ScottMcLeod.com

The day of Windsor's triathlon finally arrived yesterday. I placed 10th out of 35 competitors in the non-elite, just trying it out category. I hadn't done a triathlon since I was 12 years old but I got the bug this summer. There's wasn't one reason why I entered; I happened to see a brochure for the race somewhere and decided to give it a shot. So I trained a bit, which involved going for a few jogs and getting back into swimming. I can say now that the experience was certainly worth it. The race was well organized and although the water was very, very cold, I can't fault them for that. I even received a plaque for 3rd place in the male 35 and under category (only because they had too many awards!). Regardless, it was a great time.

After racing in the triathlon, even at the pitiful distances in my division, I have a sense of how incredibly fit elite triathletes and all athletes are. Can you imagine swimming 2.5 miles, biking 120 miles, and then running a 26 mile marathon? Well, now do it as hard as you can. That, folks, is an Ironman™. The elite triathletes who were in the Windsor race were in incredible shape. I can only imagine the discipline necessary to train and eat to achieve that kind of conditioning. Remarkable.

Well, two weeks left of work and then I'm moving back to Waterloo for 2+ weeks before my 3B term begins (second term of 3rd year). It's hard to believe we've knocked off first, second, and half of third year already. I remember 1A as if it was a little over a year ago; all the projects, labs, and assignments are still quite fresh in my mind. For you fellow CompEngs out there, I'd guess you can relate to how quickly the time has passed. I doubt I'm alone when I say we live life 4 months at a time and study the other. But that's the way of it, I suppose.

My parents visited this weekend, both to cheer me on in the triathlon and to visit Point Pelee national park today. Happy birthday, Mom!

If you are ever in the extreme south western area of Ontario (you shouldn't be), Pelee is a great place to visit. As Canada's most southerly area, the climate is moderate enough to support wildlife found nowhere else in Canada. The foliage is unique and takes on a tumbled, jungle look that reminds me even of Bermuda's trees and plants. We canoed through the extensive marsh waterways situated in the park and went to the tip itself. The weather was more temperate today than our on last visit and made for a richer experience. Visibility was greatly enhanced and the gorgeous Lake Erie water was warm enough for a swim. If I die tomorrow, you now know the cause. It was quite the weekend.

I don't have too much to add beyond the above. You know what? I'd love to take a trip somewhere. Somewhere that's an established tourist hotspot so I could be confident I'd be having a good time. Certainly it has to be somewhere warm; growing up in a tropical climate has left me with little love for the winter months (playing hockey is November through February's only saving grace). Taking a trip like this is my plan for post-graduation. April 2006 can't come soon enough for soooo many reasons. CompEngs, you know what I mean!

Hmmm...After reviwing a few of my entries, I seem to have a difficult time writing about my experiences on a 'deeper level' like good writers are capable of. I can't seem to advance beyond simply transcribing what I've done. I'd relate experiences more eloquently but I'm not on the same level as Paul, Kristjan or other bloggers I enjoy. (Still enjoying your blog, Paul, and now yours, Kristjan.) To anyone who's reading this, be assured I'm grateful if you enjoy any the posts.

Posted at August 15, 2004 08:01 PM