Ski Bunnies

So many of you were out on boards today enjoying the most excellent snow today. A few inches of fresh snow with calm weather can't be beat.

Tomorrow is the last day to get in swim miles during this portion of competition. This bunny has heard some muni pools might be offering hours. Most Alaska Club locations will be open till 7:00p. Little Campbell Lake will be open all day but is not a good choice this time of year. Whatever you do make sure to get your numbers for this session in by midnight. After that time they turn to pumpkins and don't count for anything.

Tuesday it all goes bike and we rock the rollers and tear up the trainers. Click on the new poll and tell us how your going to log those bike miles.

What I got for Christmas

Coal!?!

Happy Solstice Pretties

Yay! We made it through the big dark. Did you notice how much more light there was? I know that extra 30 seconds really kept me awake. Seriously, this Bunny almost fell into hibernation...until the thought of the uglies from the Lower-48 stirred me awake.

The cold, darkness, crowded gyms, and lack of lanes, make training harder than anywhere else yet we do our thing, and we do it well. We get out there no matter what the conditions are like. Because of this, Alaska teams have been been a permanent fixture in the top five.

I was out last night and what a sight. There were rabbit scamper prints all over the trail and puffs of snow on the trees like little bunny tails. Even saw one of those tall things on stilts (don't try to argue with 'em; they make NCC'ers down South look smart). Because we get out there on nights like this, and have fun doing it, the other clubs just can't rest easy.

Hope you all had fun at Solstice. (Bunny knows nothing about a rumor of certain individuals dancing around a campfire wearing nothing but a base-layer of polypropylene.) Tomorrow is Christmas and Bunny just can't wait to see what Santa Claws is going to bring. May the Big Man treat you well.

Bunny

Spin Buzz

When I was a young rabbit kitten, I used to love to sleep in late then watch cartoons till way past noon. Bugs Bunny, Ricochet Rabbit, and all those other furries gave me a good laugh. But I'm not a rabbit kitten anymore and neither are you. We've got work to do to keep the uglies from San Diego, D.C., F.A.S.T., and GAGE off the scoreboards. So get out of bed, walk right past the TV, get out the door, and get some miles in.

Some of you have begun to trade out the extra swim time for wheels and I don't blame you; my fur has dried out and turned green too (remember these are called "battle-scars"). Join the indoor Espresso Ride at Chain Reaction Saturday mornings 8 till 10. It's a great chance to pedal, watch bike videos, and talk bikes. There's usually a dozen or two riders of mixed ages, genders, and abilities. It's doesn't matter what you ride or how fast you are; you won't get left behind (nor will you be able to pull a fast breakaway). When it's all done you can refuel with some premium java.

Warning! Those who frequently experience "bike envy" might want to reconsider. This is not the place for those with a bad case of G.A.S. ("Gear Acquisition Syndrome") and we all know that triathletes have it the worst. Yep, we're talking to you "Mr. carbon fiber valve caps" and you "Ms. gotta have another cute jersey". There's all this stuff made of titanium, aluminum, and carbon just dripping off the walls. If you show up with a Christmas bonus (cash, not the "Jelly of the Month Club") burning a hole in your pocket you might just walk out with a second bike, a trunk full of gear, or both. Let's just say this bunny has a hard time walking into this candy shop.

I like it.

I can't put my paw on it, but there's something about these. It's like they were made just for me.

O Bunnies...

I must say even I can be impressed from time to time. Just chatting w/the Tri Chick I've been told that you Fluffies swam almost 90 miles this morning. Seriously Sexy! I do have to offer a "sorry" for the lack of carrot cake, it appears my patch out back is slighty frozen, next time.

So, the Red Biting Bunnies moved beyond the 500 mile mark today, I hope you are all celebrating! Wabbits it appears you have some soggy days ahead?

Sounds like something fun is brewing for New Year's Day... I'm sure you will hear all about it soon enough.

Bunny

H2O BABY!

I've been told about the RIVER and I will be there -- WILL YOU? The Tri Chick was telling me that some of you are worried about the chemicals in the river... whatevvvver... how many years have you been swimming? You think one swim in the river is going to melt your skin? That excuse is played... we are all soggy bunnies after these past couple of weeks in the water. The damage has already been done! Nuff said!

I heard the Red Bunnies are less than 80 miles to the 500 mile mark! I hope to see you RED bunnies there racking up the miles. Now you White Wabbits... I see you are still swimming strong but it appears that your efforts have been focused on staying in the top 5 OVERALL! Very impressive, still in 3rd place I see. Well it looks like you White Wabbits really need to be at the RIVER this weekend!

Let me know if you are going to show by posting a comment... maybe I'll bring some carrot cake just for YOU! (my fav of course)

Jens asks
I am an aging triathlete and my successes are fading quickly. However, more recently I won my first ever ping-pong tournament. It was a pretty big deal because it was an international tournament (I know that because the Germans participated). I think, I might have some real talent and might be cut out to be a professional "Ponger". Since everybody know that the "Pong-Heads" are way cooler than the triatheletes, should I consider becoming a professional "Ponger"? Your bunnylectual advice would be greatly appreciated as this is a very serious decision for me & my family...


Listen to yourself man: Ping Pong vs. Triathlon? I’m speechless. No, wait, I’m not… the Bunny is never speechless. What are you thinking? First, I just happened to be at that Tournament, and yes there was at least one international player, but I think your competition might have been hitting the carrot juice fairly hard! But not to discredit your Pong Skills let’s look at this in comparison to prove just how much there is nothing to compare!

• As a Ponger what would you wear? A headband? Big clear protective glasses? GEEK-VILLE! Nothing says “I’m sexy baby” like a pair of TUBE SOCKS!

• Ping Pong was invented as an after-dinner amusement for upper-class Victorians in the 1880s. The Ironman was invented by a U.S. Navy Commander as a physical challenge to determine who was the most fit: swimmers, cyclists, or runners. Do you really want to excel in an after-dinner amusement invented by a bunch of Victorian ladies?

• As a Ponger what kind of gear would you be sporting? A nice shiny new PING PONG PADDLE? Are you saying forget the sleek carbon-fiber bike and the fun TRI toys; I’m going for the particle board?

• Last time I checked, Table Tennis players made about as much money as Triathletes: a bazillion dollars per event… oh wait… No they don’t!

• Another bunny told me your love of chocolate is beyond human… I wonder what a Ponger’s waistline looks like?

• What kind of workouts would you brag about? "Boy I just had a tough Ping Pong interval set? Balls were flying!"

In conclusion there just is no comparison stick to Triathlon… Nuff Said…

Bunny

Marcia said...
What are the ethics of ignoring the little balls of hair in the bottom of the deep end during lap swims?

Let me guess: Alaska Club. I surprised you can see the bottom of the deep end.

During Lap Swim:

1. Focus, focus, focus! Get your laps in. Do not let bits of floating debris frighten you. At least the stuff that has been identified is harmless.
2. You should point out debris to other swimmers only if it will ensure you a lane to yourself.
3. You may scoop debris into an adjacent lane only if occupied by a competing NCC team member
4. If you know in advance that an out-of-town NCC competitor is planning to show up then talk to management in advance to arrange for strategic placement of debris, or to stage a "diaper drill". Better yet, have 'em pull the ol' "Arctic Chill" trick (South AK Club only) and bring your wetsuit.

After lap swim:

1. Once you unfocus, all those horrid repressed thoughts of the debris at the bottom of the pool will come rushing back in force. All I can say is eat lightly beforehand 'cause it ain't gonna' be pretty. Maybe management will get the hint.

Bunny

Bunny writes

Alaskan said...
My fur is having problems from all the pool chemicals. What can I use to bring back the color and flufflyness?

You call green matted fur from swimming extra miles a problem? I suppose you would like a remedy for goggle marks too. Well those aren't problems; they are battle scars. Everyone from the beer-league softball player wearing a knee brace to the Tour de France rider sporting a new hip feels pride knowing that others look upon these wounds in admiration. Yes, here is someone who gave it all they got. Your green matted fur is your Red Badge of Courage. Wear it with pride soldier!
Bunny.

Ask the Bunny

The Bunny knows all things Tri and beyond. Here's your chance to learn.

Dear Bunny,
Where's a good place to go on a first date?
D.H.

For you, Ms. NCC triathlete, it would be the gym. There will be plenty of time for movies, dinners, and concerts, after February 29th. We've got work to do sister.
Bunny.


Dear Bunny,
What should I wear while riding on my indoor trainer?
M. J.

I wear fur and it works for me. You, however, might prefer something lighter.

It's best to wear as little as possible on these indoor rides. Did you ever see those "Bob in the Buff" TV ads for the Kurt Kinetic trainer? If not then look 'em up but don't tell me I didn't warn you; they're painfully hard to forget. Cycling colorman Bob Roll might be as crazy as a loon but he's on to something. All you need is a fan and a pair of shoes. Save the vintage Cinelli jersey for the club rides.
Bunny.


Dear Bunny,
What should I wear to the company Holiday party?
A.K.

I got one word for ya: Fur. It's the ultimate natural fiber and it's never let me down. I wear mine year-round with light solids in the winter and dark patterns in the summer. Some of you domestics can get away with spots, stripes, calicos, and all sorts of crazy patterns. It's all good.
Bunny.


Go ahead, ask the bunny. Put something in the "comment" section below and he'll get to it (maybe). Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question (but many that are dangerously close).

Say what?

Got something to say about your workout? Wanna' brag about it? Add it to the new "Comments" field on the distance form. Not only will Ms. Beaker see your words when she gets a cc of your entry, but all the other bunnies can read 'em too. Click on a name in the scrolling "wabid View" to read an individual entry or click on the big orange square in the top right corner to read the last 25 entries. You techie bunnies can even subscribe to the feed and get up-to-the-minute workout news delivered to your reader or bookmarks bar.

Of course if you really got something to say then you can always add a comment here or on the Yahoo groups page. We're all ears.

I saw lots of you there at Mr. Andy's Ping Pong Party enjoying the games, cabbage, and libations of carrot juice...ah good times. Let's get out there this afternoon and work off that extra carrot cake.

Tell me bunny R U swimming this weekend?

Goggles... CHECK, Swim Cap... CHECK, Swim Suit... CHECK... hmmm now all I need to know is where are YOU swimming this weekend fellow furry friends? If you would like some company consider posting a comment to this post. It doesn't matter what color your fur is!

Get out there!

Swimming is our emphasis but we can't forget about our other sports. The past few days have been miserably cold but today's weather isn't half bad. Today would be a good day to get some real outdoor run time. If fact I saw my compadre Star the Reindeer taking her owner out for a hoof across the Park strip.

Cleveland Rocks!

Wow! One member in the Cleveland Tri Club was able to log 999 swim miles in one session. What kind of banned super-carrots was he eating?
C'mon people! Wake up and smell the carrot juice. Let's see the correct numbers so we know what place we're in.

How far?

You're going to be in the pool a lot these next few weeks so make sure you're prepared. Hit the swim deck wearing proper fitting goggles, swim cap, and swimsuit (optional). And if all those distances are hard to remember then print this page and bring it along too.

Sprint Distance Triathlon
Swim distances will vary. Usual distance will be ¼ mile or approximately 500 yards.

International Distance Triathlon
Swim distance will vary. Distance may range from ½ mile to 1.5k or 800-1700 yards.

Olympic Distance Triathlon
Swim distance is 1.5k or approximately 1700 yards.

Half Iron Distance Triathlon
Swim distance is 1.2 miles or approximately 2000 yards.

Iron Distance Triathlon
Swim distance is 2.4 miles or approximately 4000 yards.

25 Yard Pool
1 length = 25 yards (from wall to wall)
2 lengths = 50 yards
4 lengths = 100 yds
¼ mile = about 500 yards = 20 lengths
½ mile = about 800 yards = 32 lengths
1 mile = about 1700 yards = 68 lengths
1.2 miles = about 2000 yards = 80 lengths
2.4 miles = about 4000 yards = 160 lengths

50 Meter Pool
1 length = 50 meters
2 lengths = 100 meters
¼ mile = about 400 meters = 8 lengths
½ mile = about 800 meters = 16 lengths
1 mile = about 1500 meters = 30 lenghts
1.2 miles = about 2000 meters = 40 lengths
2.4 miles = about 4000 meters = 80 lengths

December 1 - SWIMMIN' Like Fishes

I must say my pretties today you did not disappoint! Perhaps I should be calling you fishes? Killer King Fishes? Yuppie Guppies? Hmmmm... don't care for those titles much and besides they are smelly! Bunnies do not smell!

The miles are just passing by and even I did a little splish splashin' today! I've heard from the Tri Chick that she can't log the miles... Tsk, tsk... another attempt to hold Alaska back? I think not!

At last check I noted the White Wabid Wabbits had a little more mileage, but did you know that there were 19 Red Biting Bunnies and 28 White Wabid Wabbits at APU today? So... 28 Wabbits put up 39.36 miles and 19 Bunnies had 38.25! It just proves how right I am (of course I am always right) when I say every little bit counts.

I was just wondering what all of you are up to tomorrow... oh, that's right SWIMMING!