling and I was finished. I passed on the weights because I lifted yesterday but I got to play the fitness trainer role, which I found useful because it made me think about my own lifting technique. Not to mention I got to see how much stronger I was than Ross. :) Another month in the books and a great way to end it.

Exercise
750 meters swim
2k run
3.5 mile bike
Diet
Breakfast
Bran flakes with banana and skim milk, coffee
Snack
V8
Lunch
Pastrami sandwich with roasted red peppers, tomato, lettuce and mustard on whole wheat, chicken noodle soup
red wine
Snack
4 Cookies
Dinner
Finger foods, salad, lasagna, antipasto more red wine (Christmas party)
Berries and biscotti for desert
Snack
None