29 February 2008

What a ride!

Wow... today was an adventure. Left the house at 5:30 this morning and it was snowing HARD. Snowed on me the whole way to work. Slight breeze out of the east which, sadly, changed to a steady wind out of the West for my trip home. Thus, I had the privilege of riding in to the wind in both directions. Yikes.

Anyway, this morning the road were in rough shape. I left before any plows had made any real effort to clear the roads. So, even the busy roads were covered in a couple inches of fresh snow. Unfortunately, enough people had driven on the roads to create ruts, but not enough to effectively pack down the snow. So, it was a bit dicey...lots of trying to keep the bike in a rut, only to have the edge of a tire catch the edge of the rut and yank the front tire out from under me. About every 15 feet I had one of those scary moments where either/both of the wheels get squirely and it feels like the bike is heading for the ground. After a while, it didn't even feel scary. I had accepted my fate...I figured the fall was innevitable so why worry about it?

Luckily the afternoon ride home was a bit more tame, though wet. Sadly, it was in to a reasonable headwind. I always find that to be a real bummer when I'm riding by myself...fighting a headwind with a group is unpleasant. Fighting a headwind by myself makes me want to hit the quit life button. Anyway...I made it home. I'm exhausted for some reason. Need a good night of sleep...then back on the bike tomorrow morning. Wow...hope the roads are better tomorrow morning than they were this morning.

26 February 2008

Driving Weather

I must be transitioning in to a slightly jaded version of a cyclist. I know this because I find myself rolling my eyes when people talk to me about how bad it is to drive in the cold/snow/rain/wind/ice/etc.

It's not that I find them to be lesser citizens of this world...if they don't like driving in the snow, that is their business. Not everyone needs to ride all winter long. Maybe it is just a topic of chit-chat... I don't know. I don't expect everyone to catch a case of the crazies and start cycling to work in February.

But...with all that said. When someone like my mom calls me to tell me how bad the rain was between Michigan and Florida as they make their journey south...I'm slightly less sympathetic than I would have been in years past. Rather than thinking; "that sounds rough". I am thinking; "It's just rain. What's the big deal?"

I didn't say that to her, of course. I'm not interested in hurting her feelings, starting an argument, or just generally being a pain in the ass. But, nonetheless, I'm lacking a certain sense of sympathy. After doing a 30' slider down 32nd st on ice/snow, while fighting a head wind and trying to find my way through limited visibility due to snow...a car trip through a rain storm just doesn't seem like a big deal. So it rained? In a car that doesn't sound unpleasant. In fact, it doesn't sound like it would effect the trip one way or the other...you are so isolated in your car that it seems unlikely that some rain/snow will significantly effect the trip.

Anyway... as I said...maybe I'm just getting a bit jaded. Maybe I'm just feeling short tempered. But, after spending time on a bike in foul weather it is difficult to appreciate how someone might find being warm, dry, and comfortable in their car could be viewed as an obstacle.

24 February 2008

Impromptu Ride!

What a spectacular day...in rare fashion, Michigan managed to produce a lovely Sunday afternoon in February. And, what better way to enjoy it than a bike ride with some friends!

MC...my personal hero, and resident mayor of Velo City...decided to call an impromptu ride based on the weather forecast. Rather than 3 hours of indoor suffering on a trainer ride, we were treated to a rare day of clear roads (mostly) and sunny skies! What a great day.

Group was pretty big and included a variety of riders...most of whom were MUCH faster than me. So, naturally, the group split shortly after we got started. I managed to stay with the fast group (averaged around 18mph) for the first 3/4 of the ride, but eventually got dropped. Luckily, Berger took mercy on me and stuck around to keep me company for the rest of the ride home. In any case...it was a thoroughly enjoyable ride.

After the ride MC put together some impromptu hospitality...chips and salsa, hot cider, frosty cold soft drinks, and some fancy schmancy chocolate. It was good to be out, good to see the sun, and good to spend some time spinning on a road instead of on a trainer.

Now, it's time to hunker down for another month of winter. I'd love to be optimistic and believe that this weekends weather was an indicator of the start of spring. But, I know better. We're already under a winter storm watch for Tuesday. So, this was a short respite...but, a well deserved one.

18 February 2008

Ultimate Cycling Challenge

Well, on Friday night (prior to the fever setting in!), I participated in the Ultimate Cycling Challenge in Holland. I participated for two different teams; Velo City Cycles and JDRF Ride. I did two hours for each team, giving me 4 straight hours on the trainer.

Now, there is no mileage requirement...so, I could have just about coasted for the 4 hours. But, I figured that so long as I was going to be on the bike anyway I might as well try to get a long-ish workout from the deal. So, the sweating began shortly after we started (at 8PM), and I managed to keep a pretty solid sweat going for the 4 hours. I managed to pedal just shy of 60 miles during those 4 hours...so, I was pretty happy with that effort. That is the longest single bike trip (indoor or outdoor) I have made to date.

Anyway...as for the experience of UCC. It was a blast. I had the chance to do a series of fun things...
1. Spend 4 hours on my bike sweating and making my butt hurt.
2. Spend a 4 hours hanging out with MC...always a fun experience.
3. Spend an hour with Carmen...again, always a fun experience.
4. Listen to a live band. They were pretty good...John Wang and the Test Pilots (I think).
5. Raise some loot to benefit the Lance Armstrong foundation (Livestrong)
6. Spend 2 hours staring at Edward's (read, Skip) backside. Thanks Skip!
7. Win some swag...I got one of those big ol' bottles of HEED (valued at $30ish I think)
8. Watch the Livestrong Manifesto...which was motivating to put it mildly. Nothing helps ease the pain of exercise like hearing testimonials from cancer survivors. Makes a some sweat ans sore muscles seem pretty lame.
9. Spend an hour with Jeff...always a fun experience.
10. Watch a whole bunch of other people sweat...some of which were actually in worse physical condition than me (hard to believe? I know! It's true though).

Anyway...it was a ton of fun and I'm really glad I did it. The last 45 minutes or so were pretty rough. I was trying to keep the pace up, but things were definitely starting to slip at that point. This tells me how far I have to go before I am going to be able to finish that JDRF ride in Death Valley. I've definitely got some work to do.

Fever? Yes, please!

I don't mean to keep expounding on the topic of being sick. But, it seems to have been a central feature of my life for the past couple weeks. Whatever I have right now...YOU DON'T WANT IT!!!

A couple days worth of a fever and I was pretty much ready to end it all. Cold sweats, sleepless nights...the whole cold/flu fun-pack.

Luckily, as of this afternoon, it appears that I am starting to move out of whatever I have. Feels like my energy level is returning a little bit...if I can get my voice to return, life will be good!

15 February 2008

Pink eye? Yes, please!

Ok... so, pink eye is unpleasant. How should I know, you might ask. Well, I know because I have it.

According to my doctor, who didn't have much sympathy for me, checked me out for a 5 minutes then declared. "You have pink eye".

Ok? How the heck did that happen?

Well, according to my doctor...the cold/cough/flu thing that I have been fighting for the past few days spread. Yes, spread. In to my eyeball! That is ridiculous...I got a cold in my eye?!?! I told the doctor that I was reasonably certain he was making that up...but, he assured me it was true.

His solution? Some eye drops and a big healthy dose of "deal with it". Apparently it is contagious. But, so long as I wash my hands often and keep my hands out of my eyes I should be able to avoid transferring it to anyone. Yeah!

It should go without saying that I will not be participating in wrestling practice this evening. I have the UCC (Ultimate Cycling Challenge) in Holland tonight. So, I will go to that...but, only because I should be able to keep my hands/eyeball to myself when I am all by myself on my bike. Besides, maybe the exercise will keep my mind off the itching and discomfort. At the moment I am filled with the desire to dig my eyeball out of my head.

14 February 2008

Of Skunks, Garbage Trucks, Pot Holes, School Buses, Mean Drivers and Sliders

So, on my way to work this morning I encountered some of my least favorite items that I have found while commuting by bicycle. Taken individually, these items are not a day breaker…it’s not as if I see a pot hole and am suddenly struck with the desire to go back to bed. However, this morning I had the rare opportunity to encounter them all in a single trip to work.

Had I been told ahead of time…say, in my driveway while I was clipping in…I might have suggested that I’d prefer to stay home. In fact, I might have suggest that a run of bad luck like I will soon describe might have been cause to begin searching for the Quit Life button. Yet, I remained surprisingly up-beat during my trip. It was as if each new obstacle I encountered was like a new joke.

First, let me say that there are situations that one encounters while commuting via bike that are decidedly bad. These situations are short, traumatic, and generally unpleasant. Then, there are those items that are more insidious in their tarnishing of ones morning ride. I put pot holes in this second category. A pot hole, or series of pot holes, is not really a traumatic event. Sure, they are bumps, and can be rather jolting if unseen. But, generally speaking, they won’t ruin my day. However, they will slowly ruin my ride in another way. They prevent me from looking around and seeing the scenery. I love to take in the world as I ride…even if it is the same road I see every morning. It’s still nice to enjoy a beautiful morning outside. But, once you hit a couple pot holes because you were gazing at the stars, or saying good morning to someone else on the bike, you begin to realize you have to pay closer attention to the road. After a while, you stop looking around all together. Particularly in the winter when the pot holes are worse and have the potential to cause a fall. Thus…pot holes slowly take some of the joy out of my morning ride. Not because I hit them…but, simply, because I have to pay attention to them.

Now, as I was dodging around pot holes this morning I encountered another of my least favorite bike commute items. A garbage truck. Unsightly? Yes. But, necessary to the functioning of a reasonably clean civilization. So, I have no problem with their existence in a general sense. What I find offense about them is two things. First, if I have the massively bad luck to get stuck behind one that is actually picking up trash, I am put in the rather precarious position of needing to pass him. In a car, this is not really an issue. However, on a bike, in the winter, in the dark…this can present some problems. I can pass him…no issue there. However, pulling out in to that left lane with all the other cars who are passing him can certainly cause problems. Forgive me for being a wuss…but, any time I am forced to merge with traffic traveling in excess of 30mph I tend to get a bit nervous. My second reason for disliking the garbage truck? They stink. Pretty simple. Not something you are bothered by when in your car. But, when you are trapped behind one for about a mile…because you can’t get over to pass him…you’ll find that the stench is fairly significant. Nauseatingly so.

Speaking of things that stink…I also managed to pass a skunk on the road today. Not the dead kind…but, the live, striped back, waddling along slowly, don’t get too close or you get sprayed kind. I don’t know about you. But, for me, whenever I happen upon a skunk in the dark, on my bike, I find it to be an exciting experience. First, there is that immediate inclination to steer away and give plenty of room to the little guy. However, on a bike, that means I also need to be weary of cars around me that may just run me over if I make too quick of a route correction. During the winter, the danger is enhanced further by snow/ice that will punish quick course corrections with a sudden trip to the pavement. So, you might imagine how sneaking up on a skunk tends to make my backside pucker.

This morning I also had the misfortune of getting stuck behind a school bus. Now, I will be right up front and say that I don’t dislike school busing in any way. It’s necessary, and generally efficient. So, I’m not saying we should do away with busses. But, for the same reason I can’t get passed that slow moving garbage truck, I also can’t get passed that slow moving school bus. Pulling out in to the faster lane to get around the big yellow road block can be a hair raising experience. What makes the experience even less attractive is the prospect of getting passed by the same bus if they have another stop on the same road ½ mile away. If I get really unlucky, I get to do this sort of a leap-frog drill with a bus for about a mile.

The worst of the morning experiences, by far, though, are mean drivers. I’m not talking bad drivers. Nor, am I speaking about those drivers who cause inconvenience/harm because they are blissfully unaware of the existence of cyclists on the road. No, in this case I am referring to those drivers who are just mean spirited. They are aware of my existence…and, make an effort to eliminate it. Thank you very little. During this morning’s commute, this driver was particularly bad.

As I was descending down a small, but relatively steep hill on a road that had not received any kind of plow/salt attention…I had slowly accelerated to about 25mph and was very cautiously trying to keep myself upright. The road was slick and it was obvious that even the smallest jolt could send me sliding on the ice/pavement/snow. Sadly, this mornings mean driver took that opportunity to pull up next to me, roll down the window, and swear at me. Apparently my non-response was not what he was hoping for…so, he decided to escalate things slightly by inching the car closer to me, then throwing an empty pop bottle out the window at me.

I probably over reacted. An empty pop bottle was going to do me no harm…at that speed, its likely that I wouldn’t have even felt it. Still, when I saw an projectile leave the car window out of the corner of my eye…I didn’t know what it was. So, naturally I hit the brakes and steered to avoid being hit. That harsh change in speed/direction was plenty to cause my front wheel to go out.

Thus, we come to the “slider” portion of today’s discussion. My friends in the Crazy Bastards Cross (www.cbcross.com) group name their crashes. For these heroes, crashing is common place enough to have given names and points to each different type. My crash this morning was a basic slider. Ie, I hit the pavement and slide, with the bike in close proximity, for a while before slowly grinding to a stop. Though my crashing skills are not near those of more experienced riders, I will admit this morning was a good one. I will have a dandy bruise on my left hip to prove it. And, at 25 mph you can slide for a long time on the right type of surface. This morning’s surface was hard packed snow and ice…ideal for a good slide. In fact, I slid for so long that I actually had time to contemplate the length of the slide while I was still in it. At one point I actually began to wonder whether I should push the bike away or pull it closer as I slide. I couldn’t make up my mind which was less likely to cause me harm and eventually decided to leave it alone…and still the slide continued. I eventually hit a section of bare pavement and that brought me to a halt relatively fast. Nonetheless, I definitely set a personal distance record on the slider. I may have set some sort of a city or county record…if such records were kept. Which, of course, they are not.

As stated earlier…I managed to keep a positive outlook through this morning’s ride. Though, upon further reflection, I’m not sure how. I just know I was still smiling when I got to work. I guess that is what really matters. Commuting by bike is enough fun to make even a crappy morning seem nice.

13 February 2008

Being sick is unpleasant

Well...the alarm when off this morning at 5:30. I got up, trudged to the shower, and started to go through my morning routine. I needed to be on my bike by about 6:15...

Problem was, I had only gone to bed at about 4:00. I was up all night with whatever form of flu has been getting passed around at work. Seems like it has hit just about everyone at this point. And, last night, it hit me. I woke up yesterday with a little head cold...no big deal. But, last night..things took a turn for the worse. Yikes.

Needless to say, I didn't get on my bike this morning. In fact, I didn't go in to work today. I'm hoping to rehydrate and rest this morning. Mostly, I'd like to just stop feeling all achey and crappy.

Anyway, enough whining for one post. I shall now retire to the couch.

12 February 2008

Why my company rocks...

First, I mention "company" as a sort of generic term. I'd love to make my thoughts public on the topic of my employer. Since I generally only have positive things to say, I don't see it as an issue. However, there are potentially sticky issues that go along with making public statements about ones employer without their specific permission...so, I will just skip past any potential misunderstanding by keeping my references generic.

So, I love my company. Always have. It's been 10 years of fun so far...not always fun, mind you. There have been bad days, bad weeks, bad months, and even bad years. Last year, frankly, was not a fun year. But, we are working on that.

However, even in a year that hasn't been a ton of fun, there are times were my boss (or bosses) make it worthwhile.

Back at the beginning of Januaray I was asked to help with a company project. It wasn't a glorious project. It wasn't a fun assignment. In fact, it was pretty unpleasant for the week that I was involved. And, even worse, I needed to fly out on New Years Eve morning. So, I was gone, away from my family, on New Years Eve and New Years Day.

It's not unique for a crappy assignment to come along in the business world. It happens all the time. What is unique is for a company to ask for volunteers to take on that project. A lot of companies would have just told me to go, rather than asking me. But, my boss, and his boss, asked me to go. And, I like helping out, so I was glad to do it.

A lot of companies would have payed no mind to the fact that I was going to be away from my family over New Years (and Eve). Many companies woud have considered that a matter of course. That everyone is just going to have to take one for the team on ocassion, and that no further consideration need be given. In fact, I dare say that some companies use these type of instances as a form of "hazing" for the younger members of management. It is a chance for young managers to take their knocks and prove their comittment. Yada, yada, yada.

In my case, I was asked by my boss and his boss. They were conscious of the fact that I would be gone during a holiday. And, they offered me support because of it.

However, they went beyond that as well. They bought my wife and I a gift certificate to the Amyway Grand so that we could go have a nice, fancy, quiet meal together in place of the night out we might have had on New Years Eve. And, so Karin and I went and spent it last night.

We went to the 1913 room, and it was fantastic. I loved it. I loved every part of it. It was a meal/experience that we could never afford to do for ourselves. So, was it worth being a part of an unpleasant project, being away from my family for a week, and missing a holiday?

Well, it meant that I got the chance to help my company when they needed it. And, I got a lovely evening out with my wife because of it. So, yeah, I think it was worth it. And, it only makes me want to help more in the future. I like working for guys who are willing to take care of the people who help them.

Snow...seen any?

Holy crap have we gotten snow this winter. I mean, really, a lot of snow. No messing around snow. Every day, just a little more, roads never get clear, and annoyingly deep snow. Even us native Michaganders are getting annoyed. This is more snow than I can remember in a LONG time.

We've already passed our annual average...in fact, we passed it more than a week ago. So, everything from here on out is just piling it on over the average. Plus, we've nearly doubled the average for February already...so, it's not as if the snow has been slowing down lately. In short, this has been a great winter for skiers, snowboards, snowmobiles, and anyone who owns a car with 4wd.

With that said, I'd like to mention my hope for the winter/spring. Last year was the winter that would not die. It would get warm for a day or two...then, snow. We got snow if February. No big deal. We got snow in March. Well, that's annoying, but not unexpected. The beginning of March is really still part of Winter. We got snow in April. Are you kidding me? Snow in April...it was time for some sunshine. Time for rain, flowers, leaves on trees, and green grass. It was time to kick start the golf season and it freakin snowed outside!

So, despite the craptacular amounts of snow we have received thus far in '08, I'm hoping for a good spring. In fact, I'm hoping for A spring. Some spring. Any spring. It seems like it has been years since we've had a nice long transition from Winter to Summer. Seems like we get about 10 days of moderate temps to melt the snow...then, summer. It just instantly gets hot.

I want an early golf season. I'd love to see some sunshine this month. I'd like to see a great Masters tournament...maybe Tiger will win and kick start the golf business. I'm hoping to see the snow melt in March...then, not return. Leave us to an actual Spring.

Here's hoping for good weather.

11 February 2008

A study of wimptitude

I just couldn’t talk myself in to riding to work this morning. Does that make me a wimp?

Look…all the schools were canceled. The roads looked like they were a disaster. Plus, it was unusually cold…even for Michigan. I’m not sure how the wind will feel on my face if I trucking along down a hill at 20mph and it is -4 outside. Seems to me that I might freeze my face off, even with the balaclava.

It’s not like I was short on excuses not to ride this morning. But, I wasn’t too worried about the snow or keeping the bike upright. Seemed like conditions were pretty rideable in that regard. It’s the fear of how the cars will be handling that really keeps me off the road. I’m confident I can stop at a stoplight. I’m not confident that the guy behind me can do the same without killing me.

Sadly, though, I still feel guilty today. Should I feel guilty about missing a day? Especially an ugly one?

About two weeks ago I posted up that I am doing a weight loss contest with some friends. And, that there shouldn’t be any excuses to miss a workout now. Yet, I bailed out this morning.

Maybe I just needed a day off…yeah, that’s it. I needed to rest my legs for a day. It’s a training thing…yeah…a training thing.

Actually, it’s a wuss thing. I better go for a run this evening. I’m such a wimp.

09 February 2008

I'm a Cyclist Too

When I first got started on this sport/hobby...I had no idea what a fraternity I was joining (yes, sorority also. This isn't a gender bias thing. I just happen to be a guy).

It started with an interest in completing a Triathlon...a task that seemed impossibly difficult to me when I made the decision to try it. My decision to become a Tri guy lead me to have need of a bike shop. I needed someone who could help me get my old Lotus in shape. I tried a few, and then found Velo City Cycles.

Mike, Jeff, Dave, Ted, Aaron, and Sandy have all done little things to make me feel at home with them. I've had contact with some more than others...but, they each have done their part. And, each has made me feel comfortable in becoming a 'cyclist'. It was like they were inviting me to join their little club...it's just been cool to learn from them all.

On my way to work this morning I was passed by a little Prius hybrid (which, frighten me by the way. They are so stinking quiet! Scares the crap out of me when they pass me, because I don't hear them coming at all). It was real early on a Saturday morning, so I basically hadn't seen anyone on the roads yet.

When the car passed me and pulled up to the stop light ahead, he was sort of straddling the regular lane and the left turn lane. As if he couldn't make up his mind which lane he belonged in. So, as I pulled up to the light I went passed him and stayed in my lane going straight. Turns out he was in that lane waiting for me to catch up...

as I pulled up next to him he rolled down his window. "Good morning", he said. I was a bit surprised, but hopeful in view of recent events (see posts from last week).

"You're well marked", he said.

Ha...he knows what he is talking about. Only cyclists say things like well marked when referring to lights.

"Great to hear it. Thanks!" I replied.

"I'm a cyclist too." he offered...which I had figured out already. "Good!" was all I had the chance to say before the light turned green and we both needed to shuffle off to our respective destinations. I wish we could have continued the conversation.

His statement stuck with me after we separated though, which struck me as interesting. He's a cyclist too...? That sort of summarizes how I feel every time I pass someone on their bike while I am driving. I want to yell it out the window.

It also summarizes how I feel when I go do the Fun Raiser rides with the VCC gang, or doing Tuesday night rides with the CB guys, or desperately trying not to die durin a KissCross event. Riding with people of vastly superior ability, equipment, and fitness...I hang in there. Having fun...and, think to myself. "I'm a cyclist too!"

Maybe someday I'll be able to bring someone else in to this sport. My kids, maybe. Or my wife. A coworker or a friend. Someday I'll convert someone. Then, I'll have created someone who looks at me on my bike and says "I'm a cyclist too".

08 February 2008

Wrestling Season

Man, wrestling season is long. I came in late on the High School season...they start practicing (conditioning only) back in late October. I didn't start attending practices with the High School team, this year, until about Mid-December. Our Kids Club program started just after the first of the year...though, we were running some early practices starting back in October.

High School season goes through March...the little kids season goes all the way through the beginning of April. Then, we can do the Freestyle season...which will take us in to May.

And, mind you, this is just counting the "official" stuff. There are tournaments to attend all summer long. Local schools who put on tournaments as fund raisers, national programs who schedule their district, regional, and national meets to be after all the other seasons end.

If one was so inclined, and I am not, one could have their child wrestle in a tournament every single weekend of the year. But, assuming you aren't; a) that wealthy, b) willing to leave your child with no childhood...you might just stick with the basic seasons. Even then, though, you're in for a long haul.

With the practices we started back in October, which were just ocassional. Then, moving in to full-blown schedule in early December and continuing all the way through Freestyle at the start of May...we are talking about a 5 month long season. And, again, that assumes we aren't doing any of the "other" stuff.

Wow...that is a lot of time for a little kid. That is a lot of time for coach!

05 February 2008

Traveling isn't much fun anymore

There was a time when I rather enjoyed travelling for business. There was always a sense of adventure that went with it. Mind you, this isn't the "climb a mountain, experience a different country, do some espionage" type adventure. But, still, it was sort of fun to go to another city, another store, with new people, and try to help.

I always missed my family. I never enjoy the process of airline travel, though I do enjoy flying. But, the trip itself tended to break up the monitony. It was never entirely clear what kind of a situation I would find when I arrived. And, I rarely knew anyone when I would get there. So, it was definitely a break from the norm.

Plus, there were the added benefits of living on the companies dime while I am out of town. In fact, that was about the only financial incentive to do the travel. Meals and lodging were free...and, with a $30ish per diem for daily meals, I could generally eat pretty well.

However, as I look at embarking on another trip this afternoon, I find that I'm just not looking forward to it anymore. I still don't like the process of airline travel, though I do enjoy flying. But, any of that excitement about what I will find when I land is fading. It's not that it isn't there any more. It still is. But, spending time away from my family is becoming more and more difficult as my kids get older. Rather than being excited about the chance to go and do something new this week...I find myself wishing that I could just stick with my routine.

I'd rather be at home with the kids, at home with my wife, at home coaching the wrestling team, riding my bike, swimming some laps, and at home minding my own store. I've got plenty to work on in the next couple weeks.

This week I am going to attend regional meetings for two days. It's not a long trip. And, it's not as if this is taking me away from things for a long period of time. These meetings are important because it allows all of us to get on the same page...and, that is tough to do over the phone. You need to be able to be in a room with people to really accomplish anything.

Still...I just don't feel excited about it. I feel...tired. Maybe some Carolina sunshine will help. I hope I get to see some it.

01 February 2008

And so it begins

At the prodding of a friend and co-worker, today began a bet. $20 says I can lose more weight than 5 other guys of roughly my size.

The friend who started this with me is getting married at the end of June. He's out of college and isn't looking as svelt as he once did. While he was lamenting his recently gained weight, we begain discussing the idea of losing a little weight. And, since we are men, that eventually became a contest...of course.

I like the idea, personally. Gives me a reason to stay interested in shedding some pounds during the winter...a time when I naturally want to eat warm, comfort food and spend time on the couch. Everyone pitched in (6 of us now) $20...guy who loses the most as a percentage of initial weight takes the pot. Not bad?!

For me this should be a real challenge...since I'm 50 pounds lighter today than I was at this time last year. Dropping additional weight is going to be tougher than those initial 50. But, I'm determined to do it. I'm too big on the bike, too slow, too heavy for the hills, too heavy to wrestle well against guys of my size, and too slow when I run. I can only benefit from shedding more pounds.

So, with this mornings initial weigh-in I was at 194 even. Final weigh-in is on June 16 (a Monday). We are planning to weigh-in as a group every Friday...so we can keep an eye on each other.

I'm actually really excited. It's time to get focused again. I'd like to be in the 165-170 range when June rolls around. That is in the 1.5 pounds per week range...very doable if I bust my butt. No more excuses for not running. No more excuses for not riding. No more excuses.