Even today people still make fun of me and my rookie, 2009 Nice
Ironman finish line statement, "Never Again". Of course this spirit
rapidly evolved in an early registration for the 2010 edition
of the Ironman France.
But to get there I first had to come to peace with the season
and recover from all acquired overloads. One of the most enjoyable
parts of that time of the year is the serenity of the last few
laps in the open water lake right in the middle of Darmstadt.
December came and I was sent on a business trip to the Washington
DC area. A long road as well. Below you can see some impressively,
surreal landscape of Newfoundland.
Despite cold temperatures, it was very kind for my American colleagues
to show me the city before I engaged in the week's work.
Based in a well equipped accommodation ...
... I was able to explore the seasonally decorated suburbia by
foot.
I got an impression of the bustling social life ...
... and hunted for some meaningful souvenirs.
I was able to keep up the training as well. The locals run and
cycle on a renaturated railroad track. It was a pleasure to use
this track for running despite the sub-zero temperatures.
Also by foot, promenading through crowded avenues, I managed to
get some early-morning swimming in at the municipal pool.
In the evening, after work, I enjoyed the comfort of the AC-controlled
accommodation.
The friendly hints given by the hotel's staff should be observed
with care.
All-in-all it was very productive and interesting journey. It
also gave me the chance to get hold of a pair of extravagant wheels
at a stunning rate. Concerning this I would like to give my thanks
to Janey for helping me out securing these amazing assemblies
of carbon and delicious metals.
After returning from the premature harshness of the East coast
winter I was welcomed in Germany by ... winter.
For weeks, cycling was impossible and even running was risky due
to ice patches and heaps of snow. Converting restrictions to virtues,
I was able to develop new concepts of training.
Time for practicing crafts suddenly was at hand: Skills were either
applied to interior decoration ...
... or to exclusive carbon monocoque constructions.
Luckily, the occasional collection of battlemarks did not result
in any substantial damage.
And when temperatures finally emerged from hostile zones it became
time to reap the blessings of the investments: An ultra-light,
high-tech rig specifically designed for Nice!
The graphical designs were following organically inspired themes.
Well-meant advice was to remind passing competitors on day-X.
During April I unfortunately bumped my knee in a doorframe, which
resulted in a few weeks of non-running until things were calm
again. This gave me further opportunity to enjoy some night-life
in contrast to the steady grind of work and training.
But now I'm back collecting miles. Readers of my last year's reports
on preparing for Nice 2009 know the background of the image below,
this time showing a different bike. Believe me, ... this rig climbs
like a goat!
... and Nice features lots of climbing! I'm anxious to see what
this will turn out to become.
Peace
Captn Crook a.k.a. Alex |
.. 
Pirate 
