Thursday, June 12, 2008

New camera

A couple of weeks ago we bought a new digital camera, specifically the Olympus Stylus 1030 SW. One of the main benefits of the camera is that it is waterproof (to 10m). Great for taking pictures when snorkeling and just hanging out by the pool. Below is Christoffer in an underwater pose.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008

Birthday secrets and a Transformer

Today is Tobias’ birthday – 6 years old. During the last couple days there has been a bit of a buzz around the house in anticipation. Christoffer has been keen to talk about his brother’s birthday and in particular about the content of certain presents.

More than three weeks ago Christoffer was Majken’s assistant present wrapper. As a result he saw the presents Tobias was getting. Majken told him very specifically that Tobias must not know the contents and if ever asked should reply that it was a secret (in Danish he would use the rather lengthy word “hemmelighed” which sounds funny when he pronounces it). He therefore diligently referred to presents as secrets every time the subject was part of everyday conversation, well, that was until yesterday morning. On my way to the kitchen I overheard the little rascal explaining to Tobias that he would receive a Transformer, a Dinosaur and a car. I am not sure, if this was Christoffer’s doing alone or Tobias somehow bribed him into spilling the beans. I am guessing Tobias had something to do with it. I was of course quick to interrupt Christoffer, but it was too late. Lesson learned, a 2-3 year old can not be relied on to keep a secret.

So today Tobias received the Transformer he knew he would get. Not unsurprisingly the first thing I had to do was transform Optimus Prime into a truck. No problem you say, when the package reads 5 years plus. You would be wrong, it took me at least 15 minutes. I still can’t believe it took so long. I am anxious to see how quickly Tobias will be able to transform Optimus Prime in a few days. Probably won't take him more than a few minutes!

Thursday, June 05, 2008

Florida 70.3 in CayCompass

Fellow triathlete and friend Marius Acker is interviewed in todays CayCompass, where he gives an account of the 70.3 race in Florida. Click here to read the article. I am briefly mentioned. His experience is similar to mine (see post below). A major difference between Marius and I is running ability. Even though he was slow relative to his own ambitions he still posted for me a quick run split.

I was disappointed with my run split in Florida and have devised a training plan for the next 3 months that is concentrated on running. The focus of the plan is speed work with one long run (>20 km) per week. Marius was kind enough to provide input to the plan and has also offered to include me in some of the speed sessions he has with the fastest runners on island. There is a saying that goes something like this: to become the best, you have to train with the best. We’ll see how it goes.