This weeks victim....Izoard

Great - if you want to know what's possible with no training, you've come to the right pace....

1. How long can you hold a plank for?

I have terrible core strength, but have been enjoying S&C classes for the past while - managed a marathon 96 second plank last week.

1. Favourite race you've ever done?

Abroad - Roth. 5,500 people doing a race that they shut down a province for. Hard to beat the Solarer Berg, first time around.

Ireland - I like Beast of the East - tough day out, but nice feel to the event in a great location. Brittas Bay tri also gets an honourable mention - but then again, I'm a little biased on that one.

1. Bucket list race?

Alpe d'huez LD and Lost Sheep are 2 tris I'm still keen to do.

Comrades is also there, and I get a shot at it, this year.

1. How much training are you doing at the minute? (your log is quiter than mine)

Zero tri training. Doing a bit of running, but I'll see how I feel after Comrades, before committing to Lost Sheep.

1. How much have you spent on compression gear over the years?

Probably the best invention for tri/running. Holds everything in and reduces the chaffing factor, big time.

I rationalize my insane compression spend, by telling myself, I've never acquired a carbon bike - so I'm still ahead on the €€€ front.

1. Have you ever done a marathon in costume and what was your time?

Yup - Dublin 2009 - as Batman - 3:57 - someone told me I was first "fancy dresser" home, but got a negative shout out in an Irish Times editorial the next day, as "a representation of what is wrong with marathons these days...":)

Oryx wrote: »

Hiya Ultrabuddy.

Do you ever eat standing at the door of the fridge, and if so, what?
What car do you drive?
Why don't you have a carbon bike?
Proudest moment in tri?
Which discipline (swim bike run) was the hardest one for you to make improvements?
Which one is still hardest?
Did you have a teddybear when you were young?

You weren't there to hold my hand, when I needed it most...:)

Do you ever eat standing at the door of the fridge, and if so, what?
All the time - usually the chocolate Mrs I. is trying to hide at the back of the fridge.

What car do you drive?
I've an 11 year old 5 series, but I only really drive when ferrying the kids around, so tend to use the family car, a shiny Santa Fe.

Why don't you have a carbon bike?
My Power-to-weight is so poor, I've never been able to justify it to myself. I actually have 4 bikes;
1) Clapped out Commuter bike that I live on, when in Dublin
2) 12 year old Trek alu road bike
3) Trek E7 alu tri bike, - this is the race bike
4) Focus something or other alu tri bike - nice machine, which I stash down in Wexford for summer spins.

Proudest moment in tri?
This is a bit cheesy, but....
Was doing a DCT tri in the mid noughties and passed a girl, who had just punctured. Next lap, she was still there - I couldn't believe no one had stopped, as she was a bit distraught at this point.
As I approached, I could see I was doing well time-wise, so I agonized over whether to stop to help.
I did, we got it sorted and both carried on.
It stands out, because, with experience, I know how unlikely it is anyone would stop (and I'm not even sure I'd be as gallant again, if I was going well...).

Which discipline (swim bike run) was the hardest one for you to make improvements?
Swimming - I don't have the patience for the technical aspects of it.
I was OK at it in primary school, but didn't start swimming again, until the tri bug hit, 20 years later.

Which one is still hardest?
I probably enjoy the bike most, and should be much better at it than I am, based on the volume I've done.
Stop eating with the fridge door open, would probably be a good start.:)

Did you have a teddybear when you were young?
I was an only child, living a Spartan life, devoid of cuddly toys...
We were a cat house for many years, so I usually had a Persian parked at the end of the bed, looking for attention.
Have switched to dogs in the current generation - much simpler creatures, bit like the difference between girls (cats) and boys (dogs);)

RacoonQueen wrote: »

Whats your favourite flavour of crisps?
Will you be disappointed if I'm not at the top of the hill for a hug at next years DCM?
Why did you not stop to help me in Donadea 2012, on the LAST LAP when you overtook me (finally :P)?
What is your best IM time?
Dream race? Running and Tri?
Why don't you IM guys do many shorter tris?

Thanks for dropping in RQ....

Whats your favourite flavour of crisps?
I'm a straight-forward chap in the crisp department - Tayto Cheese & Onion.
Will you be disappointed if I'm not at the top of the hill for a hug at next years DCM?
Devastated. Some day, you will actually run the race, and I'll have to find a new victim for a sweaty bear hug.
Why did you not stop to help me in Donadea 2012, on the LAST LAP when you overtook me (finally :P)?
All that trash-talk before hand, meant the red mist descended. Anyways, the "help" you required was beyond me...:)
What is your best IM time?
11;30 Roth. 1:18/6:01/4:02 - the 6:01 and the 4:02 still grate a little.
Dream race? Running and Tri?
Dream race I haven't done? Alpe d'Huez LD, as above and Kona. I'd bite your hand off for a lottery slot there - I don't have Jackyback's morals:)
On the running side - I'm starting to get interested in some of the off-road ultras - I might join IMRA at some point, and see if I can hack the uphill stuff.
Why don't you IM guys do many shorter tris
For all the logistics and the burning of a free pass, it just seems such a waste to do a sprint...
HIM is probably my favourite distance - good day out, without being ridiculous, like the full distance. Also, it is relatively easy to blag a HIM, without training:)

MrCreosote wrote: »

Hi Izoard!

Have you climbed your namesake Col? Can you rank its awesomeness on a scale of 1 to 11?
If Comrades goes well, will you return to do it in fancy dress?
What is your favourite thing about Ireland? And your least favourite?
Favourite movie scene?

Hey Mr.C...

Have you climbed your namesake Col? Can you rank its awesomeness on a scale of 1 to 11?
Yes - it's where the name comes from. Epic day out doing L'Etape '06 - wonderful experience climbing the Izoard, followed by the pain coming on the Lautaret and finally being broom-wagoned (was on my hands and knees at that point...)4km from the finish on L'Alpe d'Huez. Unfinished business.
Izoard is a beautiful climb, but I used all my matches on it.
Was climbing for approx. 12km or so, when I saw a sign saying "climb starts here":)
If Comrades goes well, will you return to do it in fancy dress?
This is a one-time only event, where there will be a lot of walking...
What is your favourite thing about Ireland? And your least favourite?
My job has moved out to Dubai, and I sat down with Mrs.I to decide whether we'd move or not. Despite the financial benefits, it was a no-brainer to stay. I spend a lot of time in Dubai, Moscow, Johannesburg etc., and I love the fact that Dublin is effectively a big village, where I can get around on a bike and my kids can walk to school - and as much as we bitch about the weather, it doesn't actually rain that much....
Dislike - litter.
Favourite movie scene
1) The "Like a Virgin" opening scene in Reservoir Dogs - combination of characters, 360 camera style and dialogue.

2) The Russian Roulette scenes in The Deer Hunter - the fear inherent in the first ones, switching to the zombie-like approach in the Saigon den.

Kurt Godel wrote: »

Howdy Izo,

1. How long can you swim underwater on one breath?
2. Are you as focussed and goal oriented in your job as you are in Tri?
3. Best ever race?
4. Why do you like pacing so much (and are so good at it)? Ever consider doing a Tri with a whistle?;)
5. Will you now throw a mangled old roadie into your collapsed shed and claim for a Shiv?

Dear Leader....

1. How long can you swim underwater on one breath?
Last attempt trying to impress the kids, it took me 4 efforts to make 25m.

2. Are you as focussed and goal oriented in your job as you are in Tri?

I work in sales for a US software company, where targets and KPIs come out of your ears.
I do this stuff to completely switch off - just SBR for as long as is enjoyable.

3. Best ever race?
Roth - executed as well as possible against the training I did - tough conditions as well.

4. Why do you like pacing so much (and are so good at it)? Ever consider doing a Tri with a whistle?
Just do it for the chicks, man.
I really enjoy it - it is a bit of craic at >4hrs - most people are happy to be there and enjoy the spin around the city.
The whistle is an acquired taste, but we get the cheers...

5. Will you now throw a mangled old roadie into your collapsed shed and claim for a Shiv?
Hah, this stuff always seems to happen when I'm away - not looking forward to the clean up tomorrow night.
"What type of Trek was smashed"?
" Ehhh, A brand new Speed Concept, sob..."

shotgunmcos wrote: »

Crap I missed griffin :cool:

Hey Izo Chief

What is the most grim location you have run?
How many push ups can you do to fail after reading this?
What posters adorned teenage Izo's wall?
Do you have a man cave?
Pet hates?
What goes through the mind when mowing the lawn?

Hi Mike, - congrats on your news, BTW..

1. What is the most grim location you have run?
My lunchtime run route takes me from town out to Blackrock park, via Ringsend - a couple of times I thought I'd be clever and take a detour into the port area - there is a treatment plant in there - not pleasant.

2.How many push ups can you do to fail after reading this?
Managed 21, before a knock on the hotel door saved me from more pain
What posters adorned teenage Izo's wall?
Arsenal were/are my team and The Police were the only band I was into that were cool enough to have posters..

Do you have a man cave?
I've sequestered the kids play house with the turbo, TV etc., although it is pointed out to me on a number of occasions that it wasn't used this year. Once the summer rolls around, I have to clear it out, until next season.
Pet hates?
Litter.
When Mrs I says "don't make any plans for the weekend..."
What goes through the mind when mowing the lawn?
Usually, I'm cursing the roots of the old trees that have surfaced in the lawn, and I've no way of solving the problem...

hey again
what are your PB for 5,10,half, Marathon
any embarrassing moments you care to share,
If you could change one thing what would it be.

Izoard wrote: »

Stupidest thing you've ever bought? (Doesn't have to be tri specific)
I bought Mrs. I a horse for her birthday back in the day - if I'd known how much it cost to maintain the beast....

that's a bit harsh on Mrs. I

In all your work travels you must have run in some spectacular places - does anywhere stand out?

What makes for a good hotel gym?

ASIMON0V wrote: »

that's a bit harsh on Mrs. I

In all your work travels you must have run in some spectacular places - does anywhere stand out?

What makes for a good hotel gym?

In all your work travels you must have run in some spectacular places - does anywhere stand out?
Positive:
San Francisco - early morning sunrise along the Embarcadero
Moscow - nice river run out to the Olympic stadium - great to find some green space in one of the grimiest cities around.
Thames Valley (where most of the IT companies are): The tow-path along the Thames around Henley, Marlow and Windsor - almost running through the back gardens of some of the poshest houses in England.
Negative:
Dubai: Hardly any footpaths and always under construction
Johannesburg: Just not practical to run outside, where I normally hang out.


What makes for a good hotel gym?
An empty one...which they nearly always are, except for the US and UK, where they are always packed.

Hey CW...

]I often thought I would enjoy a job like yours but I would expect after a year or two or so and with a family it gets tougher and tougher, have you ever thought of packing it in and looking for something closer to home?

It was great when there were no kids around, but the novelty wore off many years ago.
Ideally, I'd get something local, but even working for an Irish company, the local market is small, so for enterprise software you've got to head to where the money is.


Favourite movie?
The Deer Hunter.

Favorite movie character?
De Niro's character in Midnight Run - he's a great comic actor, albeit recent outings have gone down hill.

Favorite book?
A few there...
Steve Jobs Bio - Walter Isaacson
Jurassic Park - Michael Crichton
Liar's Poker - Michael Lewis
Red Storm Rising - Tom Clancy
Berlin/Stalingrad - Anthony Beevor


Rate your Ironman races so far in terms of location, accessibility, price, course and support?

Roth is fantastic, but logistically it is a pain in the ar$e.
Switzerland is great, but financially ruins you.
SA is the hidden gem - loved it and cheap when you get there.

Favourite Song?
So Lonely - the Police


Song played at first dance on wedding day?

The Voyage.


Best holiday?
Touring around South Africa for 3 weeks back in 2000 or a month tearing the ar$e out of it on a Delta air pass ($400 for as many flights as you could cram in to a month around the US in 1990)

OK

One Piece or Two Piece?
When work dictates a change in training plans (as happens me sometimes) do you panic?
Washing Machine - Do you fight or recompose and look for calm?
Do you prefer National series or local/ small?
With ref to above - when doing your "Roth Relief", did you conceal or reveal?
How will you deal with the "man at the gate" in Comrades in the unlikely event that you have to meet him?
GAA/ Soccer/ Rugby/ None?
Why do you post on boards?

Hello again.

Just a few more questions for you....

Generally speaking, do you like things to be planned out in advance, or do you prefer spontaneity?

How would you describe yourself on the dance floor in 5 words or less?

If I hopped in your car right now, what would be playing on the radio or DVD?

I believe you have raised a dog or two for the blind (I applaud you!)...how hard was it to let them go after caring for them and loving them for a year or more? And have you been in touch with their new owners?

Regarding triathlon/running/athletics in general, is there anything endurance-wise you wouldn't attempt?

Have you ever had a DNF by your name after a race? If so, which one and why?

If you were one of us SBR hoochies, which male boards tri guy would you most want to date and why?

GI Joe or Ken, which one do you think you have the most in common with?