Living like Lance...

I could get used to this pro training lifestyle. I'm starting to understand what it must feel like to be Lance Armstrong, except without the private jet, multiple homes and bags of money.

For example, this morning I slept in, then had some coffee and breakfast, checked email, did a little work and then went to the track to do some running speed work.

It was another beautifully sunny day and there was just me and two other guys using the track. I think one of the other guys was a triathlete. He was 30 something, doing some pretty fast 400 meter intervals without a shirt on and no body fat whatsoever.

I'm always worried when I do running speed work, it's the number one cause of my injuries. There's something about running full out that makes you susceptible to injury and today was no exception. I actually pulled my right hamstring, slightly. It was enough that I could only finish 75% of the intervals. Rather than pushing it, I completed the remaining distance at a very easy pace.

After the track, I went to my "home" gym at the Renaissance Hotel. This time the door was locked and I needed a room key to get in. No problem. As a bunch of convention goers were walking by I bullshitted them and asked if any of them had a room key that I could use to open the door because I didn't want to go up to my room to get mine. A couple of them pulled out their keys and "Voila", the gym was all mine again.

As I was leaving the gym, I thought it would be a good idea to get a massage. I intuitively felt I needed one. I found a place online and booked a deep tissue massage. When I got there, the masseuse was a women about 50 years old and I was wondering if she had what it takes to go deep.

Once she shook my hand, I knew she had what it takes. I've never ever had anyone give me such a strong crushing handshake. I'm sure she could crack walnuts with her bare hands. It ended up being one of the best massages I can ever remember having. She pummeled me. Deep tissue, isometric stretches, and active release.

Early in, it became apparent that my lower body was TIGHT, especially my ITB's. As she worked her magic, I was in pain, having to take deep breaths to relax for most of the massage. She was also working so hard I could hear her huffing and puffing. I think she went anaerobic. By the time she was done I felt great and it was definitely worth spending the money on. I even gave her a tip, which I rarely do.

I only had one mishap, at one point, she was jiggling my thighs so much, the blanket covering my little buddy shook off for a split second. I think she may have got a bit of a peep show. It was a little awkward for a few moments after that. Another training first.

I told her that this was one of the best massages I've ever gotten. She made an interesting comment, she said "that's because she has the confidence to push it". I took that as many others are too timid and agreed.

Tonight is my last night at my Aunt and Uncles. I'm off tomorrow morning to Los Angeles. Nina Jack @ncjack and husband Dana Rucker have invited me to stay with them at their home in Culver City tomorrow night. It's a little weird because I've never met them in person and only know them through twitter.

When I told Alice that I was invited to stay at their place, she gave me that "are you serious, you don't even know them" look. When I told her I'm going to do it, I think she thought I was crazy. I told her, Johan Stemmet and his family stayed there and they were unharmed.

I got the same reaction from the lady who sat beside me on the plane and from my uncle when I told them I was going to stay at the house of someone I met on twitter. To their defense, I played it up a little, even though I'm not worried. I timidly said "I'm sure I'll be fine, their tweets seem nice, it's no big deal, really, I'm sure their nice". We have a sarcastic saying at work "what could possibly go wrong?".

Alice knows I like to go outside my comfort zone. Heck, when I had my Clearwater party, half the people who attended were twitter or blog buddies and none turned out to be serial killers. Although, John Barclay, who's a cop, did bring his gun just in case.

I'll tell you why I accepted the invitation. First and foremost, they are triathletes. When I started in this sport 25 years ago, I was on the board of Triathlon Canada and we had no budget. I'd travel to Vancouver or Toronto and stay with triathletes who I'd never met and who generously welcomed me into their homes. It was fun and I have fond memories. Triathletes, as a rule, are awesome people.

Also, especially as we get older, it's easy to get set in our ways. It's easier to take the safe route, like getting a hotel room, where you can sit in your underwear, with a remote in your hand, watch what you want, not letting anyone into your personal space as you burp and fart and your room is a mess with your stuff all over the place. When you stay with someone you don't know, it's an adventure. You don't know what to expect and it can be uncomfortable. You have be respectful and on your best behaviour. Unless of course, you're my brother Bob.

It's little things that take you out of your element. A simple thing like going to the bathroom in the middle of the night; Do you hold it till the morning? Do you walk to the bathroom in your underwear like you do at home and risk being spotted? Do you turn the bathroom lights on or do it in the dark? Do you flush the toilet and risk waking people up? Do you stand up or sit down to pee? I don't even want to get into what's the proper "shower etiquette". There's a whole bunch of "out of your element" and "out of your comfort zone" stuff you need to deal with.

The worst part, is I assume they don't know what to expect from me based on my blog posts. I think it probably took more courage on their part to invite me, than me accepting. Haha.

Speed Run - 49:37 / 10.53 km / 4:43 avg pace / Avg hr 153 / fastest 800: 5:42 pmile/3:32 pkm

Weights Chisel - 30:00 minutes

Deep Tissue Massage - 1 hour