The Tour

We are still rolling on well here in Torino. We went to our first competition last night, the pairs figure skating shortprogram, and it was fantastic. I have never seen that kind of sport live and it was a good night overall. Jen and I went with about 6 other Ludus(ites) and so the night was filled with some laughs during the performances. The Russians pretty much dominated, with the Chinese up there fighting for the minor medals. Los Americanos are about 6th or so. More soon.

Winter Olympics TORINO 2006

Ok, so I am flat chat here working for Ludus Tours here in Torino for the XX Winter Olympic Games. Today is the first day for Tour clients, so you could imagine the mayhem around town for the Ludusites. I will keep everyone informed on what is happening throughout the weeks here. I am in Torino until March 2nd, but head back for a 1/2 marathon in Barcelona on the 18/19 Feb. My training is going fine but I need to get my daily training done before all the work starts each day: this means hitting the streets about 7:30am. I know that is not early for some people who read this, but it is generally too early for me! Anyone want some gifts? 

San Sebastian XC

10km - 8th
A really nice setting in San Sebastian was the return of a true XC race for me. I have not run a XC race for over 18 months and this was a fantastic opportunity that I couldn't miss. Jen and I traveled up to the north of Spain with about 4 other people (3 of which were racing also- as part of the Fila Team). We got a nice 4-star hotel room to ourselves and enjoyed the great food and on-the-river location. I ran strong for the most part of the 4-lapped course, but was still about 1:45 from the winner, Tedasse from Eritria. We leave for Torino today and so the last few days have been very busy. I will have some internet connection, but with all the work I suppose it will be very little time spent on my trusted laptop. A short video soon of the weekend. 

A little sick

After my good run on Sunday I am feeling a little drained. I have run 3 half marathons since I have been here in Barcelona and after each one I get sick. This time is just a head cold and feels to be nothing serious. I suppose that I am on a fine line of healthy and sick, and the effort of completing a 1/2 marathon tips me over onto the sick side. I have another race this Sunday in the northern part of Spain, San Sebastian. It is an International XC and I am looking to get top 15.
Work is going well and getting ready to travel to Torino for the Winter Olympics. It should be fun!

1/2 Marathon Video

Enjoy this video I made up. My girlfriend, Jennifer Haaser, did all the video work. I did the editing.

My first 1/2 marathon win.

1st 67:23 1/2 marathon de Terrassa
I started the 2006 year well with my first win over the 1/2 marathon distance. The course was pretty hilly, but I felt very strong and could have went alot faster. It seems as though my training is working well. We passed the 10km in about 32 minutes and the 16km at just under 52, then I thought it was time for me to pick the pace up. I won by 20-odd seconds and you can find the full result here. A funny story: At the 12km marker the 2nd place finisher decided that he needed to take a leak and asked if I would wait for him. So, of course, being as I was taking it easy & there was no dinero for the win, I thought "Why not be nice and wait for this bloke? we have run together for 12km". So i jogged for about 2 minutes and waiting until he finished off and was able to catch up. During this point, the 3rd runner, Benito, had caught up aswell. It seems as though the 2nd bloke, a good friend of Benito, was aiming to run with him instead of pushing it through with me. So anyway...I ran with these two stooges for another 4km and thought "stuff it, I am going to win this thing and get it over with".
I am hoping to run under 65mins when I race this distance next. My next race brings me to the city of San Sebastian again, but this time for XC. Now this one should be interesting.....
MORE PICTURES IN MY FLICKR PAGES

Runner's World Spain Edition

I have a nice article in the Spanish Runners World this month. You can see a scanned image by clicking here
The picture was taken when I can the San Sebastian 20km road race in November 2005. Results here.
I have a 1/2 marathon this coming Sunday in Terrassa which I am hoping to run under the 66minute mark. Should be good competition and a challenging course. Espero que el tiempo es bueno tambien. Adios amigos.

In BCN again

After about 20 hours of traveling, Jen and I arrived safely in Barcelona airport. We were glad to get back here and with the 'no-smoking rule' kicked in on Jan 1st, 2006 we are breathing better too! Barcelona Fit will start back it's training and we are getting the Marathon Destination Tours finalized over the next few weeks. I also have a few road races over the next couple of weekends. After training went decent, except for the days that the asthma got the better of me, in Arkansas I should be sitting where I left off in 2005.

About to head back to BCN

After a great time here in the States, we are about to head back to Barcelona. It should be good to see the Barcelona Fit Team again and get back into the groove of training after the holiday period. Personally I have a few races in January and one half marathon in February. We head to Torino, Italy, for the Winter Olympics the month of February to work on tours with Ludus. Should be fun and I should have a good collection of photos.

Christmas 2005

Fort Smith, AR
Had a great Chirstmas Day with the Haaser Familia. I got some nice vegemite from home and the whole day was just how Christmas should be. HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE 

Christmas is here!

Christmas is here. We went and did our Christmas shopping a couple of days ago and the stalls and people were out in numbers. Good spirit around BCN this time of the year and people seem to be in thier normal Spanish style of taking things easy and I can't see the normal rush, rush , rush of other big cities. I leave for USA tomorrow for the Christmas period with Jen and her family. I wish I could be with the Power Famila, but we should be down there in April-May 2006. Lets hope anyway. Merry Christmas to All!

First XC in Spain

9.2km Granollers International XC - 7th - 28:16
A windy 4 lap course through a local neighbourhood park added to a very strange, but high quality XC race in Granollers. I was pretty much 7th the whole way and pushed through well. My training was not good this week due to being sick after the 1/2 marathon. I recovered by limiting the training and relaxing alot. Chema Martinez won the race and finished about 500 mts in front of me. So I still have some improvements to make if I want to run with those leaders. I am starting to train more now over the Chirstmas period, so I hope to see these improvements in January 2006.

Barcelona Fit back on schedule

Looking good in Red
The Barcelona Fit Team resumed normal Saturday morning training with a tidy 14-19km run in their various groups. The fila clothing game in a couple of weeks ago and now everyone loves wearing it in the brisk 3-4 degree temperatures in Sabadell. DiMitchell, on the left in the white hat, is recovering from his first marathon, 3:45 hours, a couple of weeks ago and is looking forward to the next big race in Barcelona on Dec 31st - the Sant Silvestre

1/2 marathon Mataro

Personal Best 1/2 marathon - 3rd 66:37 (14:57,30:28,49:52(10mile)
I didn't feel great coming into this race as I was little tired after Barcelona Fit activities the day before. I ran solid for the first 11km, but then the windy sections along the beach came and slowed me down. I was by myself the whole way, so didn't really enjoy the race. In the end a good time, but I am hoping for 65 early next year if my achilles and ankles hold out!

Our Favourite Mexican in BCN

This is the kitchen of our favourite Mexican restaurante in Barcelona. It is in the village, Gracia, and is nestled in the winding streets and speciality shops. On our last meal there for a long time, possibily ever, we feasted on all our favourite dishes...with a Coke of course! We will miss you Mexican place!