HTFU

Well it's been busy the last few months with office renovations and twin girls that came 8 weeks early. I did however find the time to go for a ski today with GW and Jonnyo. It's a 45 minute drive each way so we had some time to brainstorm. Jonnyo has been using this HTFU saying for 3 or 4 years now and I never knew what it meant until today. I like it. On that note we have decided to start a business venture togeter to market this unique acronym. The problem is Canada is a borderline communist state. If Jonny or myself make any more money it will all go to the tax man....our goal is thus to start a money losing company to claim a loss on our tax returns. We ran this past a team member AGB who works for revenue canada and it's all ligit. The more we lose, the more we get to write off.

Our company is going to be based on selling these high quality markers at 40% below our cost to corner the market. These markers can write HTFU on any hat, shirt or strippers ass in 4 different colours. The average lay person could not afford these markers until now. We are offering a pack of 4 (one of each colour) for $17 plus tax. Like I said this is a big loss for us but that is our goal. For all those interested please email Jonnyo at jonnyo.bigdeal@yahoo.ca or myself to place your order. You can also post on jonnyo's blog to show your support for our new company and order product..

http://jonnyoworld.blogspot.com/

A big day

Lots of big stuff has happened lately and even more is about to happen.
DBD is now down 4-1 in the valley and we're sure he couldn't be happier, more details to follow, plus inside information on the land speed record attempt from Penticton to Kamloops.
TBD has been racing above the Teams weight guidelines for the season, however he's been racing so much to keep it off ,the official warning will wait until we move into the off season. Which starts as soon as ABD crosses the white paint on Ali'i drive on Saturday, 1243 are his numbers to watch, which is a lot of ink to be carrying around, he can bench 250 so I wouldn't worry about it. KBD is still busy on administration duties but has still managed to find a way to injury himself.
Tune in next week to see what sort of damage the Team has done (to themselves) over the weekend.

Numbers

Another week down in the Okanagan that has seen some fine performances and some not so fine ones. Let's have a look at the numbers of the week that's been and some for the coming weekend and beyond;

2- the number of national titles picked up at The National Olympic Distance Triathlon Championship (TNOTC) in Kelowna. Congrats to DBD & G'dub.

1- Podium place for ABD who came close to removing his helmet early after an altercation with a race official in T2. Diplomacy won the day in the end and ABD was allowed to run onward to third place in his division.

1- team warning officially issued.

4- broken propellers. Initial reports report 'operator error'.

30- degrees this weekend for TBD who is looking fit, angry and close to 40, should be a good day on Sunday for him.

1- night ABD has left to drink beer before the whip starts to really crack.

2748- 'snack calories' consumed by KBD daily.

2- Huge events that are happening in October, One date known the other yet to be confirmed.

Part Deux

Events this weekend:

1)Apple Triathlon in Kelowna, Sunday AM
Appearances from DBD, ABD, & G'dub, and KBD who'll be attending in a management capacity.

2)How to safely fly your first radio controlled plane, Sunday PM at the track.
Hosted by DBD.

Events before October 11th:

One beer night to be hosted by ABD

Events after October 11th:

Gathering at the 'Big K Ranch' hosted by the Kildaws.

Friday Post

For ABD & the rest of the crew.
Enjoy the swim tomorrow.

Summer Happenings

A few things to mention since the last blog post for all of our faithfull blog followers......

-one week after the crushing of the field at the Great White North Half Ironman, Dr. Big Deal won the Desert Half Ironman in Osoyoos. In doing this, he broke the course record with a 4:01:51 clocking and became the 2009 Canadian Long Course Champion. KBD raced in Osoyoos as well, one week after winning the Squamish Olympic tri. I believe he was feeling a bit flat on the bike, but used his awesome foot speed to run a 1:17:16 half marathon and put himself in 4th position.

-On this same day, TBD raced the Vancouver Half Iron and placed 13th overall and 1st age-grouper against a competitive field. Apparently he didn't go off the run course on this one!

-TBD races again one week later at the Peach Classic and places 9th overall and 3rd in M35-39. Well done considering Friday night's debauchery!

-Quasi team member, G-Dub, also raced the Peach Classic and placed 12th overall. Well done G-dub! check out his blog for his own comments of the race.

-Ruby got a summer haircut - I was told to take note of it.

-As for me, I've done nothing since the Great White North on July 5. I've had 3 weeks off training and I've spent some good quality time with ABDGF (Tina). I watched every stage of the Tour, took a week off work, drank plenty of beer and we saw some whales too! To top it off, Tina and I went to our 20 year high school grad reuinion this past weekend......yes, we are old! I feel good....I'm rested physically and mentally. I started some training this week to just "shake off the cobwebs" as DBD would say.

-Watch for KBD and BD Cook this weekend as they head to Calgary for the inagural Calgary 70.3 Event. Good luck guys and enjoy the trip!

-Upcoming races for the team include: Apple Triathlon (DBD, KBD, ABD, G-Dub), IMC (TBD, BD Cook), Cultus Lake (DBD, KBD, ABD), and the Big Show in October (DBD, ABD)

-The most important news for the team, however, is Monday night's celebration of DBD's birthday at the Shioki Yoga Studio....

DBD has agreed to wear the team speedo at the Apple triathlon

Kudos to Cyndi Robinson for the cake

And we actually did do some yoga.......

That's all for now.....
ABD

Last Weekend, This Weekend,

Last Sunday the Earth moved in Stony Plain, AB. Team leader DBD, crushed the 'Great White North Half-Iron' course in such a way that they are still surveying the damage.
"It's just un-repairable" said a frustrated Pat Smith who's in charge of street repairs for the area. "I've seen some shit-kicked out of roads in my time but this takes the cake". Smith provided these photos of the damge and an image of the man he thinks is responsible. "If I see him up this way again I'll be giving him a shovel, I know he works with small tools and fixes things so he should come and take responsibility for the mess he created", a now angry Smith says.

Smith looking at the damge cuased last Sunday

The Suspect, center page with shaved head

The editor can also confirm that shortly after this picture was taken DBD disappeared, and it wasn't to shirk away from relaying some pavement. "I had to undergo mandatory age-testing, I was pretty much whisked away and went through a comprehensive series of tests to prove I was the age I submitted on the entry form".
DBD was asked to identify several pictures of automobiles and advertisement's, music snippets and popular Beer brands all hailing from an era that no one knows much about.
All tests were passed without issue apart from the 'Personal Memory' section that registered a 'fail' until a medical certificate was produced confirming that DBD is in fact 'hugnent'.
"It's a relatively new disorder & research is still being done on it's effects on the human body. I'm not taking anything for it (yet), I'm resilient enough to handle it" DBD comments.

ABD put on another solid performance @ the GWN, despite having to race on a ripped up course.
A top ten result on a less than optimal day is a respectable showing. "I've moved on" says ABD.

Meanwhile in Squamish BC, TBD & KBD attacked a short course event with valour & vigor.
TBD so much so that he was on world record pace for a majority of the day untill he was politely informed that the run course was in fact two laps. Some pride and a few places lost, but an AG win nonetheless.
KBD swan like a girrafe, rode like an Ox and ran like a gazzell. "I raced to an animals of africa theme" he says. I even camped out the night before to get myself in the mood at a Candian safari park but the only thing I saw was a rabbit"

Flying the Flag in Squamish

This weekend both DBD & KBD will both 'back-up' in the Desert Half in Osoyoos. I wouldn't place any money on them as they got enough of that last week.
ABD will be supplying beverages post-race or perhaps during if circumstances dictate. It'll be hot enough to thats for sure.

V is for Victory

Full team results & reports will be published shortly. Both BC & Alberta are a little poorer from the Teams weekends activities, (Alberta more so).

Friday Post

Results not Excuses

The 09' season is well underway and the Team has shown all the early signs that their sponsors will be proud of, some recent highlights include;

-Premature aging by TBD who's approaching (or is in) his 5th decade of spreading his goodwill and sobrietry across the Globe.

-G'dub getting 'schooled' in a sprint-tri by a 'school-boy', however showing some backbone by coming back to take the MOS title two weeks later. Picture from the race below, note the form-fitting skin-suit.


-ABD's secret gym training is paying off with a couple of solid performances in Oliver, although he seems to be out-growing his Team issue shorts.
Bike transportation is also an area that needs some attention, you don't want to go scuffing no interior! See the EMBD for the below item.


-DBD is well on his way to owning the podium in the valley this summer, his most loyal training partner has even adopted a team issue trim (ABD take note). A new trophy & check transporter is being looked into as well, initial option below.



KBD heads to the great potato harvest in Idaho this Sunday, he is expecting a 'big-crop' this year. He has also informed the editor that if he doesn't make it back into Canada post-race, he'll nominate a (yet to be determined) replacement to fill his spot on the roster.



Next week tune in to find out;

If G'dubs cold-water shower phenomenon takes hold in the mens change room,

How many spuds KBD crushed in Coeur d'Alene,

And if the team can make a down-payment on the T&C transporter!

Getting Started

The season is underway, although due to a lack of effort in reporting results I cant remember who has done what so far...
Some half marathons have been run & won, some marathons have been started and not finished. There have even been some triathlon results from ABD & G-dub who both fared well last weekend.

Coming up next week; "The show down in O-Town". A full team showing is expected and members are reminded to be dressed in full team kit on the day.

Admin: Team directive on "hair-styles" to be issued shortly, until then a picture will replace the thousand words,
Acceptable:


Not:




In other News, EBD is now the proud father of Sophie, expect the crib & climbing wall to be getting a lot of use this summer inside 'Big-Blue'.

DBD has had a coffee-machine installed at the murder-house (an establishment where custom-milling is now an option), and that will be the theme of today's video. See you on the 5 peaks somewhere tomorrow.

Friday

Since its the end of the week here is another video to watch and enjoy. G-dub, this reminds me of you for some reason...

For the weeks Ahead

Members are informed that the First Annual Team Big Deal Arm Wrestling Competition (FATBDAWC) will take place in November some time (in conjunction with a Team Meeting of course). Early notice is given so we have something to look forward to after summer is over.

There is to be no secret training for this event whatsoever, apparatus used to measure both pinch and grip strength will be present at FATBDAWC and anyone who falls outside the yet to be established parameters will be DQ'ed.

This event is open to:
Team Members and associates.
Anyone who can can get Stallone to make an appearance.

It is not open to anyone who:
Goes by the nicknames 'Bigness' or 'Tiny'
Thinks a drink station is indoors and serves fluid in a glass.

Success & Failure

The Blog has been informed of a certain Team Members activities that took place over the weekend that may be deemed 'inappropriate'.
A short quiz (involving pictures) has been laid out below to identify the offender.

Of the pictures below, which environment gave you the most satisfaction of participating in?

a)Vancouver Marathon Finish

b) Drinking establishment

Cribs

Who's got one? Who wants one? Who's giving a tour of theirs?

It's Crib Season this time of year for the Team with EMBD (equipment manager Big Deal) leading the charge in this department, Let's hope his crib is assembled and 'Big Blue' is ready to accept another occupant.
In other Crib News, DBD's has been submitted as an option for the MTV series "Cribs", team members and associates feel his 'waxing room' will garner national interest and ratings that will generate (much needed) exposure for the Team.
ABD can you get your 'agent' onto this? (if they & you aren't too busy with other commitments) .

Todays post has been bought to you by the letters 'A' & 'B'.

Admin

The Team needs some of these cards ASAP, especially with ABD making international news as frequently as he does in Penticton.

It's been nice knowing you Boys...

Humble Eskimo lolly gives tourist a bad taste

A packet of Eskimo lollies, which a Canadian tourist says are offensive to Inuit people.

It's as much a staple of New Zealand sweet confectionary as pineapple lumps and spearmint leaves, but the marshmallow Eskimo has been deemed offensive to native Canadians and may require a makeover.

Canadian tourist Seeka Lee Veevee Parsons, 21, an Inuit of the Nunavut Territory in Canada, was shocked when she found the lollies for sale last week, saying they are an insult to her people.

The word Eskimo was unacceptable in her country and carried with it negative racial connotations, she told the Taranaki Daily News.

The correct term was Inuit, Ms Parsons said.

"I was taken aback. When I was a little girl white kids in the community used to tease me about it in a bad way. It's just not the correct term."

She intends sending packets of the iconic confectionary to the Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and her grandfather, a Inuit tribal elder in the Nunavut Territory.

Not only has the name of the lolly aroused painful memories, she believes the shape is an unfair stereotype of her people.

Source: NZ Herald Apr 22nd 2009

On this occasion I must stand by my country. I was eating these before the complainant was born, these lollies basically keep me alive at primary (grade) school, and without them I wouldn't be the athlete I am today.

I respect the Inuit people, however I respect my right to eat 'eskimos' in the form of confectionary even more so. I hope Mr. Harper appreciates the taste too.

KBD

A Timely Message

They say: 'One word can change everything'

I Say: 'Yes it can!'

Jim Carey is back as Carl, divorced, depressed and in a dead-end job. A change is needed quickly too or he'll be stuck in the queue for the video store forever.
A chance encounter with a 'yes-man' leads Carl to a seminar where he is convinced that one word can change his life, it subsequently does and the adventures being with ensuring hilarity.
Watch out for Tilly the friendly neighbor and Lee the male nurse.
Carey is 'O for Awesome' in this one, not Oscar standard but close to it.

Recommended for: All Team members and affiliates (G-Dub!).

Point of interest: Carl's boss is played by Rhys Darby from Flight of the Conchords.

8 spokes out of 10 from ABD & KBD on this one.

Oliver 10km race Report

Spring is here (see picture above for the theme)
Oliver 10km; It was 50% Easy, 50% Hard.
I put the foot down at half-way to get away from the two grey-haired runners that were keeping me company.
Got a bottle a wine and something to drink it out of once I finished.
The sun was out and matched the team footwear. All in all a good day capped off with a coke and croissant stop at the SMM on the ride home.
KBD.

TEAM DIRECTIVE: During Easter the Team's chocolate allowance has been doubled from Friday>Monday (only if you are training).

Coffee Rocks!!!!!!

The article below is one of many that scientifically proves that any serious athlete "must" consume large quantities of coffee before, during and after exercise.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/29975558

Any team member(s) with a wife or partner working at a coffee shop who does not fully take advantage of this situation may have their membership reviewed by the board.

Mother-in-law attacked with anti-tank missile launcher

A desperate husband tried to kill his mother-in-law with an anti-tank missile launcher after claiming she'd turned his wife against him.

Bosnian Miroslav Miljici wanted revenge after blaming his wife's mum for the break-up of his marriage.

And when his mother-in-law survived the rocket attack on her home, he tried to finish her off with a machine gun, a court in Doboj, Bosnia, was told.

She survived both attacks with barely a scratch, judges heard.

Source:NZ Herald Wednesday April 01, 2009

The Rack

Thursday nights are an occasion for some team bonding, we discuss the week that was and the weekend that will be, in between testing our legs and lungs on the infamous 'Naramata Dipper'.

This week GW showed up to complete the quartet with an all alloy rig, complete with fenders and the 'rack' (for commuting apparently) which was one of the main topics of discussion;
how heavy was it?
how did it feel?
how did it cope with a load on it?
how close could we get to it?
All questions that were dutifully answered in an articulate and humorous manner that only someone of GW's standing could.

DBD came up with a points system that favored those with a good memory and arithmetic skills, and a new road-kill burial policy. Points were bravely fought for and everyone showed their true colors (if not their fitness) through the ride;
We complained about who was leading,
We talked about who wasn't there and could beat if they were,
We talked how little wind there was,
We talked about the rack,
We wondered what a $600 pair of new skis would feel like.

ABD didn't quite get to four figures on the ride, however 'it's still early season'. We think he spent too much time at aqua-fit classes during the week.

GW pressed us all hard to the end and gave KBD some more than complimentary lead-outs and mechanical advice to ensure he made the podium. His rack gained some well earned respect too.
Someone is knocking hard on the Team door, it's a heavy door though and requires many a hand to open it, though apparently if you are drunk you can do it by yourself.

(If someone can remember the points please post in comments then we'll get a sidebar running for the season)

Pic below of the inspiration for GW's rack, Full product description;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rack_(torture)

GO JONNYO!!

Team Big Deal would like to take this opportunity to wish the infamous Jonnyo the best of luck at the Ironman in Port MacQuarie, Australia on April 5, 2009. Show them how it's done Jonnyo!

Although the team does not usually associate with people who talk funny and who are unable to drink copious amounts of beer, we give Jonnyo an exception because.....well, he's just a nice guy and we like him!

Go get em Frenchie!

Moving with the Times

The Team has decided to add a new feature to the blog. To reflect our cultured personalities and interests, a regular film and book review posting will be added to provide readers with an insight into our views and preferences on certain material (both adult and non-adult orientated).

Below is the first review submitted by KBD.


Title: Superbad (2007)

They Say: 'Come Get Some!'

I Say: 'Immature beyond belief'

I remember laughing once during the screening, the problem was it wasn't at the film. Never have I been subjected to such crudeness and rampant teenage debauchery. The audience would have voted with their feet but the doors were locked to get the numbers who actually have seen the movie into double figures...
Bizarre scenes were supposedly linked to a visonless plot revolving around a bottle of alcohol, fake id, inept cops and the 3 bumbling teenagers remained a mystery right to the end and forever will, as fate intervened when the DVD player (sensing the audience unrest), 'took one for the team' and shut itself down, permanently; before any sense could be made of the script.
It was a tough way to go out for a player that has no doubt screened many a fine movie, it unfortunately will be remembered by it's final act, playing a movie that was indeed; Super....Bad.

2 spokes out of 10 for this one. OR 'avoid at all costs' if you can't do the math.

The weekend.

Banff smells like money.

The ice fields are actually full of Ice.

Edson is now the most undesirable place on Earth.

Edmonton smells like oil.

Canmore is pretty Cool.

The gps is right 99.99% of the time.

Our new dog Ruby smells like a dog.

Reality Bites

The Trifecta is complete. This summary post was delayed to allow extra recovery time in lieu of an extension of Sundays activities and for Team Members to fully absorb their accomplishments of the previous 48hrs.

It started with a ski race, which ABD said was flat and had some 'downhill' in it. I have an altitude graph which proves otherwise. Despite bringing the wrong equipment (skis instead of snowshoes) the Team performed admirably. DBD turned on some 'OMS' (briefly), ABD enjoyed his downhill section & KBD stayed upright (mostly) and managed to muscle his way around the 30km route.
Overall, conditions were unique and probably never to be experienced again. The photo below doesn't do the day justice, when the vets are grumbling you knew it was ugly.



Next up was the 5km pound, the first km was icy and it just got worse from there. the good thing was it only took about 10>20% of the Ski time to complete.
Props to the young stud in the death -metal T-shirt for the lead out.


Then the Masters meet which provided the biggest hurt of all, the Team paraded its colors with valor and distinction but were denied by a hairy and older squad in the Marquee event, the 4x50mt relay. Plenty of ribbons collected across the board though and something that was worth celebrating.


Thanks must go to;
G-Dub, for making 3 out of the 4 activities. Discussions will continue on his membership standing as his recovery strategy cannot yet (read NEVER WILL) be endorsed by the Team.
Al, who went from a mild-mannered dentist to an anaerobic swimming machine in the blink of an eye.
Respective spouses and partners for approving and encouraging the Team through the demands of the weekend.
And finally the Okanagan Spring Brewery.

Trifecta This Weekend

Team members are advised of this weekends pending activities and are encouraged to keep in mind that a dismal performance in any of the events will result in removal of certain team privileges for a period of time (to be determined by the person who performs least dismally).


The schedule is:

Saturday March 7th 10AM: Sovereign Lake Loppet (30km Skate)
Followed by Bratwurst and Donairs

Sunday March 8th 10AM: Lakeside 5km
2:30PM: Penticton Masters Swim Meet
Followed by Keiths Pale ale at Martinis


Current Standards Are:

SKI: Petter Northug 1:15:52 (@ Liberec CZE on 22/2/09)

RUN: Kenenisa Bekele 12.37.35 (@ Hengelo Netherlands 31/5/04)

SWIM: Michael Phelps 1:42.96 (@ Beijing China 12//08)

We have coverage over several Age Groups so there is the possibility of everyone coming out a 'winner' over the course of the weekend, if you end up being a 'loser' then be prepared to assist TBD with his duties throughout the season.

The Silver Bullet

The Team has a strict requirement for all members to be at race weight at certain times of the season. As a few are struggling with those last few pounds despite the current exercise regime, the product below is proposed as a solution for your current dilemma (even for those who have 'drifted away from elite level fitness').
I will put in a request to the equipment manager for a sample of this product. The best thing is one size fits all so we can share the suit, those with a history of not laundering Team Issue clothing are advised to purchase their own individual suit.

Get ready to take it to the Max!

Terror on The Track

It seems the Team has met it's first immovable object of the season. Without reason and provocation DBD & ABD encountered a 'gentlemen' who believed that wearing an oilers cap allowed him to progress in a direction that was counter the normal flow of traffic at the beautiful indoor track facility here in Penticton (thanks Adidas & IMC).

Maybe he got there first?
Maybe he took objection to comments made about his walking speed?
Maybe he's bitter it's been 20 years since his team touched the cup?
Maybe he thought he was still in Edmonton?

Should he be encountered again (indoors or outdoors) he shall be addressed as 'BBD', Bitter Big Deal. Let's keep an eye out for him and welcome him to the roster if we happen to 'run' into him again.

Happy Waitangi Day

Today is Waitangi Day!

Waitangi Day is a significant day in the history of New Zealand. It is a public holiday held each year on February 6 to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, New Zealand's founding document, on that date in 1840.

source: Wikipedia

I think there may only be one team member who appreciates this post and he just got back from the land of Kiwis!

Are you alive KBD?

Old School

So I was lurking on the Slowtwitch forum the other day because I had nothing better to do and I came across this photo:

1983 Windermere Loop

Can you guess who it is? Thats right, it's Dr. Big Deal (aka Dr. Tommy) at age 15. Check out the thick head of hair!!

Tom is that a half-shirt? It goes well with those socks!

Here is what he has to say about the photo:

"This was the 1983 Windermere loop. I had just turned 15 and did one bike and one run to get ready for this race. I had a 10 min lead out of the water and was second onto the bike...it took awhile to get those socks on :) I did this race again in 1984 and then took a 16 year break from triathlon. 1983 (3:24:40) - 27:14 swim + 1:44 bike + 1:13 run 1984 (2:57:23) - 27:08 swim + 1:33 bike + 56:39 run 2001 (2:37:40) - 25:51 swim + 1:16 bike + 55:12 run splits for the 2150 swim, 55km bike, 12km run...in 2001 I was swimming way slower but used a wetsuit"

I'm pretty sure he spent the 16 year break from triathlon going to dental school, eating nachos and drinking beer.

He's come a long way since 1983:

2008 Ironman Florida

Team Founder

source: Facebook

For those of you who don't know, the above picture represents the original founder of Team Big Deal. He hales from Sydney, Australia. He arrived in Canada many years ago with a bag of tennis trophies and dirty laundry. He has a lovely family. When he is not spending time with the family or working, we believe he is drinking beer. He may train sometimes.

He is not only the team founder but he is also the apparal supplier for the team. He recently provided the team with new jackets that have been useful for training and storing turkey skin in the pockets.

He is THE Big Deal. Make sure you respect him, as you can see from this post, the team does.

Assault & Battery

On the Team car:



By a bunch a drunk hockey playing firefighters.
DNA being taken from the back windshield.
Car will be repaired in time for race season.

Happy New Year to All. The Blog is alive & well, contrary to vicious rumors about the imminent demise of this 'portal of truth'.
So stand by for more on the goings-on of the Team in 2009. A big year has been planned, lungs & livers will be asked to perform beyond their normal capacity (and beyond that too on occasion).

Admin: Team Applications for January are Closed. February's open at 00:01AM on the first of said month.