I Excel at Giving Presents
There was a time when Superman was my least favorite comic book hero. His problem is that he has so many powers that it’s difficult to even enumerate them all. Strength, speed, flight, a whole raft of vision-related powers, cold breath, and nearly invulnerable.
“I swear,” I used to think, “his biggest challenge must be in deciding which combination of powers to use in a given situation.”
But lately, I’ve come to identify with Superman more and more, as my own arsenal of superpowers continues to expand.
Namely, in addition to being able to eat prodigious amounts of food, in addition to being able to eat food right after a hard event while everyone else is clutching their stomachs and fighting nausea, in addition to being able to recall the complete song lyrics to any and every top-40 song from the 80’s, I have yet another power:
I am a remarkably good giver of gifts. Seriously, if you ever get a gift from me, you can count on it being a good one. Better than you expect, and probably better than you deserve.
This power — like most superpowers, actually — comes with a caveat, however. In order for me to exercise this power on a person (i.e., in order for me to give someone a really great gift), I must have some kind of contextual similarity with that person. For example, because my Dad and I both love the outdoors, I have given him the extraordinary gift of excellent wool socks, and a GPS.
Similarly, since pretty much every one of my friends rides a bike, I have gifted them with Fat Cyclist apparel. Yes, sometimes my powers are rather self-serving, but I never vowed to use these powers for unselfish purposes.
Because of this caveat, until last week, any presents I have given The Runner have been bike-related. Bike clothing. Bike food. A bike.
But then — upon finding that I am going to be doing an Ironman in less than three months — I started swimming. By doing this, I quickly gained a new appreciation for this sport.
By “appreciation for this sport,” I of course mean “an exquisitely painful insight into the remarkable tedium and soul-crushing isolation of this sport.”
Magical Gift
And then, magically, I got a call from H2O Audio. Would I, they wanted to know, be interested in trying out their Interval Waterproof Headphone System?
In other words, would I be interested having my swim time be less awful?
Why as a matter of fact, I would.
“You know what,” I said. “What would be really great would be if I could get a couple of these, because my fiance is also punishing herself for no good reason getting ready for an Ironman.”
“And it would be really, really helpful if you could overnight them, because, um….”
“Yes?” H2O Audio replied.
“Because Sunday’s Valentine’s Day, and I got nuthin.”
This, evidently, was sufficient, though first the H2O Audio rep asked whether I had a Third-Generation iPod Shuffle, which is what the Interval 3G system is made to work with.
“Yeah, thanks to my middle-aged memory and a washing machine, I do.”
“I beg your pardon,” she asked, not unreasonably.
“Well, I had the previous generation iPod, but the battery went dead during one ride, so I put the iPod in my vest pocket, with a very stern mental note to myself to be sure to remove the iPod after the ride.”
Kindly, she did not ask for additional details.
Big Improvement
So The Runner got the Interval Waterproof Headphone system for Valentine’s Day, and my pride at giving this to her was not even remotely lessened by the fact that it had not been my idea, that I had not paid for it, and that I kinda got her a set as an afterthought to getting a set for myself.
The important thing is, The Runner — who, I might point out, rocks out quite a bit louder and harder and more often than I do — was basically being given a reprieve from her thrice-weekly sentence of solitary confinement.
And yesterday (Monday) morning, we tried them out. She was listening to Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, and Three Days Grace. I was listening to Social Distortion, Alien Ant Farm, and Oingo Boingo.
The headphone system was easy to set up. Open up the little compartment, plug the iPod into the jack, then close the compartment and attach the thing to your goggles. There are three easy-to-find buttons to adjust volume, change tracks, and select a playlist.
The system comes with an enormous number of earplug inserts, in varying sizes. I’d be amazed if anyone couldn’t find a set that fit well (as a perfectly average-sized person, the set that were on the earphones by default fit me just right).
The construction seems simple and solid: rigid plastic with a hinged door, a gasket sealing the iPod off from the water. And since the headphone system costs more than the iPod itself, I’m guessing it’s well-enough built that it will do its job. I know, that logic makes no sense at all except inside my own head.
(Full Disclosure: H2O Audio sent both these sets of headphone systems to me at no charge.)
The most important thing, though, was that 40 laps went by like that. (Imagine me snapping my fingers as I say “like that.”)
I brought a camera along to take photos of The Runner, and was told, in no uncertain terms, that I was not to take photos of her wearing a swim cap and goggles.
And — for some reason — I was reticent to include photos in this blog of me in nothing but a Speedo and goggles. Because you’d never be able to un-see it, that’s why.
Anyway, I’ve only used this headset for one swim, so I can hardly call this post a review, but my impression is that this is going to be one of those things that I really rely on. And which prevents me from having pool-related nightmares and from breaking into a cold sweat whenever I get a whiff of chlorine.
If, for whatever reason, you — or someone whose sanity you care about — must swim for a long time (more than three minutes, for example), and with great frequency (more than twice per year, for example), I’m going to go out on a limb and recommend you get an H2O Audio Interval setup.
It could well save your sanity. Or — if you want to emulate my superpower and give one of these as a gift — your loved one’s sanity, which may be even more important.
PS: For my next swim — acting on a commenter’s suggestion from a couple days ago — I’ve added an audiobook to my iPod; it looks like I can switch from the book to music and back without losing my place in the book.
PPS: If you’re looking to buy, the Interval 3G Waterproof Headphone System for the iPod Shuffle is available at the company site for $99.99. Or if you’re a bargain hunter, they’re also available for $86.63 at Amazon.com (standard shipping is free).
PPPS: Big thanks to Ben for pointing H2O Audio toward me! Ben’s on a noble quest himself; check out his “Becoming Timberman” blog to see what he’s up to.
Comment by Weaky6 | 02.16.2010 | 8:09 am
First to post. Really! I mean, what about all those deep thoughts and insights to your inner most feelings when swimming? No you have gone and drowned out the world within you Fatty. Perhaps that is good, but perhaps it means something deeper. Your call broo. :-)
Comment by Anonymous | 02.16.2010 | 8:17 am
Knowing that you listen to Oingo Boingo makes me appreciate this blog even more.
Second-favorite band! (Social Distortion is my current favorite.) – FC
Comment by Bryan | 02.16.2010 | 8:21 am
I ordered my first set of fatcyclist bibs last week. Can’t wait to get’em.
Several years ago after having bone spur surgery on my ankle I took up swimming for a while. The pain/boredom/isolation you mention is spot on. Those headphones would have been great.
Comment by Greg | 02.16.2010 | 8:29 am
Seems like it would take an aweful lot of initial confidence to stick your expensive ipod in a little plastic container attached to your head and then dunk it in a pool… so I’m glad it didn’t leak!
But seriously, sounds like a great way to enjoy your swim. But if swimming is so freaking boring, then why do it?
Comment by Jenny | 02.16.2010 | 8:37 am
Swimming can be a mind-numbing form of exercise. I had never heard of H2O Audio before reading this!
Also, are congratulations in order? I see you referred to The Runner as you fiancee? If so, congrats!
Comment by Dave | 02.16.2010 | 8:40 am
Fatty I am convinced that your drift into Triathlon is completely motivated by the free swag. If someone offered you a target rifle and some cross country skis, would you take up the biathlon. I think yes. You cheap tramp.
Of course I would. Wouldn’t anyone? The truth is, I’m loving trying out some different stuff. If I could spend my life trying out new stuff on someone else’s dime, I’d be the happiest schwag whore in the whole world. – FC
Comment by Bryan | 02.16.2010 | 8:44 am
I’ve never heard of H2O either and considering I will be spending a ton of time in the pool as well (my first Tri of the year and second ever is May 8th)I will be ordering one today.
As far as music goes… I’m going to have to side with the runner. Disturbed, Green Day, and Linkin Park are some of what I rock out to on a long run or ride. Rock on Runner!!
Comment by Beth | 02.16.2010 | 8:48 am
And oh by the way; congratulations ;)
Comment by Razor | 02.16.2010 | 8:49 am
Speedplay didn’t cough up for new pedals, yet?
I don’t even know where I’d put them. I’ve already got Speedplays on my road bikes. Though a giveaway would be nice…. – FC
Comment by km | 02.16.2010 | 8:57 am
Jeez, you’re converting more and more to the darkside. At this rate you’ll end up dtiching your new underwater iPod b/c it creates too much drag in the water. On a side note, if you like Social Distortion, I humbly suggest you check out The God Awfuls, NOFX or Ruby Doe.
Comment by Jenni | 02.16.2010 | 9:04 am
How much are these, you know, for those of us who would have to actually pay for them?
Comment by Eric | 02.16.2010 | 9:29 am
We’ve been using the headsets for over a year…and you are correct they make swimming laps go by “like that”. They’re a ton of fun when you grab your daughters iPod by mistake and get to swim laps to High School Musical, Taylor Swift, etc. For those wondering about price, I think they’re around $79.
Comment by skippy | 02.16.2010 | 9:32 am
Don’t give “Fatty” a target rifle because members of the “skippy fan club” will as employees demand to use it and i enjoy my ski touring without having to continually duck!
Weather was so cold today i had to take a flask of Hot Chocolate on my ski trek. next thing Fatty will be getting a “camel back” to drink the hot choc from whilst lapping at supersonic speed so as to keep up the superhuman energy levels!
Comment by Nic Grillo | 02.16.2010 | 9:34 am
Those things look cool! I might actually consider swimming now. In HS, I was a runner. Then I discovered cycling, and now I’m a cyclist that runs every once in awhile (usually when I break a spoke or something). Never wanted to do tri’s because of the swimming part. But hey, this could change things!
Comment by centurion | 02.16.2010 | 9:40 am
Of course you post this after valentines day, it would have been a much bigger help to many of us to have had this information before valentines day.
Thanks Fatty, thanks a lot.
Comment by BotchedExperiment | 02.16.2010 | 9:42 am
Yeah I’m sure they’re great, but you won’t be able to hear a submarine coming up behind you.
Botched! You’re alive! How’s your leg?
And you still owe me money! – FC
Comment by david | 02.16.2010 | 9:49 am
I’m not digging the whole tri aspect. If I wanted to read about running or swimming, I’d buy a magazine. The CYCLING aspect seems to be lacking lately.
It’s winter, and I’m sick of my rollers. This blog has always been about what I’m doing, and right now what I’m doing is trying to get through the winter without gaining weight, and arriving into the new riding season without being burned out on my bike. – FC
Comment by AK | 02.16.2010 | 10:10 am
Fatty, you listen to music on your bike? with headphones? or have you rigged up a bike stereo like my hubby did in high school?
I sometimes listen to music on my bike, and when I do I use headphones. A speaker setup seems like it would be too bulky. – FC
Comment by dino | 02.16.2010 | 10:12 am
Cool post. Social D rocks.
Comment by linteater | 02.16.2010 | 10:36 am
I sometimes listen to mp3s while swimming, but my already questionable ability to count laps is further impaired when I add music to the list. If it’s an audio book, I’m doomed to swimming lap 5a over and over. Yes, I count my laps like a technical book. Maybe that’s my problem…
Comment by Kala | 02.16.2010 | 10:36 am
What an ingenius contraption… However, I’d be lying if I said I wouldn’t be completely horrified to try this merely for the fact of- what if the container holding my iPod leaks and now I am sans a $200 iPod and my sanity whilst swimming.
Risky!
The setup I use holds an iPod Shuffle, not the full-blown iPod. The Shuffles cost around $55. That’s still a chunk of change, but not as risky as a $200 iPod setup. – FC
Comment by pgreen | 02.16.2010 | 10:57 am
Very cool Fatty!!!
I wish they had these when I was a competitive swimmer in High School and College. (Caution…Old man rant ahead)
If we were lucky they would put music on the speaker system at the pool so that when you took a breath you could hear .33/seconds of music.
Then we would all have to walk back home after practice UPHILL, in the SNOW with no shoes and wet hair!
Ok.. Not so much on the walk home, except for the wet hair…
Comment by JAT in Seattle | 02.16.2010 | 10:59 am
You know someone posted a link to the H2O products in a comment here a week or so back and ever since I clicked on it H2O has been turning up as an ad several times a day on a variety of totally non-related sites I occasionally look at (Hmmm that sounds incriminating,….) anyway – interesting ad behavior or maybe a yet undiscovered super power related to internet advertising.
Comment by Lee | 02.16.2010 | 11:06 am
Happy Fat Tuesday Fatty
Comment by Jeff L. | 02.16.2010 | 11:08 am
It looks like they have improved their product. I bought an earlier version of these a couple of years ago and they were useless. I spent the entire time trying to get a good seal on the earplugs and it made the swim miserable. After about five times trying to get them to work, I ditched them. The new set up looks much improved. I’m looking forward to a full review.
Also, congrats on the engagement!
Comment by KK | 02.16.2010 | 11:18 am
Waterproof headphones? Use your super power to hook up some waterproof speakers and let everyone in the pool rock out to Social Distortion.
Comment by Matt'Sea' | 02.16.2010 | 11:50 am
I have an H2O Ipod Nano swimbelt (neoprene, fits around your waist, velcro…one size fits all)…on sale now for $9.99 (http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/5219.htm). And I don’t even have a nano…I have a super-cheap-O 512M player w/ no display…cost about 15$…it fits in side this little double-zip-lock waterproof bag (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lewis-N.-Clark-WaterSeals-Small-MP3-Waterproof-Pouch/12186109?sourceid=44444444440210119085)…this case is even available at WALMART of all places…$20. The whole thing fits into the belt nano pouch (sits on your lower back as you swim). You can put any small slim mp3 player into it..save the expensive ones for DRY use. (when swimming w/ electronics, there are no do-overs…one mistake sealing the bag/case and it’s gone). 512M is plenty for me…goes well over an hour. Then you still need headphones…H2O audio has newer ones than mine…any set will do..you just need to seal the connection good w/ a waterproof tape (mine hasn’t leaked yet). The little bag has a short plug inside that goes into the player, and the other end goes thru to the outside where you plug in your own waterproof set. OR if you already have a 2nd gen shuffle (I got one along w/ a set of the Arriva headphones Fatty reviewed ages ago) there is an H2O audio set that also attaches to goggles & sits on the back of your head as you swim…I think $79 w/ headphones…which is pretty good deal. But there’s now LOTS of choices…wasn’t to many 2 years ago when I got my setup. Shop around.
Comment by Philly Jen | 02.16.2010 | 11:59 am
I second the “Happy Fat Tuesday!”
So, with all this talk about swimmin’…
Did you manage to work in a 5K run last week?
If not, then pony up!
I did! 7 miles last Saturday, actually. – FC
Comment by Clydesteve | 02.16.2010 | 12:13 pm
Oooo, Philly Jen has been waiting in the weeds to spring her GOTCHA!
Happy Fat Tuesday to Fatties one & all.
Comment by AK | 02.16.2010 | 12:19 pm
bulky? it was way beyond bulky and well into the realm of embarrassing – it was a car stereo unit attached to a board – attached to the top of the handle bars – and powered by some small battery. I have a picture somewhere
fortunately, he found this, just as he was attempting another rigged stereo
http://www.ihomeaudio.com/products.asp?product_id=10186
Comment by Andrea | 02.16.2010 | 12:26 pm
I like the way you oh so discreetly slid the word “fiance” in there. Of course, I was looking for it because I saw your change on FB yesterday.
Comment by Philly Jen | 02.16.2010 | 12:37 pm
Good on ya, Big Guy.
BTW, please remember to add the extra “e” when you refer to The Runner as your fiancee. A “fiance” is a dude, and I dunno — call my psychic! — somehow I have a feeling that legalization of same-sex marriage is not gonna happen in Utah any time soon.
Comment by KanyonKris | 02.16.2010 | 1:02 pm
And keeping water out of your ears should make swimming more comfortable. Many triathAletes use ear plug because water in the ears can mess up your balance. And trying to run with wobbly, tired legs after the swim is bad enough.
Botched lives! I was wondering about you a few days ago.
Comment by Decker | 02.16.2010 | 1:17 pm
DUDE! you cannot wear those audio-swim-googles in the race so no use in training with them. BUT they cannot lie around feeling neglected. SO mail them to me I will take of them real good. THANKS IN ADVANCE!
Comment by Matt'Sea' | 02.16.2010 | 1:21 pm
You can set yourself up to use any cheap mp3 player (small and slim…I have a 15$ – 512M one specificly for swimming)…the H2O audio Ipod Nano neoprene waist-belt is one sale for $9.99 right now here: http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/5219.htm and it fits any reasonably small player (while you are there you might as well get the lap-counter…$19.99 I think for the basic counter…or $39.99 for the deluxe version that gives times and such).
Here’s a litte waterproof case/bag that will fit your cheap mp3 player (from the same store)…http://www.swimoutlet.com/product_p/16162.htm…this comes w/ an armband so you don’t even need the waist belt if you’d rather have it on your arm.
Then you just need headphones…various ones avail…H2O audio, Nu technology Dolphin, whichever ones trip your trigger…just seal the connection good w/ a waterproof tape (mine hasn’t leaked yet).
And if you happen to have a 2nd gen IPOD shuffle, H2O audio makes a little case just for that, goes on the goggles like the one Fatty got…w/ headphones it’s $79.99 I think. I might consider that as I got a shuffle and Arriva headphones after Fatty reviewed them ages ago. I don’t really care for the waistbelt, but it works good. Shop around..lots of possibilities.
Pingback by H2O Audio -- Waterproof Your iPod, Waterproof Headphones, Waterproof mp3, Waterproof accessories, Waterproof cover, Waterproof cases, Waterproof phone | 02.16.2010 | 1:21 pm
[...] And, widely followed blogger, The Fat Cyclist, added some H2O Audio to his triathlon training, see what he had to say about swimming with the Interval on [...]
Comment by Megan | 02.16.2010 | 1:26 pm
Decker,
I disagree that there is no use training with headphones when you can’t use them on race day. I don’t swim, but I run regularly with headphones (especially on a treadmill – which I would guess is to running outside in a race like lap swimming is to swimming in open water during a race). Even with most of my training being with headphones, I have no problem running a long race (1/2 marathon) without them. At races, the excitment and interaction with other racers really keeps your mind busy.
Comment by Mandy | 02.16.2010 | 2:41 pm
Lucky dog. All I have is a big, fat, black line to look at.
Comment by debroze | 02.16.2010 | 3:03 pm
Wow, a shameless ploy by Decker to hitch a ride on the free schwag wagon – I applaud you!
I was so inspired by the prospect of boredom free laps that I zipped on over to Amazon and got a shuffle and the H2O audio setup! I can’t wait to try timing my strokes to Black Eyed Peas, Johnny Cash, and Miley Cyrus…bwah ha ha ha ha ha….
Comment by Lisa | 02.16.2010 | 4:14 pm
I don’t swim very well, but if there’s ever an Olympic event for floating, I’m TOTALLY taking the gold.
On a side note, I had a job interview today. Wore my “WIN” shirt under the jazzy red sweater. Four hours later, I was offered the job.
Comment by Lucky Cyclist | 02.16.2010 | 4:35 pm
Damnitt. It must be good to have people sending you free crap all the time. I started swimming last month, and all I wanted was something similar to get rid of mind-numbing, washing machine sounds, lap after lap. I’ve researched and been unable to find a consensus on the best one. Now you fart out a hint to the world that you might be going swimming and you’ve got a free set in your hands. Seething jealousy.
Maybe you’re just not very lucky. – FC
Comment by Mike Roadie | 02.16.2010 | 4:36 pm
DOES YOUR SUPER POWER ALSO INCLUDE ACTUALLY SENDING THE FC GEAR YOU GOT FOR CERTAIN PEOPLE LAST YEAR, LIKE YOUR TEAM CAPTAINS????
I’m just sayin’…….
Comment by Linda | 02.16.2010 | 6:45 pm
pain/boredom/isolation …sounds like my time on the trainer.
Comment by Triflefat | 02.16.2010 | 7:48 pm
Nice to see Botched is back with his quirky slant on things!
Comment by Barbara | 02.16.2010 | 10:19 pm
I find it amazing that someone capable of riding 100 miles on rollers finds it mind-numbing to swim a few laps… of course I haven’t tried the swimming part (in the last 40 years), but when I got a bike trainer I realized I had finally discovered something more crashingly boring than running on a treadmill (iPod or TV notwithstanding).
Comment by Cardiac Kid | 02.17.2010 | 6:47 am
For me it wasn’t the swimming that was so bad but rather the naked guy that liked to talk about the weather in the change room….water proof headphone can’t help with that one.
Comment by Matt'Sea' | 02.17.2010 | 9:02 am
Sorry about the duplicate comment yesterday…things were working strange…I tried to comment and it disappeared…restarted my browser and wasn’t there, so did it again..this morning there it is, both times…strange stuff.
Comment by PedalGeek | 02.17.2010 | 9:43 am
Hey Fatty,
Any chance you could con…er…work out a professional testing agreement with Finis to ‘try’ their product?
http://www.finisinc.com/Company/Tech_Sheets/Swimp3/swimp3_technology.aspx
It’s a more economical solution for us non-ipodders but I’ve been reticent to lay out the cash for fear of poor sound or looking like Princess Leia’s little sister.
I clearly don’t have the pull but a superstar blogging self-proclaimed schwag whore might.
BTW – congrats – I was reading your update on my mobile and had to scroll back twice to make sure I wasn’t being hampered by it’s small screen.
Comment by don | 02.17.2010 | 10:28 am
Fatty, I wonder if it is worth soliciting the team for a swimming counterpart to Chris Carmichaels ” Time Crunched Cyclist” book? Maybe some conditioning tips.
Cheers.
Comment by Paul | 02.17.2010 | 12:56 pm
fiance?! *nudge nudge* congrats!
Comment by david | 02.17.2010 | 1:27 pm
I read Mike Roadie’s comment (in all caps) and hope the interaction to and from is a tongue and cheek joke because if it isn’t then I’m ticked. I hope it really is a joke on both aspects….from Mike and from fatty. If Fatty isn’t joking, Mike, what size 2010 team jersey do you need because you can have mine. It’s unopened and it’s yours. I’ll pay shipping and it will go out today. From what I gather, you worked your butt off for the Austin Livestrong team and you deserve it.
I do hope this is a joke both ways because if it isn’t at least a joke from Fatty then I’m done reading.
Comment by blinddrew | 02.17.2010 | 1:34 pm
swimming isn’t a sport, it’s a survival skill! Don’t do it man! ;¬)
Comment by Darren | 02.17.2010 | 1:52 pm
Ok. I breezed through all the comments before me and it seems everyone failed to catch what I did….“You know what,” I said. “What would be really great would be if I could get a couple of these, because my fiance is also punishing herself for no good reason getting ready for an Ironman.” Fiance did I see you use the word Fiance? Did I miss something or did we all miss something?
Comment by NYCCarlos | 02.17.2010 | 2:43 pm
@david – I think it’s fairly safe to say they were both joking
@Darren – Fatty proposed at the marathon… I guess a lot of people missed this because you are definitely not the first to comment about it on this post.
http://www.fatcyclist.com/2010/02/08/surviving-a-mile-at-a-time-the-marathon-chronicles-part-v/
(it’s in the 4th to last paragraph)
Comment by Darren | 02.17.2010 | 2:53 pm
@ NYC Carlos – Thanks for that I totally missed it when I originally read that. Thanks.
@ Fatty – Congatulations!!
Comment by Jenn | 02.17.2010 | 3:26 pm
Fiancee? Nice. Congratulations! I had to pay for the H20 Audio system I gave my hubby for his birthday, but you’re right – it’s a nice pressie. In search of free swag, perhaps I shall take a closer look at Team CarboRocket. What the heck – if I never ask for stuff, how will I get it?!?
Comment by Alyson | 02.17.2010 | 3:46 pm
What if you just have an Ipod Classic? Do they have anything for that? Or do I have to buy a Nano Suffle & the H2 thingmejiggy??
I only got the Classic a year back coz I have to run…well, start running,…soon…eventually.:-)
Do you think you in your Greatness could get Apple to send me a Nano Shuffle free? I know, of course that you could, because we all know you can…coz you are That Good! But would you???? If you did I would forever more, attest to your great gift giving ability…and you wouldn’t have to sleep with me, or to hear it!!! [It's a good deal...trust me!]:-)
I’ll let you think about it for a little bit, because I know right now you are a little pre-occupied with internal anarchy. These thing happen with you get employees.:-)Once you have mailed the stuff to Mike…
Comment by Alyson | 02.17.2010 | 3:49 pm
Ummmm…lack of grammer & spelling above…probably wouldn’t happen if I had a shuffle. But basically I would shout from the hills and dales, about your wonderfullness & unbelivable gift giving ability. Sigh. Going to take a nap now.:-)
Comment by judi | 02.17.2010 | 6:23 pm
so i guess you got into the lottery. or your friend got you in. congrats fatty. can’t wait to see how you do!
the mp3 swimming thing, i would stop training w/ all music. my coach had me stop using music about 8 weeks to the race because of course you can’t use them during IM.
congrats on your engagement.
Comment by Lucky TO BE A Cyclist | 02.17.2010 | 6:27 pm
^^^^How’s that?^^^^^
I daresay that’s true for all of us. – FC
Comment by bobbyj077 | 02.17.2010 | 9:56 pm
Wow, is it just me or are there quite a few of these comments that sort of have a negative tone towards Fatty???? Interesting…
And I have to agree with Dave, your response to Mike Roadie seems a little over the top. If you have stuff for your team captains (who work tirelessly and free of charge for a great cause) from LAST YEAR and you haven’t sent it YET, don’t get pissy when you get called out. Just send it already!
Comment by Co | 02.17.2010 | 10:52 pm
I’m with your first poster and all kindred zen-swimmers. “Soul-crushing isolation” – ?!? Isolation is the reward of swimming. Think escape from the noise and franticness of modern life. Think of relaxing every muscle on every stroke, kind of like a pianist practicing stroke technique so you have the kinetic memory when you need it for fast stuff. Think of the great muscle stretch on the extension of every stroke. Think isolation from sound, gravity, and (if you have either poor sight or poor goggles) vision. Think about how the difference in density between water and fat makes stomach fat flatten so long as you avoid the backstroke. Just think…
Comment by Debamundo | 02.17.2010 | 11:51 pm
Sorry to comment off topic, but how come I can’t get to your sister Jodi’s blog anymore? I miss it.
Comment by Sasha | 02.18.2010 | 12:06 am
I knew I liked The Runner. Now, my feelings are confirmed after hearing her choice of music. Boo Ya! Awesome. Now you, Fatty aka Skinny, um, not so much (except for Oingo Boingo).
Also, I haven’t forgotten that I owe you. It will have to be $25 – can’t do more. I’ve promised $25 to Victims for Justice fundraiser and $55 to our local police dept’s Dollars for Dogs program. I don’t have much so have to spread it around. :) Hopefully, you’ll understand. I’m a sucker for a good cause and there are so many I’d like to support. I think I need a second job to support the extent of giving I’d like to do. :)
Congrats on the marathon finish. I think you’re nuts for doing an Ironman. :)
And I have to admit that I’ve started jogging a couple times a week as an alternate to biking. My legs weren’t recovering from my workouts so I had to do something other than biking. Yuck. You’ll never catch me in a pool or a triathlon though. :)
Can’t wait to follow your new adventure. Still waiting to a Runner guest post. :)
Comment by BionicCyclist | 02.18.2010 | 1:14 am
This blog is a pretty good gift to all of us if you ask me!
I know, a comment this cheesy should be “brought to you by Kraft!”
Comment by Marlys | 02.18.2010 | 7:13 am
Congratulations Fatty to you and the Runner on your engagement! I am so excited for both of you as you deserve happiness and it looks like a good match. You two even look quite cute together.
It was an interesting choice of a present for her. I didn’t even know there was such a contraption for swimmers to use. Best Wishes -
Comment by MrsTeamPhillips | 02.18.2010 | 11:28 am
I was a little worried at your 80’s top 40 super power, but you are redeemed with Oingo Boingo. There was a lot of great music in the 80’s, but not much of it was Top 40.
I think it’s funny how many people are surprised at your engagement, when you mentioned that you got engaged in “The Marathon Chronicles, Part V”, and I quote: “When you consider all this, you will probably not be especially surprised to learn The Runner and I are now engaged.” Pay attention, people!
…and congrats.
Comment by Kathleen@ForgingAhead | 02.18.2010 | 3:58 pm
You are a lifesaver – add that to your list of super powers. How did I not know that this wonder exists? And only $99? Of course I don’t quite own a 3rd generation shuffle (still taking very good care of my first one) but perhaps I can trick myself into yet another purchase.
Comment by ChefJT | 02.19.2010 | 9:55 am
“And yesterday (Monday) morning, we tried them out. She was listening to Disturbed, Breaking Benjamin, and Three Days Grace. I was listening to Social Distortion, Alien Ant Farm, and Oingo Boingo.”
Sorry…I realize I have a few years on you (and I’m guessing a few more on the runner), but is any of the above music??
Well, at least I’ve HEARD of a couple of them.
Comment by Dana | 02.19.2010 | 1:14 pm
In response to Alyson, yes, we do have waterproof cases and headphones to fit all sizes of iPods, iPhones and MP3 players. The Interval that Fatty is using is the case designed specifically for swimmers (there’s also a version for the 2nd gen Shuffle…we’re currently out of stock of it, but getting a new shipment soon) but we hear from many runners, cyclists, triathletes and more that love our headphones since they can survive even the most sweaty of workouts and be rinsed off afterwards…
And congrats on the engagement Fatty!!
~Dana
H2O Audio