You may have noticed that it was a bit breezy yesterday. And, to some extent, that had to do with the weather. You know...cold fronts, warm fronts, clouds and moving air.
However, I would like to assure you that some of that wind you felt had nothing to do with Mother Nature. I contributed to that cool breeze in at least two significant ways...
1. I'm slow. I suck. In fact, I sucked so hard that people in other states felt the breeze of my suckdom. I have godlike sucktitude. If suck were speed...I'd have won. But, I didn't. Because I suck.
2. The wind you felt may have had some contribution from the massively heavy breathing I was doing. I was gasping for breath like you wouldn't believe. I honestly tried to push myself hard...but, I wasn't really ready for that last two miles of hills. That was hard. Really hard. A couple of guys passed me going REALLY fast...but, even then looked at me as though they should stop and help me. I must have sounded pretty bad.
The race was painful to put it mildly. For me it was nearly an hour long...which is too long, in my opinion. I should have been...probably could have been... much faster. The thing is...that hour was all out. I think I might have let myself get a bit comfortable in the middle of the race for maybe a mile. But, for the most part, I was right at the edge of my upper limits for the whole race.
I think I made a couple mistakes.
1. I should have put the aero-bars on my bike. I didn't do it for a couple reasons. But, they were lame reasons and I should have just done it. It might have saved me a few minutes.
2. I started off too fast. Though, it wasn't a newbie mistake type of fast start. It was calculated...I intentionally pushed myself past my sustainable HR for the first couple miles. My thinking was that the first few miles were primarily down hill. My weight (relative to other riders) gives me a substantial advantage in momentum on the downhills. Therefore, I was seeking to maximize my advantage. In short, I wanted to get as much out of the downhill as possible...knowing that the return trip was likely to hurt me badly. Well, I was right about the return trip. My legs had nothing left during that last two miles. And, I blame that on my strategy of going hard at the beginning.
3. I was a bit too comfortable during the middle stretch of the race. I hurt myself badly during the beginning so that I could maximize my speed on the downhill stretches. And, I hurt myself badly on the return trip to the finish line. Somewhere in the middle, though, I stopped punishing myself. I should have...could have...kept my pace higher for miles 7-11. That was a bit disappointing.
I'll do better next year. My goal is to beat John Jasker...why? I don't know. Seems like the right thing to do. See you next year John!
31 March 2008
29 March 2008
What's with that guy?
"What's with that guy?" Says race fan #1.
"What guy?" asks race fan #2.
"The guy who just puked on his bike and is limping along pushing his bike up the hill" States race fan #1.
"Oh! That guy. Yeah, he looks bad. He must be a part of the race. But, why does he look like this is his first time on a bike?" Asks race fan #2.
"I don't know, but I'm calling the paramedics" Says race fan #3.
So, Fisk Knob is tomorrow. And, my recent ride yesterday morning has me a bit nervous. A couple trips to the pavement due to icey roads (thank you for the fine late-March weather) leads me to some level of concern. Rocketing (which may be overstating my speed) down the road in a Time Trial race does leave some potential for up close meetings with trees, cars, road signs, fans, old people...all of which are things that I'd prefer not hit at speed.
This will be my first attempt to race a bike on pavement for its own sake. I did a "road race" as a part of my Triathlon last year. But, this will be my first time racing a bike...other than cyclocross, that is.
My daughter will be tagging along tomorrow to do "press coverage" for her family newspaper. So, I'll have the fun of explaining to her why I had to drag the bike behind me as I walked across the finish line. If you're planning to be at the race tomorrow...watch out for the little blonde with the pen and notebook. She's going to be looking for interviews...and, she won't be shy about asking you questions. So, have fun with that!
"What guy?" asks race fan #2.
"The guy who just puked on his bike and is limping along pushing his bike up the hill" States race fan #1.
"Oh! That guy. Yeah, he looks bad. He must be a part of the race. But, why does he look like this is his first time on a bike?" Asks race fan #2.
"I don't know, but I'm calling the paramedics" Says race fan #3.
So, Fisk Knob is tomorrow. And, my recent ride yesterday morning has me a bit nervous. A couple trips to the pavement due to icey roads (thank you for the fine late-March weather) leads me to some level of concern. Rocketing (which may be overstating my speed) down the road in a Time Trial race does leave some potential for up close meetings with trees, cars, road signs, fans, old people...all of which are things that I'd prefer not hit at speed.
This will be my first attempt to race a bike on pavement for its own sake. I did a "road race" as a part of my Triathlon last year. But, this will be my first time racing a bike...other than cyclocross, that is.
My daughter will be tagging along tomorrow to do "press coverage" for her family newspaper. So, I'll have the fun of explaining to her why I had to drag the bike behind me as I walked across the finish line. If you're planning to be at the race tomorrow...watch out for the little blonde with the pen and notebook. She's going to be looking for interviews...and, she won't be shy about asking you questions. So, have fun with that!
26 March 2008
I are fast...sort of
Well, I took advantage of the sunshine this afternoon. I got the chance to get out and do a great training ride on the new Cannondale. Man, what an experience. Each time I get on this bike I am surprised by it.
First, I found some new socks that I fell in love with! Mizuno Breath Thermo socks!!! I have loved the Mizuno Breath Thermo base layer shirts and the breath thermo sweaters for a long time. They are fantastically light, yet amazingly warm during the winter. So, today, while shopping for some new running shoes for Karin at Striders in Grandville...I found that Mizuno makes Breath Thermo socks. Light weight, thin, form fitting, and unbelievably warm. I am so pumped...Mizuno makes the best stuff around. I love SmartWool too. But, I have a tough time beating the Mizuno stuff in the cold.
Anyway...the temps were warm enough today that I made my first ride in semi-normal gear. I wore my new Pearl Izumi Attack bibs with no tights over the top. Gasp! I know...exposed my legs to real fresh air. It was amazing. The bibs were comfy. I liked the fit around my legs much better than my Cannondale bibs...but, that might be that the Pearl are the correct size, while the CDale bibs are a size too large for me now. The chamois seemed a bit thinner on Pearl bibs...so, my butt was feeling it a bit more. But, it wasn't too significant.
I also skipped any kind of a jacket, sweater, windbreaker, etc. adidas ClimaCompression base layer with my new TwinSix (www.twinsix.com) jersey over the top. That's all! Wow...it felt great to ride with so little on top.
Anyway. With warm feet, cold legs, and no jacket I set forth for a ride. Sunshine on my face...I was lovin life.
It was a bit breezier than I was expecting. The trees didn't seem to be showing much of a breeze when I left. But, once I was out of the cover of the houses in my neighborhood I could feel that there was a definite breeze. Not windy...just breezy. Pretty much straight out of the West...so, I rode straight in to the breeze for the first half of the ride and then had the wind at my back for the trip home. It was enough of a breeze to create a 4-5mph differential between the trip out and the trip back.
Anyway...I felt like I was just hauling butt on the way home. My average for the whole trip (18ish miles) was 17.4mph, which felt quick. Especially when I consider that I needed to make some stops at a few intersections during the ride. The ride back, though, with the wind at my back seemed really quick. I was averaging about 20mph...which feels like light-speed to me compared with the trudging along on the Volpe in the snow.
I actually average 29mph for a mile on the trip home. Now, I'll grant you that about half of it was down a very steep hill (Filmore between 32nd and 24th), and it was definitely down wind. Still...that was a full mile at just shy of 30mph. That's darned fast for me!
Still needed full finger gloves and a SmartWool training beanie for the ride. And, I was definitely a bit cool for the first 20 minutes of the ride. Still...it was at least a hint at what is to come for the summer. I'm pumped! I want it to get warm so I can start doing group rides and JDRF training rides.
First, I found some new socks that I fell in love with! Mizuno Breath Thermo socks!!! I have loved the Mizuno Breath Thermo base layer shirts and the breath thermo sweaters for a long time. They are fantastically light, yet amazingly warm during the winter. So, today, while shopping for some new running shoes for Karin at Striders in Grandville...I found that Mizuno makes Breath Thermo socks. Light weight, thin, form fitting, and unbelievably warm. I am so pumped...Mizuno makes the best stuff around. I love SmartWool too. But, I have a tough time beating the Mizuno stuff in the cold.
Anyway...the temps were warm enough today that I made my first ride in semi-normal gear. I wore my new Pearl Izumi Attack bibs with no tights over the top. Gasp! I know...exposed my legs to real fresh air. It was amazing. The bibs were comfy. I liked the fit around my legs much better than my Cannondale bibs...but, that might be that the Pearl are the correct size, while the CDale bibs are a size too large for me now. The chamois seemed a bit thinner on Pearl bibs...so, my butt was feeling it a bit more. But, it wasn't too significant.
I also skipped any kind of a jacket, sweater, windbreaker, etc. adidas ClimaCompression base layer with my new TwinSix (www.twinsix.com) jersey over the top. That's all! Wow...it felt great to ride with so little on top.
Anyway. With warm feet, cold legs, and no jacket I set forth for a ride. Sunshine on my face...I was lovin life.
It was a bit breezier than I was expecting. The trees didn't seem to be showing much of a breeze when I left. But, once I was out of the cover of the houses in my neighborhood I could feel that there was a definite breeze. Not windy...just breezy. Pretty much straight out of the West...so, I rode straight in to the breeze for the first half of the ride and then had the wind at my back for the trip home. It was enough of a breeze to create a 4-5mph differential between the trip out and the trip back.
Anyway...I felt like I was just hauling butt on the way home. My average for the whole trip (18ish miles) was 17.4mph, which felt quick. Especially when I consider that I needed to make some stops at a few intersections during the ride. The ride back, though, with the wind at my back seemed really quick. I was averaging about 20mph...which feels like light-speed to me compared with the trudging along on the Volpe in the snow.
I actually average 29mph for a mile on the trip home. Now, I'll grant you that about half of it was down a very steep hill (Filmore between 32nd and 24th), and it was definitely down wind. Still...that was a full mile at just shy of 30mph. That's darned fast for me!
Still needed full finger gloves and a SmartWool training beanie for the ride. And, I was definitely a bit cool for the first 20 minutes of the ride. Still...it was at least a hint at what is to come for the summer. I'm pumped! I want it to get warm so I can start doing group rides and JDRF training rides.
25 March 2008
A Note to the guys who got me killed
This is an open letter to those who caused, or will cause, my demise. If I haven't already, it's entirely possible that I'm going to get run over by some careless, impatient, inattentive, or mean spirited driver at some point in the future. And, I want to make sure that I put a good portion of the blame for that "accident" firmly in the hands of all those who are responsible.
The obvious blame falls on the driver. And, I may address that again in some future blog entry. But, today, I am focusing my attention on making the guilty parties feel guilty. And, who is that? It's you...guy on the bike!
That's right...I'm blaming "one of my own". Though, I don't really claim him as being in my crowd. Why? Because all the cyclists I know care whether they get hit by a car. But, this guy...we'll call him Biker Bill...doesn't seem to care at all.
Biker Bill is that guy I see while I am on my way to work in the morning. I'm pedaling along with myself and my bike light up like a Christmas tree. I've a got a blinky under my saddle, a blinky on the back of my helmet, a white blinky on the handlebars facing forward, my headlight on my helmet, the reflective piping on my pannier, the reflective markers on my gloves, pants, and shoe boots. I'm more likely to be mistaken for a landing UFO than to go unseen by passing motorists. Why? Because I care whether I get hit by a car.
Meanwhile, Biker Bill rides by in the other direction. He is riding his mountain bike (winter, summer, road, or trail...the bike is always the same) which is generally black, grey, or dark blue. He is wearing jeans. He is wearing a black witner jacket. He is wearing a black stocking cap, and black boots. He has no reflectors on his bike or on his person. He is, for all practical purposes, invisible. Sadly, he is not on the sidewalk. And, often he is not traveling with the flow of traffic. Instead...he is in the road making every possible effort to get hit by a car. And, each time a motorist passes him they swerve to miss him...and, in their car, they both frightened and angry. Frightened because they nearly killed someone they couldn't see. And, angry because they nearly killed someone they couldn't see. How much respect from drivers do you think that exchange earned for cyclists with drivers?
Biker Bill is that guy I pass on my way home from work in the afternoon. Its daylight and, theoretically, visibility isn't an issue. This time Biker Bill has chosen to ride his bike on the sidewalk. He's casually running over dogs and dog walker alike. Ocassionally he whacks some poor elementary school kid walking home from school. And, most unfortunate for me, he seems to make random and sudden decisions to ride on the sidewalk on the other side of the road. Since Biker Bill doesn't consider himself to be a part of traffic...he doesn't follow any traffic laws. Instead he just pulls out in to traffic and rides straight across the street. Cars must slow down, speed, up change lanes, or even screech to a hault in order to avoid Biker Bill. Yet again, Biker Bill has helped earn some respect for cyclists the world over.
Sometimes I see Biker Bill out with his friend Cycling Chris. Cycling Chris takes his riding a bit more seriously. He has a helmet on, wears his chamois, and rides a bike with drop bars. And, he knows that he has the right to be on the road is considered a part of traffic. So, Cycling Chris takes full advantage of that privilege by riding right in the middle of the lane/road. He slow, doesn't hold a straight line, and is careful to make sure that he upsets every driver behind him by the maximum amount. Why? Because he's got the right to, damnit! However, Cycling Chris' knowledge of his rights on the road does not seem to translate to a knowledge of his obligations on the road. He fails to signal turns or lane changes, coasts through stop signs, rides through red lights when the traffic is clear (and sometimes even when it isn't), passes cars on the right at traffic lights and intersections, and can be found dodging between cars when traffic is slow. In short, Biker Bill and Cyclist Chris have virtually insured that every motorist around them now hates everyone on a bike.
Finally, Biker Bill makes his last living act an effort to ruin cycling for everyone. How? By getting killed on his bike. Since he's not wearing a helmet, nor observing any rules of etiquette, nor following the rules of the road, nor taking his own safety in to consideration...eventually, in spite of the efforts of the good drivers on the road, Biker Bill is tragically hit by a car. His unprotected melon hits the pavement and he dies in a horrific and unsightly manner. The local newspaper/tv station will cover the story of his tragic death...and, not surprisingly, everyone who sees the news makes the assumption that all cyclists are just asking to die.
So, someday, when I get run over by someone...I'm making sure to blame Biker Bill. Maybe if drivers didn't encounter Biker Bill so often, they wouldn't treat the rest of us cyclists with such hostility. Certainly they'd be a bit more willing to share the road with us.
The obvious blame falls on the driver. And, I may address that again in some future blog entry. But, today, I am focusing my attention on making the guilty parties feel guilty. And, who is that? It's you...guy on the bike!
That's right...I'm blaming "one of my own". Though, I don't really claim him as being in my crowd. Why? Because all the cyclists I know care whether they get hit by a car. But, this guy...we'll call him Biker Bill...doesn't seem to care at all.
Biker Bill is that guy I see while I am on my way to work in the morning. I'm pedaling along with myself and my bike light up like a Christmas tree. I've a got a blinky under my saddle, a blinky on the back of my helmet, a white blinky on the handlebars facing forward, my headlight on my helmet, the reflective piping on my pannier, the reflective markers on my gloves, pants, and shoe boots. I'm more likely to be mistaken for a landing UFO than to go unseen by passing motorists. Why? Because I care whether I get hit by a car.
Meanwhile, Biker Bill rides by in the other direction. He is riding his mountain bike (winter, summer, road, or trail...the bike is always the same) which is generally black, grey, or dark blue. He is wearing jeans. He is wearing a black witner jacket. He is wearing a black stocking cap, and black boots. He has no reflectors on his bike or on his person. He is, for all practical purposes, invisible. Sadly, he is not on the sidewalk. And, often he is not traveling with the flow of traffic. Instead...he is in the road making every possible effort to get hit by a car. And, each time a motorist passes him they swerve to miss him...and, in their car, they both frightened and angry. Frightened because they nearly killed someone they couldn't see. And, angry because they nearly killed someone they couldn't see. How much respect from drivers do you think that exchange earned for cyclists with drivers?
Biker Bill is that guy I pass on my way home from work in the afternoon. Its daylight and, theoretically, visibility isn't an issue. This time Biker Bill has chosen to ride his bike on the sidewalk. He's casually running over dogs and dog walker alike. Ocassionally he whacks some poor elementary school kid walking home from school. And, most unfortunate for me, he seems to make random and sudden decisions to ride on the sidewalk on the other side of the road. Since Biker Bill doesn't consider himself to be a part of traffic...he doesn't follow any traffic laws. Instead he just pulls out in to traffic and rides straight across the street. Cars must slow down, speed, up change lanes, or even screech to a hault in order to avoid Biker Bill. Yet again, Biker Bill has helped earn some respect for cyclists the world over.
Sometimes I see Biker Bill out with his friend Cycling Chris. Cycling Chris takes his riding a bit more seriously. He has a helmet on, wears his chamois, and rides a bike with drop bars. And, he knows that he has the right to be on the road is considered a part of traffic. So, Cycling Chris takes full advantage of that privilege by riding right in the middle of the lane/road. He slow, doesn't hold a straight line, and is careful to make sure that he upsets every driver behind him by the maximum amount. Why? Because he's got the right to, damnit! However, Cycling Chris' knowledge of his rights on the road does not seem to translate to a knowledge of his obligations on the road. He fails to signal turns or lane changes, coasts through stop signs, rides through red lights when the traffic is clear (and sometimes even when it isn't), passes cars on the right at traffic lights and intersections, and can be found dodging between cars when traffic is slow. In short, Biker Bill and Cyclist Chris have virtually insured that every motorist around them now hates everyone on a bike.
Finally, Biker Bill makes his last living act an effort to ruin cycling for everyone. How? By getting killed on his bike. Since he's not wearing a helmet, nor observing any rules of etiquette, nor following the rules of the road, nor taking his own safety in to consideration...eventually, in spite of the efforts of the good drivers on the road, Biker Bill is tragically hit by a car. His unprotected melon hits the pavement and he dies in a horrific and unsightly manner. The local newspaper/tv station will cover the story of his tragic death...and, not surprisingly, everyone who sees the news makes the assumption that all cyclists are just asking to die.
So, someday, when I get run over by someone...I'm making sure to blame Biker Bill. Maybe if drivers didn't encounter Biker Bill so often, they wouldn't treat the rest of us cyclists with such hostility. Certainly they'd be a bit more willing to share the road with us.
24 March 2008
Beautiful Afternoon commute
It was just flat cold this morning. 15 degrees when I hopped on the bike at about 5:45AM. I got warm eventually...but, man, it is just too late in the year for that kind of temperature. Even with the boots over my shoes, my toes were getting numb at the end.
Luckily the ride home this afternoon was better. Still only about 32-34 degrees outside. But, that sunshine makes all the difference in the world. I rode home with just my base layer and jersey. No sweater over the top! Felt great to be a little lighter, a little less restrained.
I trucked it home at a pretty good pace (for me). Seems like I'm always in the mood for a little rest when I'm getting close to home. Plus, its nice to stop and try to get my courage up for that last 2 mile stretch up Baldwin in Jenison. It is the busiest section of road I travel during my entire commute, and I'm always a bit nervous when I'm on it in the afternoon.
So, sometimes on the way home I stop at Village Bike in Jenison. It's on my way and its a good "safe for cyclists" place to rest for a couple minutes while I get my courage up. I always feel like a bit of an outsider when I am in there though...nearly everything I own came from Velo City Cycles. And, its obvious to the guys who work at Village that I haven't been shopping with them. So, I'm always a bit self conscious when speaking to their staff.
They're always friendly. I've never had anyone tell to buzz-off or anything. So, I'm sure my feelings are unfounded.
Anyway...I was surprised, today, when I dropped by their shop and one of their managers took notice of the pannier I use. He seemed fascinated by the design of the locking mechanism and the general quality of the product. I told him a bit about it...and he seemed genuinely interested. He concluded that he was going to need to get some of the Arkel products. Maybe he was just trying to make conversation, maybe he was just trying to make me feel good about myself, or maybe he really liked the product. I don't know...I was just a bit surprised by the whole exchange.
In any case, I don't make it any secret that I do my shopping at Velo City Cycles. Whenever someone asks where I got my bike, where I do my riding, where I got my jersey, etc...I'm honest and tell them Velo City. The people at Village are always grascious and complimentary of their competition in Holland. But, still, I always say it with some part of me expecting them to be upset or offended.
Maybe other retailers don't really get upset when you shop their competition. I don't know. Maybe I'm just too competitive. But, I'm genuinely upset every time someone tells me they've spent even a dollar at my competition. I keep my feelings to myself, of course...but, inside I'm broiling over it. I wonder if they're doing the same thing?
Luckily the ride home this afternoon was better. Still only about 32-34 degrees outside. But, that sunshine makes all the difference in the world. I rode home with just my base layer and jersey. No sweater over the top! Felt great to be a little lighter, a little less restrained.
I trucked it home at a pretty good pace (for me). Seems like I'm always in the mood for a little rest when I'm getting close to home. Plus, its nice to stop and try to get my courage up for that last 2 mile stretch up Baldwin in Jenison. It is the busiest section of road I travel during my entire commute, and I'm always a bit nervous when I'm on it in the afternoon.
So, sometimes on the way home I stop at Village Bike in Jenison. It's on my way and its a good "safe for cyclists" place to rest for a couple minutes while I get my courage up. I always feel like a bit of an outsider when I am in there though...nearly everything I own came from Velo City Cycles. And, its obvious to the guys who work at Village that I haven't been shopping with them. So, I'm always a bit self conscious when speaking to their staff.
They're always friendly. I've never had anyone tell to buzz-off or anything. So, I'm sure my feelings are unfounded.
Anyway...I was surprised, today, when I dropped by their shop and one of their managers took notice of the pannier I use. He seemed fascinated by the design of the locking mechanism and the general quality of the product. I told him a bit about it...and he seemed genuinely interested. He concluded that he was going to need to get some of the Arkel products. Maybe he was just trying to make conversation, maybe he was just trying to make me feel good about myself, or maybe he really liked the product. I don't know...I was just a bit surprised by the whole exchange.
In any case, I don't make it any secret that I do my shopping at Velo City Cycles. Whenever someone asks where I got my bike, where I do my riding, where I got my jersey, etc...I'm honest and tell them Velo City. The people at Village are always grascious and complimentary of their competition in Holland. But, still, I always say it with some part of me expecting them to be upset or offended.
Maybe other retailers don't really get upset when you shop their competition. I don't know. Maybe I'm just too competitive. But, I'm genuinely upset every time someone tells me they've spent even a dollar at my competition. I keep my feelings to myself, of course...but, inside I'm broiling over it. I wonder if they're doing the same thing?
23 March 2008
April Fools Day
My daughter has requested that I submit an article related to April Fools Day for her weekly "family newspaper". So, here is my article.
April Fools Day...that ridiculous holiday in which we spend our day tricking our family/friends while trying not to be tricked. What's with that? Why would we spend our day torturing each other?
Well, the history of April Fools day is, from my research, somewhate debateable. The most common, and in my opinion, the most likely explanation is that April Fools day is a remnant of of the ancient festivities surrounding the Vernal equinox (March 25th-ish). Similar to Halloween, this is one of those holidays left over from the pagans of Europe.
In short, the holiday has been around in one form or another since anitquity...primarily derived in Great Britian from the time of Roman occupation. In that time it has evolved and spread, now celebrated in many countries around the world. In America, April Fools Day is now celebrated on a purely informal basis on the first day of April.
Typical merriment includes practical jokes and hoaxes. Generally, these jokes are meant to expose the gullible as fools by making them appear foolish in public. Many times these pranks are small, harmless, and well intentioned. However, some of the more famous pranks through the years have been on a much grander scale.
Here is a small sampling of famous hoaxes (referenced from Wikipedia):
April Fools Day...that ridiculous holiday in which we spend our day tricking our family/friends while trying not to be tricked. What's with that? Why would we spend our day torturing each other?
Well, the history of April Fools day is, from my research, somewhate debateable. The most common, and in my opinion, the most likely explanation is that April Fools day is a remnant of of the ancient festivities surrounding the Vernal equinox (March 25th-ish). Similar to Halloween, this is one of those holidays left over from the pagans of Europe.
In short, the holiday has been around in one form or another since anitquity...primarily derived in Great Britian from the time of Roman occupation. In that time it has evolved and spread, now celebrated in many countries around the world. In America, April Fools Day is now celebrated on a purely informal basis on the first day of April.
Typical merriment includes practical jokes and hoaxes. Generally, these jokes are meant to expose the gullible as fools by making them appear foolish in public. Many times these pranks are small, harmless, and well intentioned. However, some of the more famous pranks through the years have been on a much grander scale.
Here is a small sampling of famous hoaxes (referenced from Wikipedia):
- Alabama Changes the Value of Pi: The April 1998 newsletter of New Mexicans for Science and Reason contained an article written by physicist Mark Boslough claiming that the Alabama Legislature had voted to change the value of the mathematical constant pi to the "Biblical value" of 3.0. This claim originally appeared as a news story in the 1961 science fiction novel Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein.[3]
- Spaghetti trees: The BBC television programme Panorama ran a famous hoax in 1957, showing the Swiss harvesting spaghetti from trees. They had claimed that the despised pest the spaghetti weevil had been eradicated. A large number of people contacted the BBC wanting to know how to cultivate their own spaghetti trees. It was in fact filmed in St Albans.[4]
- Left Handed Whoppers: In 1998, Burger King ran an ad in USA Today, saying that people could get a Whopper for left-handed people whose condiments were designed to drip out of the right side.[5] Not only did customers order the new burgers, but some specifically requested the "old", right-handed burger.[6]
- Taco Liberty Bell: In 1996, Taco Bell took out a full-page advertisement in The New York Times announcing that they had purchased the Liberty Bell to "reduce the country's debt" and renamed it the "Taco Liberty Bell." When asked about the sale, White House press secretary Mike McCurry replied tongue-in-cheek that the Lincoln Memorial had also been sold and would henceforth be known as the Ford Lincoln Mercury Memorial.[7]
- San Serriffe: The Guardian printed a supplement in 1977 praising this fictional resort, its two main islands (Upper Caisse and Lower Caisse), its capital (Bodoni), and its leader (General Pica). Intrigued readers were later disappointed to learn that San Serriffe (sans serif) did not exist except as references to typeface terminology. (This comes from a Jorge Luis Borges story.)[8]
- Metric time: Repeated several times in various countries, this hoax involves claiming that the time system will be changed to one in which units of time are based on powers of 10.[9]
22 March 2008
Training...or, not training as it were
100+" officially have fallen this winter season. Yesterdays snow fall officially made this winter the 3rd snowiest of all time. And, according to Bill Steffen, we only need .7" more to move in to second place. That's a lot of freakin' snow!
I bring this point forward for a couple reasons. First, because I, like many others, feel that this winter should come to an abrupt and thorough end some time in the very near future. Tomorrow morning, for instance, would be a great time. The other reason is so that I may lament my lack of training today.
I had a couple days of pretty good momentum built up...I had done some good run and bike work, had broken down some muscles, had done some field tests for LT...in short, I had laid the ground work for the start of my spring/summer training season. Now, though, I look outside and feel zero motivation. None. Nada. Zip. The big donut.
I ran in the snow this winter. And, that was fine with me because it was winter. I bought the Volpe and rode it to work all winter. And, I rather enjoyed that. The still air with snow on the trees was lovely on numerous ocassions this WINTER. However, it is no longer winter. We passed the vernal equinox...thus, I'm done with winter and all of it snowy goodness. I don't want to run in the snow anymore. I don't want to ride in the snow anymore. I'm sick of it taking 20 minutes for me to get dressed and undressed at the beginning and end of each workout. I'm DONE damnit.
So, Fisk Knob is just 8 days away. I'm fat, slow, and not in nearly good enough shape to do anything decent at that race. Hell, at the rate I'm going I'll be lucky to finish. Plus, the weather report between now and then is something shy of optimistic. According to weather.com, those 8 days include 4 chances for snow and two additional days of rain/sleet. The forecast for the day of the race is currently calling for a high of 42 degrees with Rain and Snow showers persisting through the day.
I'll grant that this will be my first attempt at Fisk Knob. So, I don't have years of experience to back my conclusions here. But, I was told that by a fairly reliable source that this was the traditional start to the road cycling season. And, if I had to venture a guess, I'd say that the people who have organized this race over the years didn't pick the end of March because they were hoping for BAD weather. No, instead, I'd venture to say that they were betting on some version of spring arriving by the end of March. However, that seems to be too much to ask for this year.
Snow, sleet, hail....skinny road slicks, time trial riding on hilly roads. Sounds like a great combination. I mean...what could possibly go wrong?
I'll be sure to stuff my organ donor card in one of my jersey pockets. Please bury me with my Cannondale...and, bury me face down. I'd like mother-nature to kiss my ass even after I'm gone.
I bring this point forward for a couple reasons. First, because I, like many others, feel that this winter should come to an abrupt and thorough end some time in the very near future. Tomorrow morning, for instance, would be a great time. The other reason is so that I may lament my lack of training today.
I had a couple days of pretty good momentum built up...I had done some good run and bike work, had broken down some muscles, had done some field tests for LT...in short, I had laid the ground work for the start of my spring/summer training season. Now, though, I look outside and feel zero motivation. None. Nada. Zip. The big donut.
I ran in the snow this winter. And, that was fine with me because it was winter. I bought the Volpe and rode it to work all winter. And, I rather enjoyed that. The still air with snow on the trees was lovely on numerous ocassions this WINTER. However, it is no longer winter. We passed the vernal equinox...thus, I'm done with winter and all of it snowy goodness. I don't want to run in the snow anymore. I don't want to ride in the snow anymore. I'm sick of it taking 20 minutes for me to get dressed and undressed at the beginning and end of each workout. I'm DONE damnit.
So, Fisk Knob is just 8 days away. I'm fat, slow, and not in nearly good enough shape to do anything decent at that race. Hell, at the rate I'm going I'll be lucky to finish. Plus, the weather report between now and then is something shy of optimistic. According to weather.com, those 8 days include 4 chances for snow and two additional days of rain/sleet. The forecast for the day of the race is currently calling for a high of 42 degrees with Rain and Snow showers persisting through the day.
I'll grant that this will be my first attempt at Fisk Knob. So, I don't have years of experience to back my conclusions here. But, I was told that by a fairly reliable source that this was the traditional start to the road cycling season. And, if I had to venture a guess, I'd say that the people who have organized this race over the years didn't pick the end of March because they were hoping for BAD weather. No, instead, I'd venture to say that they were betting on some version of spring arriving by the end of March. However, that seems to be too much to ask for this year.
Snow, sleet, hail....skinny road slicks, time trial riding on hilly roads. Sounds like a great combination. I mean...what could possibly go wrong?
I'll be sure to stuff my organ donor card in one of my jersey pockets. Please bury me with my Cannondale...and, bury me face down. I'd like mother-nature to kiss my ass even after I'm gone.
21 March 2008
Check please!
I'd like to leave now.
It's Easter weekend... you know what that means. Spring is here. The grass is beginning to green, the flowers are starting to pop-up, the breeze is warming, the Easter bunny is bringing along pleasant weather. Yep. Just look outside and enjoy the majesty of Spring in Michigan.
Now, put the gun down. You may be searching for the quit life button, and I don't blame you. But, you can reconcile the crappiness outside by reminding yourself that the Global Warming has taken a temporary respite (or permanent one. Or, never was an issue in the first place. Pick your science). Thus, the polar ice caps have expanded massively this winter. Yes, I know that you will feel better about your snow blanketed Easter egg hunt when you remember that the fluffy polar bears now have plenty of ice on which they may lumber about. See, isn't that better?
As for my ride this morning. It sucked. 4 hours of sleep wasn't enough to recovery from yesterdays run and ride. Plus, the 15mph wind out of the East meant I was riding in to the wind the whole way. Suckage.
Ride home? I just didn't have the guts today...the roads are disaster and it seemed like I would have been asking to die. So, I called my wife and she risked life and limb to come get me. She's wonderful.
It's Easter weekend... you know what that means. Spring is here. The grass is beginning to green, the flowers are starting to pop-up, the breeze is warming, the Easter bunny is bringing along pleasant weather. Yep. Just look outside and enjoy the majesty of Spring in Michigan.
Now, put the gun down. You may be searching for the quit life button, and I don't blame you. But, you can reconcile the crappiness outside by reminding yourself that the Global Warming has taken a temporary respite (or permanent one. Or, never was an issue in the first place. Pick your science). Thus, the polar ice caps have expanded massively this winter. Yes, I know that you will feel better about your snow blanketed Easter egg hunt when you remember that the fluffy polar bears now have plenty of ice on which they may lumber about. See, isn't that better?
As for my ride this morning. It sucked. 4 hours of sleep wasn't enough to recovery from yesterdays run and ride. Plus, the 15mph wind out of the East meant I was riding in to the wind the whole way. Suckage.
Ride home? I just didn't have the guts today...the roads are disaster and it seemed like I would have been asking to die. So, I called my wife and she risked life and limb to come get me. She's wonderful.
19 March 2008
Praise for things I love
Places and products I love...now is as good as any time to recognize them!
Judes Barber Shop (www.judesbarbershop.com) - My favorite place for a head shave. I love this place! It's where I go when I just need to 45 minutes of relaxation. I've been going to the location in Grandville because they have a few people that are trained with straight razor (head shave). But, I recently switched to the Standale location...warm shaving cream, hot towel treatment, scalp massage, and a back massage are all included. It's a great place to just unwind when things get too stressful.
Velo City Cycles(www.velo-citycycles.com) - My favorite bike shop. In fact, they've been so awesome, they are my only bike shop. I'm not sure they're the most profitable retailer I've visited. But, if more than the bottom-line is considered, they're the most successful. They do things the right way.
Mizuno Sports (www.mizunousa.com) - My favorite manufacturer of a number of products. They make the best runnings shoes I've found. Lighter than other brands by a mile! They also make the Mizuno BreathThermo line of apparel. They're base layer mocks and the WindLite sweater are amazing. I've made thorough use of both over the course of the winter. Plus, they make the finest feeling forged irons available. I'm a big fan.
Cannondale (www.cannondale.com) - What can I say? They make the CAAD9 r5 I purchased over the winter. Eassily the finest bicycle I've ever ridden (other than MC's Seven, but that doesn't count)...it's fast like I never imagined possible.
I'm sure there are a hundred others...but, this just came up while I was suffering through my TT earlier today.
Judes Barber Shop (www.judesbarbershop.com) - My favorite place for a head shave. I love this place! It's where I go when I just need to 45 minutes of relaxation. I've been going to the location in Grandville because they have a few people that are trained with straight razor (head shave). But, I recently switched to the Standale location...warm shaving cream, hot towel treatment, scalp massage, and a back massage are all included. It's a great place to just unwind when things get too stressful.
Velo City Cycles(www.velo-citycycles.com) - My favorite bike shop. In fact, they've been so awesome, they are my only bike shop. I'm not sure they're the most profitable retailer I've visited. But, if more than the bottom-line is considered, they're the most successful. They do things the right way.
Mizuno Sports (www.mizunousa.com) - My favorite manufacturer of a number of products. They make the best runnings shoes I've found. Lighter than other brands by a mile! They also make the Mizuno BreathThermo line of apparel. They're base layer mocks and the WindLite sweater are amazing. I've made thorough use of both over the course of the winter. Plus, they make the finest feeling forged irons available. I'm a big fan.
Cannondale (www.cannondale.com) - What can I say? They make the CAAD9 r5 I purchased over the winter. Eassily the finest bicycle I've ever ridden (other than MC's Seven, but that doesn't count)...it's fast like I never imagined possible.
I'm sure there are a hundred others...but, this just came up while I was suffering through my TT earlier today.
Training Blog
In the interests of making myself a bit more accountable for my training goals I've decided to make my trianing a matter of public record. I've added a link on the right hand side of my blog that will take any interested parties to my training blog on www.mapmytri.com.
Here is the official link:
http://www.mapmytri.com/rss/rss_workouts?u=1644481
My plan, at the moment, is to try to get back to two-a-day workouts. On days that I commute to work via bike...I am going to count the trip there and the trip home as two workouts. But, I'm hoping to get in a couple runs and, once it gets warmer, a couple swims per week in addition to any cycling I do.
Since I have done very minimal running and swimming in the past couple months, I am going to be struggling a bit on those two disciplines. I decided, yesterday, that I should go out and do a field test for my LT (Lactate threshold) on the run. What I found was interesting.
First, I am massively slower than I was in the fall. Which, I guess, is not a major surprise. With as little running as I have been doing, I wasn't really expecting to maintain my fitness. But, I was surprised at how much slower I actually was. It was significant.
Second...based on my lower fitness level on the run, and the slower speed, I was extremely surprised at where my HR (heart rate) averaged for the run. It turned out that my LT was at or even a beat or two higher than it had been in the fall. But, the speed at which I run at that HR was much slower. That was surprising to me. I thought that my HR would be a lot lower and that I would be slower because I wouldn't be able to tolerate the elevated HR for as long a period of time. But, it turned out to be nearly the opposite. Interesting!
Anyway...I was feeling a bit depressed about the situation yesterday. I was done with the run and looked at the numbers. Wow. I'm slower than normal...and normally...I'm SLOW. So, that wasn't exactly inspiring confidence. However, after my run today I feel a bit better. I went out and did about 5.5 miles at a slowish (but comfortable) pace. I didn't set any land-speed records. But, I did the run comfortably and felt great at the end. None of the lay-down-and-die feeling that I'd had at the end of the Time Trial yesterday.
I didn't have time to get out on the bike yesterday. But, I'm definitely going to get out on the bike this afternoon. I'm really excited to ride the new bike again...CAAD9-5 = fast!
Depending on how my legs feel this afternoon, I may try to do a LT field test on the bike. I need to know where my HR zones are before Fisk Knob (March 30th). If my legs aren't feeling it...I'll just try to do a basic ride...maybe an hour.
Another factor in making my training public is that I will make my weight a part of each blog. Thus, I will be making my weight a matter of public record. www.fatcyclist.com made this method work to his advantage as well...thus, I'm trying it for myself. The plan is that I will make my weight a potential target for public ridicule. Thus, I'm more likely to remain accountable for losing weight. And, I need to lose some weight!
Here is the official link:
http://www.mapmytri.com/rss/rss_workouts?u=1644481
My plan, at the moment, is to try to get back to two-a-day workouts. On days that I commute to work via bike...I am going to count the trip there and the trip home as two workouts. But, I'm hoping to get in a couple runs and, once it gets warmer, a couple swims per week in addition to any cycling I do.
Since I have done very minimal running and swimming in the past couple months, I am going to be struggling a bit on those two disciplines. I decided, yesterday, that I should go out and do a field test for my LT (Lactate threshold) on the run. What I found was interesting.
First, I am massively slower than I was in the fall. Which, I guess, is not a major surprise. With as little running as I have been doing, I wasn't really expecting to maintain my fitness. But, I was surprised at how much slower I actually was. It was significant.
Second...based on my lower fitness level on the run, and the slower speed, I was extremely surprised at where my HR (heart rate) averaged for the run. It turned out that my LT was at or even a beat or two higher than it had been in the fall. But, the speed at which I run at that HR was much slower. That was surprising to me. I thought that my HR would be a lot lower and that I would be slower because I wouldn't be able to tolerate the elevated HR for as long a period of time. But, it turned out to be nearly the opposite. Interesting!
Anyway...I was feeling a bit depressed about the situation yesterday. I was done with the run and looked at the numbers. Wow. I'm slower than normal...and normally...I'm SLOW. So, that wasn't exactly inspiring confidence. However, after my run today I feel a bit better. I went out and did about 5.5 miles at a slowish (but comfortable) pace. I didn't set any land-speed records. But, I did the run comfortably and felt great at the end. None of the lay-down-and-die feeling that I'd had at the end of the Time Trial yesterday.
I didn't have time to get out on the bike yesterday. But, I'm definitely going to get out on the bike this afternoon. I'm really excited to ride the new bike again...CAAD9-5 = fast!
Depending on how my legs feel this afternoon, I may try to do a LT field test on the bike. I need to know where my HR zones are before Fisk Knob (March 30th). If my legs aren't feeling it...I'll just try to do a basic ride...maybe an hour.
Another factor in making my training public is that I will make my weight a part of each blog. Thus, I will be making my weight a matter of public record. www.fatcyclist.com made this method work to his advantage as well...thus, I'm trying it for myself. The plan is that I will make my weight a potential target for public ridicule. Thus, I'm more likely to remain accountable for losing weight. And, I need to lose some weight!
18 March 2008
Report Cards
Children. Precious gifts that they are...I have two of them. They're short, have ten fingers and ten toes...have hair in the appropriate places...and, generally, are able to assemble coherent sentences as required.
In truth...they're great kids. But, what am I going to say? I'm their Dad. Anything I say should be taken with a grain of salt. My objectivity should immediately be questioned.
With that said...I just returned from conferences wiith their teachers. They both received rave reviews from their teachers. My son is smart and eager to help. He's organized and a natural leader. My daughter is apparently smart and equally eager to help. Though, she seems to be struggling to turn in her homework...thus he grades are suffering. But, this is apparently not an issue with her ability to comprehend...it is a problem with her ability to remember her homework in the morning. Duh!
Man...gonna have to talk with her about that. She sounds like a little version of me. I spent my entire scholastic career getting C's because I failed to do the work. I passed all the tests. Turned in zero homework and received mediocre grades. Sad, really. According to my parents, councilors, teachers, coaches...neighbors, innocent bystanders...I was a promising young man with a prodigous intellect. Sadly, I sucked at life and caused myself to get poor grades.
After reaching the real world, I found out how hard real work is...thus, making the "work" to be done at school seem simple by comparison. So, I am determined not to let my daughter make the same mistake. She's too damned smart for her own good.
In truth...they're great kids. But, what am I going to say? I'm their Dad. Anything I say should be taken with a grain of salt. My objectivity should immediately be questioned.
With that said...I just returned from conferences wiith their teachers. They both received rave reviews from their teachers. My son is smart and eager to help. He's organized and a natural leader. My daughter is apparently smart and equally eager to help. Though, she seems to be struggling to turn in her homework...thus he grades are suffering. But, this is apparently not an issue with her ability to comprehend...it is a problem with her ability to remember her homework in the morning. Duh!
Man...gonna have to talk with her about that. She sounds like a little version of me. I spent my entire scholastic career getting C's because I failed to do the work. I passed all the tests. Turned in zero homework and received mediocre grades. Sad, really. According to my parents, councilors, teachers, coaches...neighbors, innocent bystanders...I was a promising young man with a prodigous intellect. Sadly, I sucked at life and caused myself to get poor grades.
After reaching the real world, I found out how hard real work is...thus, making the "work" to be done at school seem simple by comparison. So, I am determined not to let my daughter make the same mistake. She's too damned smart for her own good.
16 March 2008
From the road, and a new store
I haven't posted in a while. It's been tough to find the time or energy to do much of anything this week. The new store looks great, the staff is awesome, and they are BUSY. So, it's been 12-15 hour days the whole week...and, to be honest, when I finally got some dinner and got back to the hotel room I just didn't feel like blogging.
So, I'm just posting up a quick note while I am thinking about it. I've got about a 10 minute break for lunch going...and, I was able to borrow an internet signal from the Staples next door. Thus, a quick post.
I fly back home tomorrow...and, I'm looking forward to getting home. It's been a long couple weeks. I want to get home and get some rest. I was talking with the GSM at this store today and I may be able to slide out of here a little bit early this afternoon. Originally I was planning to stay all the way until the close of business. But, if it slows down a bit I might try to go to Antietam National Battlefield. From what I hear, it is an awesome experience. I'm not sure when I'll be this close to it again...so, I thought I might give it a chance. If we're too busy I'll stay at the store of course. But, it might be nice to try and see something locally (other than highways) before I leave.
I've had zero time to run this week. And, obviously, I haven't been on the bike. I haven't eaten well at all. So, I'm pretty sure this has not been a good week for my diet. When I get home I'm going to have to do something pretty dramatic from a training point of view. I need to get some running/riding done ASAP.
Next post should be from home.
So, I'm just posting up a quick note while I am thinking about it. I've got about a 10 minute break for lunch going...and, I was able to borrow an internet signal from the Staples next door. Thus, a quick post.
I fly back home tomorrow...and, I'm looking forward to getting home. It's been a long couple weeks. I want to get home and get some rest. I was talking with the GSM at this store today and I may be able to slide out of here a little bit early this afternoon. Originally I was planning to stay all the way until the close of business. But, if it slows down a bit I might try to go to Antietam National Battlefield. From what I hear, it is an awesome experience. I'm not sure when I'll be this close to it again...so, I thought I might give it a chance. If we're too busy I'll stay at the store of course. But, it might be nice to try and see something locally (other than highways) before I leave.
I've had zero time to run this week. And, obviously, I haven't been on the bike. I haven't eaten well at all. So, I'm pretty sure this has not been a good week for my diet. When I get home I'm going to have to do something pretty dramatic from a training point of view. I need to get some running/riding done ASAP.
Next post should be from home.
12 March 2008
Hittin' the Road
Well, I'm off to Baltimore for the week. Towson, MD to be a bit more precise. It appears that we have a new store to open. So, I'm off to help out where I can.
This will be the first "Grand Opening" weekend I have been through in quite some time. Typically I am sent in very early in the store opening process. I usually help hire the staff, help make sure construction is finished, help get the merchandising in order, and most importantly, help get the staff trained.
This week will be a very different experiennce. The staff will already be trained, the building already merchandised and built, the staff already hired. In essence, I'll be arriving at a store that is nearly operational. My task will be to help the managers control the process of the Grand Opening weekend...something that is always a bit daunting. Massive amounts of business, massive amounts of people (staff and customers), and lots of chaos. Should make for a long week.
However, I do get to live on the company dime this week. Which is a bonus of sorts. And, after an inspirational conversation with MC at lunch yesterday...it's time to get focused on eating right. I've been doing plenty of riding/running. But, I'm still not developing good eating habits. So, I'm going to use this week as a chance to do exactly that.
It's typically difficult and relatively expensive to try to eat healthy when I am at home. But, with the company buying meals for me this week...it will make it a bit easier. Thus, I'm going to make a concerted to make healthier decisions with my food intake. MC is having some good luck by kick-starting things with a carb-free diet. I think I am going to try to cut back on my fat and carb intake. I'm not exactly going to go vegetarian...but, I definitely need to eat more fruits/vegetables (other than potatoes). Chicken is alright...but, I really need to eat A LOT more seafood. Fish, shrimp, etc...I had great luck eating those items over the summer. Time to get back to that.
So, the challenge this week will be surviving the test of mental endurance that comes wiith doing a Grand Opening weekend. And, having the self-discipline to drive past the steakhouses to find myself some healthy seafood.
I got a good start this morning. Orange Juice, Bran Muffin, and a Banana for breakfast. We'll see if I can keep that going.
Training this week will provide some unique challenges from a training standpoint. I won't have access to my bike. I won't be commuting via bike. And, since I'm staying at a La Quinta...I'm betting I will have access to only very bare exercise facilities. So, I'm probably going to be spending time on a broken treadmill in some dark, dank, grey room that vaguely resembles a storage closet. Sound like fun? Yeah, doesn't sound like it to me either. Maybe I'll try to get some running done outside. But, that always makes me a bit uncomfortable in a city I don't know. Just another challenge this week...
I have Fisk Knob coming up at the end of March. And, I still need to be ready for the Riverbank Run in May. Lots of work ahead of me.
This will be the first "Grand Opening" weekend I have been through in quite some time. Typically I am sent in very early in the store opening process. I usually help hire the staff, help make sure construction is finished, help get the merchandising in order, and most importantly, help get the staff trained.
This week will be a very different experiennce. The staff will already be trained, the building already merchandised and built, the staff already hired. In essence, I'll be arriving at a store that is nearly operational. My task will be to help the managers control the process of the Grand Opening weekend...something that is always a bit daunting. Massive amounts of business, massive amounts of people (staff and customers), and lots of chaos. Should make for a long week.
However, I do get to live on the company dime this week. Which is a bonus of sorts. And, after an inspirational conversation with MC at lunch yesterday...it's time to get focused on eating right. I've been doing plenty of riding/running. But, I'm still not developing good eating habits. So, I'm going to use this week as a chance to do exactly that.
It's typically difficult and relatively expensive to try to eat healthy when I am at home. But, with the company buying meals for me this week...it will make it a bit easier. Thus, I'm going to make a concerted to make healthier decisions with my food intake. MC is having some good luck by kick-starting things with a carb-free diet. I think I am going to try to cut back on my fat and carb intake. I'm not exactly going to go vegetarian...but, I definitely need to eat more fruits/vegetables (other than potatoes). Chicken is alright...but, I really need to eat A LOT more seafood. Fish, shrimp, etc...I had great luck eating those items over the summer. Time to get back to that.
So, the challenge this week will be surviving the test of mental endurance that comes wiith doing a Grand Opening weekend. And, having the self-discipline to drive past the steakhouses to find myself some healthy seafood.
I got a good start this morning. Orange Juice, Bran Muffin, and a Banana for breakfast. We'll see if I can keep that going.
Training this week will provide some unique challenges from a training standpoint. I won't have access to my bike. I won't be commuting via bike. And, since I'm staying at a La Quinta...I'm betting I will have access to only very bare exercise facilities. So, I'm probably going to be spending time on a broken treadmill in some dark, dank, grey room that vaguely resembles a storage closet. Sound like fun? Yeah, doesn't sound like it to me either. Maybe I'll try to get some running done outside. But, that always makes me a bit uncomfortable in a city I don't know. Just another challenge this week...
I have Fisk Knob coming up at the end of March. And, I still need to be ready for the Riverbank Run in May. Lots of work ahead of me.
11 March 2008
New bike!
I just took my new (sort of) bike for its first trip outside. And...WOW! What an astonishing piece of engineering.
So, for reasons of comparison, let me give some background on my current collection of bicycles. For the last year-ish I've been riding my Lotus. That's right, my Lotus. What? You've never heard of a Lotus before? Well, me either. Don't worry about it. To quote MC..."this is a classic 80's bike boom bike out of Japan". It's chromoly, and relatively cheaply made. Not horrible, but not exactly a feat of engineering either. But, I bought the thing for $15, so I think I came out ahead on the deal. In any case, the bike was my training bike this past summer, it is what I rode for all the training rides, and it survived my Triathlon at the end of summer. It's long, it's heavy, it pretty comfy...but, in the end, it is horribly out of date from a technology stand point.
I also have my old Schwinn Probe...an old (80's) "mountain" bike. I converted it to a commuter bike by going with some skinny-ish tires, flat bar and more road-like set up. Unfortunately, it just wasn't all that comfortable. It wouldn't do what I wanted in terms of double-duty between 'cross racing and commuting...and, it just wasn't what I was looking for.
The bike I have put most of my miles on in the last 4 months is my Bianchi Volpe. It is a 'cross bike, but it doubles as my commuter bike. It's got big-ish knobby tires, full fenders, a rack, panier, and is built like a tank. I love it. It is solid like I can barely explain. I've ridden it all winter, and, with the exception of the recent "incident" with the pot hole...it has performed flawlessly. And, I can hardly blame the bike for the pot hole incident. the thing weighs about 34lbs WITHOUT the pannier on it. So, it is heavy to put it mildly.
The new bike? A Cannondale CAAD9 r5. It weighs 18ish lbs. For those of you keeping track at home...that is about half of what my Volpe weighs. And, is less than half by the time I have the pannier on the Volpe.
I took it for its first ride in the great out of doors today. Holy cow is this thing fast. It's difficult for me to put in to words the difference between my other two bikes and this bike. So, let me give a comparison that seems fair. My Volpe is a little bit like an SUV. It's big, heavy, comfy, reasonably well suited to foul weather, and not terribly fast. My Lotus is like a Crown Victoria. It's big, heavy, long wheel based, comfy for a long journey, but neither is it terribly fast nor does it handle terribly well. So long as I am going in a straight line, it works great. The r5? By comparison, I would say that it is most similar to a little sports car. Light, fast, quick cornering, and fun like you wouldn't believe.
It was a strange sensation, by comparison, to take this bike out for a ride. It was windy today...really windy. And, the first thing I noticed was that I really need to keep my eye on things with this bike. It may have been that the wind was particularly strong. It may have been that I have just completely lost my feel for what it is like to ride on skinny tires. But, man, when the wind would blow it felt like it might blow me and the bike right up off the ground.
The next thing I noticed was how much faster I was...wow. I was EASILY 3-4 mph faster for the same effort on this bike vs. the Volpe. The bike is so light, so quick, so stiff underneath me that it wasn't even a fair comparison. It was like coparing my car to a garden rake. There just wasn't a whole lot of common ground by which I could differentiate the two items.
It was an odd sensation to be on a bike that so quickly and so completely reacts to my input. When I stepped on the pedals, the bike accelerated. Immediately. When I stopped pedaling, there was an immediate and apparent difference in my speed. Same thing could be said going both up and down hills. The bike would react to me hopping out the saddle to climb in a way that neither of the other two bikes would. I could continue accelerating up hill for as long as my legs were willing to go faster...on my other two bikes I always felt like I hit a limit at which I just couldn't do any more on hills. On the other hand, I didn't notice that huge coast and long reduction in speed after a downhill stretch. On the Lotus in particular there was always the sense that I needed to take advantage of the downhill stretches because the bike just wanted to coast for so long at the higher speed when the road would level out. On the r5 I was able to hit a higher speed on the way down the hill...but, when I reached the bottom, it didn't feel like the bike wanted to stay at that higher speed. If I was going to maintain the higher speed, it would be because I was pedaling it at that higher speed.
On the other hand...the bike just seemd to tranlate every single, tiny, little bit of energy that I put in to pedaling directly to the road. I can see, now, why this type of bike might reward better form and better effeciency on the pedals. It does such a great job of translating my effort directly to the pavement that any wasted effort truly seems...well...wasted.
I'm not sure what else to say. What a different bike. What a different way to ride. I'm truly excited to get out on some group rides with this thing. There is a possibility that I will suck significantly less this year.
So, for reasons of comparison, let me give some background on my current collection of bicycles. For the last year-ish I've been riding my Lotus. That's right, my Lotus. What? You've never heard of a Lotus before? Well, me either. Don't worry about it. To quote MC..."this is a classic 80's bike boom bike out of Japan". It's chromoly, and relatively cheaply made. Not horrible, but not exactly a feat of engineering either. But, I bought the thing for $15, so I think I came out ahead on the deal. In any case, the bike was my training bike this past summer, it is what I rode for all the training rides, and it survived my Triathlon at the end of summer. It's long, it's heavy, it pretty comfy...but, in the end, it is horribly out of date from a technology stand point.
I also have my old Schwinn Probe...an old (80's) "mountain" bike. I converted it to a commuter bike by going with some skinny-ish tires, flat bar and more road-like set up. Unfortunately, it just wasn't all that comfortable. It wouldn't do what I wanted in terms of double-duty between 'cross racing and commuting...and, it just wasn't what I was looking for.
The bike I have put most of my miles on in the last 4 months is my Bianchi Volpe. It is a 'cross bike, but it doubles as my commuter bike. It's got big-ish knobby tires, full fenders, a rack, panier, and is built like a tank. I love it. It is solid like I can barely explain. I've ridden it all winter, and, with the exception of the recent "incident" with the pot hole...it has performed flawlessly. And, I can hardly blame the bike for the pot hole incident. the thing weighs about 34lbs WITHOUT the pannier on it. So, it is heavy to put it mildly.
The new bike? A Cannondale CAAD9 r5. It weighs 18ish lbs. For those of you keeping track at home...that is about half of what my Volpe weighs. And, is less than half by the time I have the pannier on the Volpe.
I took it for its first ride in the great out of doors today. Holy cow is this thing fast. It's difficult for me to put in to words the difference between my other two bikes and this bike. So, let me give a comparison that seems fair. My Volpe is a little bit like an SUV. It's big, heavy, comfy, reasonably well suited to foul weather, and not terribly fast. My Lotus is like a Crown Victoria. It's big, heavy, long wheel based, comfy for a long journey, but neither is it terribly fast nor does it handle terribly well. So long as I am going in a straight line, it works great. The r5? By comparison, I would say that it is most similar to a little sports car. Light, fast, quick cornering, and fun like you wouldn't believe.
It was a strange sensation, by comparison, to take this bike out for a ride. It was windy today...really windy. And, the first thing I noticed was that I really need to keep my eye on things with this bike. It may have been that the wind was particularly strong. It may have been that I have just completely lost my feel for what it is like to ride on skinny tires. But, man, when the wind would blow it felt like it might blow me and the bike right up off the ground.
The next thing I noticed was how much faster I was...wow. I was EASILY 3-4 mph faster for the same effort on this bike vs. the Volpe. The bike is so light, so quick, so stiff underneath me that it wasn't even a fair comparison. It was like coparing my car to a garden rake. There just wasn't a whole lot of common ground by which I could differentiate the two items.
It was an odd sensation to be on a bike that so quickly and so completely reacts to my input. When I stepped on the pedals, the bike accelerated. Immediately. When I stopped pedaling, there was an immediate and apparent difference in my speed. Same thing could be said going both up and down hills. The bike would react to me hopping out the saddle to climb in a way that neither of the other two bikes would. I could continue accelerating up hill for as long as my legs were willing to go faster...on my other two bikes I always felt like I hit a limit at which I just couldn't do any more on hills. On the other hand, I didn't notice that huge coast and long reduction in speed after a downhill stretch. On the Lotus in particular there was always the sense that I needed to take advantage of the downhill stretches because the bike just wanted to coast for so long at the higher speed when the road would level out. On the r5 I was able to hit a higher speed on the way down the hill...but, when I reached the bottom, it didn't feel like the bike wanted to stay at that higher speed. If I was going to maintain the higher speed, it would be because I was pedaling it at that higher speed.
On the other hand...the bike just seemd to tranlate every single, tiny, little bit of energy that I put in to pedaling directly to the road. I can see, now, why this type of bike might reward better form and better effeciency on the pedals. It does such a great job of translating my effort directly to the pavement that any wasted effort truly seems...well...wasted.
I'm not sure what else to say. What a different bike. What a different way to ride. I'm truly excited to get out on some group rides with this thing. There is a possibility that I will suck significantly less this year.
Sick. Again.
This sucks. I believe this is my 3rd trip through being sick this winter...maybe 4th.
Cold sweats, screaming headache, sore throat...the whole winter fun pack. Again. Not sure where this came from or when. Sunday morning before the P-Bob I was feeling a little "off". But, once the ride got started I felt fine. After the ride I felt fine...and, Sunday night I felt fine. Woke up yesterday morning and felt fine.
Yesterday afternoon I started to feel really down. Slow, and really tired. By last night I was in misery. I had the cold sweats going, the headache, etc.
I've drank about a gallon of water in the 18 hours, and I still feel thirsty. So, I'm wondering if I'm not just suffering from some form of dehydration. I went for a pretty good run on Saturday, did the P-Bob on Sunday, and then rode in on Monday morning. And, to be honest, I don't think I was particularly diligent about taking on liquids during that time. So, maybe I dried myself out a bit too much?
I'm hoping it is that simple and that I'll feel better today. Who knows?
I have a special event going on at my store this evening. So, I'd rather not be sick for that.
Plus, I hop on a plane tomorrow morning at 6:30AM. I'm heading to Baltimore for 5 days to help open a new store. So, obviously I'd prefer not be sick while I'm traveling.
I'm a bit nervous about the training I'm going to get done while in Baltimore. I always leave for these business trips with big intentions of spending time on the treadmill in the mornings. But, I rarely do it. I can't afford 5 days off of traning right now though...so, I'm going to have to be diligent this time.
Fundraising is going well. I have some extremely generous friends with big hearts. I think it is awesome that these friends are so willing to help the JDRF!
Cold sweats, screaming headache, sore throat...the whole winter fun pack. Again. Not sure where this came from or when. Sunday morning before the P-Bob I was feeling a little "off". But, once the ride got started I felt fine. After the ride I felt fine...and, Sunday night I felt fine. Woke up yesterday morning and felt fine.
Yesterday afternoon I started to feel really down. Slow, and really tired. By last night I was in misery. I had the cold sweats going, the headache, etc.
I've drank about a gallon of water in the 18 hours, and I still feel thirsty. So, I'm wondering if I'm not just suffering from some form of dehydration. I went for a pretty good run on Saturday, did the P-Bob on Sunday, and then rode in on Monday morning. And, to be honest, I don't think I was particularly diligent about taking on liquids during that time. So, maybe I dried myself out a bit too much?
I'm hoping it is that simple and that I'll feel better today. Who knows?
I have a special event going on at my store this evening. So, I'd rather not be sick for that.
Plus, I hop on a plane tomorrow morning at 6:30AM. I'm heading to Baltimore for 5 days to help open a new store. So, obviously I'd prefer not be sick while I'm traveling.
I'm a bit nervous about the training I'm going to get done while in Baltimore. I always leave for these business trips with big intentions of spending time on the treadmill in the mornings. But, I rarely do it. I can't afford 5 days off of traning right now though...so, I'm going to have to be diligent this time.
Fundraising is going well. I have some extremely generous friends with big hearts. I think it is awesome that these friends are so willing to help the JDRF!
09 March 2008
Spring Pineapple Bob Ride
It was a cold, sunny, and fairly positive start to the ride today. The Pineapple Bob (the "P-Bob" for those in-the-know) is a ride that is conducted twice per year out of Holland. As usual, the ride is conducted with the help of the VCC and MCC crowd.
Typically the ride is an adventurous combination of dirt, gravel, and pavement. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 30-45 miles depending on the weather. And, usually two ride groups.
Todays was a bit different. Apparently, for the first time in history, the P-Bob was ridden on pavement only. The VCC Cruise Director did some scouting of the dirt roads and found that they were still too slick with a combination of ice and melt-water. A dangerous combination for all but the heartiest of riders. In the interest of overall safety, the decision was made to keep the route on the pavement. Due the unusually cold temperature (thanks to Global Warming) we also ran a slightly shorter ride than is the typical. Planned about 25 miles, but we actually did about 30 since we got a little lost-ish.
It was good to see Da'Ve on the bike with the group. He's a blast to ride with...not sure why. It's not like he is regaling me tales of cycling lore, cracking jokes, or doing anything particularly "fun". Yet, I always enjoy my time with him. He looks so effortless on the bike...it makes me a bit jealous. Plus, he's so nice about waiting for my slow, fat, lazy butt without making me actually feel like I am holding him back (though, some observation indicates that he obviously would be riding at the front of the fast group if he didn't have to wait for me). I also enjoy chatting (in spite of gasping for breath) with Da'Ve because he's the literate type. He's quiet-ish and likes talking books with me. He gets my stupid book humor (if you know why 42 is important, then you'd get my humor too), so I have to treasure that. Luckily, I also had Doez to keep us company, and he seemed to be equally slow today. So, I fel less guilty since Da'Ve had more than one person he needed to wait for...thus, I could spread the guilt among multiple people. I don't know...Da'Ve is just such a good guy. I'd bring him with me on every ride if I could.
I'm finding a pattern in my group ride experience. I typically hang out with the front of the fast group for the first 18-20ish miles of the ride. During the winter they tend to hover in the 16-19mph range for most of the ride (stepping up to the 18-21mph range in summer). There is always the obligatory "warm up" as we spin our way out of town...typically keeping it in the 15mph range. I make it through a few miles of warm-up without trouble, and then generally am able to survive and the guys spool up to the quicker ride pace.
However, there is always a bit of a "surge" quality to the rides. Someone will inevitably come to the front and step up the pace...bringing it up to a pace that is at, or slightly above, the upper limits of my comfort level. This may go for a short period of time, until the group hits a stop sign or cross street. Or, it may go for a few miles until the group subconsciously settles back in to a more standard pace.
Early in the ride, I seem to be able to handle these surges in the speed. However, as we get deeper and deeper in to the ride, and the mileage, I seem to have more trouble staying with the increases in speed. Finally, somehwere in the 18-20 mile range someone will step up the pace again and I will get dropped.
For me this is a bit a predicament. I don't want to drop back to a slower group becaue I feel like pushing myself with the fast group is the only way to get faster. However, I'm not sure how much I'm actually helping myself by getting dropped every time I do a group ride. Plus, if I'm honest with myself, I don't enjoy the ride as much when I am riding by myself...or, worse, forcing some faster rider to slow down and wait for me (typically MC, Aaron, Berger, Da'Ve, etc), thereby making their ride less productive for them. I'd love to think that my commuting work over the winter has really helped my riding...but, I think the truth is that it hasn't done much at all. To be honest, I don't push myself too hard during those rides. There are lots of stop signs, stop lights, cross streets, traffic, and I'm typically by myself and riding in the dark. The combination just doesn't make for good "training" type rides.
There was a time at the end of the summer last year when Aaron was leading the faster group on the Tuesday night road rides out of VCC. He did a really good job of holding the group pace to about 18-19mph (in, but at the top, of my comfort zone), and I always had a blast because I could stay with the group the whole time.
One of my objectives is to get faster this spring/summer in order to make it so that I can comfortably stay with the guys in the faster group. I don't know if I'm capable of that...but, I'll try.
Since I'm talkin it up...how about the route?
Typically the ride is an adventurous combination of dirt, gravel, and pavement. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 30-45 miles depending on the weather. And, usually two ride groups.
Todays was a bit different. Apparently, for the first time in history, the P-Bob was ridden on pavement only. The VCC Cruise Director did some scouting of the dirt roads and found that they were still too slick with a combination of ice and melt-water. A dangerous combination for all but the heartiest of riders. In the interest of overall safety, the decision was made to keep the route on the pavement. Due the unusually cold temperature (thanks to Global Warming) we also ran a slightly shorter ride than is the typical. Planned about 25 miles, but we actually did about 30 since we got a little lost-ish.
It was good to see Da'Ve on the bike with the group. He's a blast to ride with...not sure why. It's not like he is regaling me tales of cycling lore, cracking jokes, or doing anything particularly "fun". Yet, I always enjoy my time with him. He looks so effortless on the bike...it makes me a bit jealous. Plus, he's so nice about waiting for my slow, fat, lazy butt without making me actually feel like I am holding him back (though, some observation indicates that he obviously would be riding at the front of the fast group if he didn't have to wait for me). I also enjoy chatting (in spite of gasping for breath) with Da'Ve because he's the literate type. He's quiet-ish and likes talking books with me. He gets my stupid book humor (if you know why 42 is important, then you'd get my humor too), so I have to treasure that. Luckily, I also had Doez to keep us company, and he seemed to be equally slow today. So, I fel less guilty since Da'Ve had more than one person he needed to wait for...thus, I could spread the guilt among multiple people. I don't know...Da'Ve is just such a good guy. I'd bring him with me on every ride if I could.
I'm finding a pattern in my group ride experience. I typically hang out with the front of the fast group for the first 18-20ish miles of the ride. During the winter they tend to hover in the 16-19mph range for most of the ride (stepping up to the 18-21mph range in summer). There is always the obligatory "warm up" as we spin our way out of town...typically keeping it in the 15mph range. I make it through a few miles of warm-up without trouble, and then generally am able to survive and the guys spool up to the quicker ride pace.
However, there is always a bit of a "surge" quality to the rides. Someone will inevitably come to the front and step up the pace...bringing it up to a pace that is at, or slightly above, the upper limits of my comfort level. This may go for a short period of time, until the group hits a stop sign or cross street. Or, it may go for a few miles until the group subconsciously settles back in to a more standard pace.
Early in the ride, I seem to be able to handle these surges in the speed. However, as we get deeper and deeper in to the ride, and the mileage, I seem to have more trouble staying with the increases in speed. Finally, somehwere in the 18-20 mile range someone will step up the pace again and I will get dropped.
For me this is a bit a predicament. I don't want to drop back to a slower group becaue I feel like pushing myself with the fast group is the only way to get faster. However, I'm not sure how much I'm actually helping myself by getting dropped every time I do a group ride. Plus, if I'm honest with myself, I don't enjoy the ride as much when I am riding by myself...or, worse, forcing some faster rider to slow down and wait for me (typically MC, Aaron, Berger, Da'Ve, etc), thereby making their ride less productive for them. I'd love to think that my commuting work over the winter has really helped my riding...but, I think the truth is that it hasn't done much at all. To be honest, I don't push myself too hard during those rides. There are lots of stop signs, stop lights, cross streets, traffic, and I'm typically by myself and riding in the dark. The combination just doesn't make for good "training" type rides.
There was a time at the end of the summer last year when Aaron was leading the faster group on the Tuesday night road rides out of VCC. He did a really good job of holding the group pace to about 18-19mph (in, but at the top, of my comfort zone), and I always had a blast because I could stay with the group the whole time.
One of my objectives is to get faster this spring/summer in order to make it so that I can comfortably stay with the guys in the faster group. I don't know if I'm capable of that...but, I'll try.
Since I'm talkin it up...how about the route?
Daylight Saving Time
Hey...there is no S at the end of saving in "Daylight Saving Time". Just wanted to make everyone knows that. Annoying aren't I? Oh well...if I have to annoy some people in order to get people to say it correctly, I'm OK with that.
Anyway...it's 7:30AM and it's still dark outside. This stinks!
I'm sure I'll feel better about the whole situation when it stay lighter longer this evening. But, still...the time I really want the light is on my ride to work in the morning. And, I just lost an hour of it last night.
Plus, I lost an hour of sleep. Something I can't generally afford to give away all willy-nilly. I like my hours of sleep...they don't come in big enough batches for me. So, as a rule, I dislike losing any of it.
Nonetheless, DST has happened and there is nothing I can do about it. I'm sure I'll feel better when it stays light (read warmer) longer during the Pineapple-Bob ride this afternoon.
In the mean time...I feel like I need a flashlight. Man it's dark!
Anyway...it's 7:30AM and it's still dark outside. This stinks!
I'm sure I'll feel better about the whole situation when it stay lighter longer this evening. But, still...the time I really want the light is on my ride to work in the morning. And, I just lost an hour of it last night.
Plus, I lost an hour of sleep. Something I can't generally afford to give away all willy-nilly. I like my hours of sleep...they don't come in big enough batches for me. So, as a rule, I dislike losing any of it.
Nonetheless, DST has happened and there is nothing I can do about it. I'm sure I'll feel better when it stays light (read warmer) longer during the Pineapple-Bob ride this afternoon.
In the mean time...I feel like I need a flashlight. Man it's dark!
08 March 2008
It's on like Donkey Kong
Well... the JDRF FINALLY opened registration for the Death Valley ride in October. So, I'm registered. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
What is this ride, you might ask. Well...it's a 105 mile ride through the middle of Death Valley to benefit the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). There were be a few hundred other nutcases who will also be doing this ride...all for a great cause.
I'm excited for multiple reasons.
First, this is my first attempt to get involved with this kind of fundrasing for a good cause. It's not that I'm not a charitable guy...it's just that I'm generally working on paying for my debt. But, in this case, I can help this charity through my own physical suffering rather than my wallet. So, seems like a great way to help...105 miles through Death Valley? That should be enough suffering to help out!
Second, I have friends who will also be doing this ride. And, I'm excited to have the chance to train, plan, and eventually ride with them in October. I suspect that companionship will be one of only a few things that will keep me moving when hit the proverbial wall during the ride.
Thirdly, I'm excited to learn a lot about diabetes. I know relatively little. I know my father's father had it. I know that it can be controlled with insulin. I know that I have a couple friends who have it...one of whom was recently diagnosed. Other than that, I don't know much. But, I'm looking forward to learning.
Finally...this is a great personal challenge. Last year I completed a couple 5K races and did a Triathlon. This year I am definitely stepping up the level of challenge. I'm excited, and a little nervous, to find out whether I can actually finish this thing. Yikes.
Anyway...I guess this was sort of a long intro for the inevitable. If you're reading this, please consider donating. It's a great cause...and, you'll get to have the satisfaction of knowing that your donation is spurring my training forward, thus keeping me in near constant physical pain. And that's pretty cool, right?
You'll find a link to donate via my JDRF fundraising page on the right hand side of my blog.
What is this ride, you might ask. Well...it's a 105 mile ride through the middle of Death Valley to benefit the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). There were be a few hundred other nutcases who will also be doing this ride...all for a great cause.
I'm excited for multiple reasons.
First, this is my first attempt to get involved with this kind of fundrasing for a good cause. It's not that I'm not a charitable guy...it's just that I'm generally working on paying for my debt. But, in this case, I can help this charity through my own physical suffering rather than my wallet. So, seems like a great way to help...105 miles through Death Valley? That should be enough suffering to help out!
Second, I have friends who will also be doing this ride. And, I'm excited to have the chance to train, plan, and eventually ride with them in October. I suspect that companionship will be one of only a few things that will keep me moving when hit the proverbial wall during the ride.
Thirdly, I'm excited to learn a lot about diabetes. I know relatively little. I know my father's father had it. I know that it can be controlled with insulin. I know that I have a couple friends who have it...one of whom was recently diagnosed. Other than that, I don't know much. But, I'm looking forward to learning.
Finally...this is a great personal challenge. Last year I completed a couple 5K races and did a Triathlon. This year I am definitely stepping up the level of challenge. I'm excited, and a little nervous, to find out whether I can actually finish this thing. Yikes.
Anyway...I guess this was sort of a long intro for the inevitable. If you're reading this, please consider donating. It's a great cause...and, you'll get to have the satisfaction of knowing that your donation is spurring my training forward, thus keeping me in near constant physical pain. And that's pretty cool, right?
You'll find a link to donate via my JDRF fundraising page on the right hand side of my blog.
06 March 2008
My Recent Disappearance
Last year at this time I had decided to make a commitment to living a little healthier, losing some weight, and most importantly getting in to better physical condition.
The result?
Well, I've run four 5K races, completed a triathlon, done two cyclocross races, done a mountain of training, some group rides, some fun raiser rides (see VCC for explanation) and lost 60lbs. It's been a hell of a year.
Obviously I feel better...how could I not? My physical condition is the best its been in 10 years. I'm lighter, healthier, and generally happier.
With all that said, I would like to comment on a couple things related to my "disappearance" over the past year. The truth is, I haven't disappeared. I'm still here...still working, still spending time with my family, still playing golf, etc. However, there are some people out there who have bumped in to me over the past 6 months who act as if I had moved away for a year and I have recently been rediscovered. This amuses me greatly...apparently I am so visually different than I was a year ago that people are just now realizing that I'm the same guy they knew last year.
So, I'd like to put a stop to the rumors. I'm still here. I'm just skinnier now! Feel free to look me up...I swear I haven't left town or anything. Well, 60lbs of me has...but, the important parts are still here!
It's also been mentioned to me that I have disappeared from some of my usual haunts over the past couple weeks. I can't argue that point...if you mean any place other than my store, you're right. I'm not around much.
It's March...for me, that means it is the warm up for a busy season. Recently completed two of our busiest weekends of the winter season. Also managed to squeeze an inventory in to the same period of time. This is the time of year when I step up from 45-50 hours per week at work, to something a little closer to 60-65 hour per week. So, I'm definitely around a little less...it's unfortunate that I miss out on some things this time of year. But, the next 5 months get pretty crazy.
This year, though, I've decided to put a little more strategy in place in dealing with the heavy workload. I'm planning some specific "don't miss" days that I will race, ride, run, or do something else for myself or family.
So, a tenative schedule for this coming year involves a few things. At the prodding of MC, Aaron, Da'Ve, and Edward (yes, that is you Skip!) I'm planning to start the season at the end of this month with the Time Trial at Fisk Knob. This should be interesting because it may be the first time that the race organizers will need to time a participant with a calendar rather than a stop watch. I plan to finish...it is only 18ish miles. But...uh...it may not be pretty. Naturally, I'm also planning to do the P-Bob ride on Sunday...but, that will complete my planned festivities in March.
I really don't have anything planned for April. I'll definitely need to do some running and start stepping up to two-a-day workouts in order to get ready for the rest of the season. Normally I would plan on doing the April Fun Raiser wih the VCC crew...but, it is on Sunday of the Masters. So, unless it looks like it will be really boring finish (Tiger leading by 10), I probably won't attend that one.
May will mark my first attempt to do the Riverbank Run. At the moment I am shooting to complete the 25K...though, I haven't run much over the winter. So, it will depend heavily on how fast I can get myself ready during the next two months. If my body feels ready, I will do the 25K...if not, I'll at least do the 10K. Either way it should be fun. I believe my wife will be doing the 5K again this year. So, we'll get a chance to race together.
In June I am tenatively planning on doing the Lake Macatawa Triathlon. I am sure I will be ready to complete the race...the question is whether I'll actually be able to get that time away from the store. June is the busiest month of the year for me. And, taking a Saturday off is unlikely. So, it will be a matter of whether I feel like I can complete the race and still work a full day afterward. I'll have to measure that when I get a little closer to the event.
July will bring the July 4th 5K in Dorr...not a huge event. But, I did that one last year and had a ton of fun. So, I definitely want to try again. Maybe I'll beat last years time! The major event I'm planning to try in July is the Holland Hundred. It's hosted by the Macatawa Cycling Club and would be my first attempt to complete a century ride. I'm a bit nervous about that one...hopefully I can get my fitness where it needs to be in order to finish.
In August I want to do the Petoskey Triathlon (Olympic)...it's a pretty setting and will keep me working on swimming and running even when the majority of my workouts will be bike focused.
September will be a big one...I'm already signing up for ODRAM (One Day Ride Across Michigan), which is a 150ish mile ride. This will be my first experience with Velo Ventures (Jeff the Cruise Director will be leading the party) and I'm excited about it. Primarily, though, I'm a little scared about being able to finish the mileage. We'll see. I'm also planning to try to do the Bridge Run downtown in September. I did that 5K last year and really enjoyed it. It's a big event as 5K races go and I'd like to try to go back and beat last years time.
Finally, October. I will participating in the JDRF Death Valley ride. 100ish miles through the middle of Death Valley...I find this to be the most frightening in terms of exertion. But, my theory is that if I complete all these other rides first I should be in good shape to finish this ride. The most frightening part of this ride is getting the money together...I really needed to start fund raising months ago. But, I haven't been able to sign up officially yet. Supposedly I'll be able to do so some time this week.
Alright...long post today. But, lots to discuss with myself (and whatever poor schmuck decides to read it).
The result?
Well, I've run four 5K races, completed a triathlon, done two cyclocross races, done a mountain of training, some group rides, some fun raiser rides (see VCC for explanation) and lost 60lbs. It's been a hell of a year.
Obviously I feel better...how could I not? My physical condition is the best its been in 10 years. I'm lighter, healthier, and generally happier.
With all that said, I would like to comment on a couple things related to my "disappearance" over the past year. The truth is, I haven't disappeared. I'm still here...still working, still spending time with my family, still playing golf, etc. However, there are some people out there who have bumped in to me over the past 6 months who act as if I had moved away for a year and I have recently been rediscovered. This amuses me greatly...apparently I am so visually different than I was a year ago that people are just now realizing that I'm the same guy they knew last year.
So, I'd like to put a stop to the rumors. I'm still here. I'm just skinnier now! Feel free to look me up...I swear I haven't left town or anything. Well, 60lbs of me has...but, the important parts are still here!
It's also been mentioned to me that I have disappeared from some of my usual haunts over the past couple weeks. I can't argue that point...if you mean any place other than my store, you're right. I'm not around much.
It's March...for me, that means it is the warm up for a busy season. Recently completed two of our busiest weekends of the winter season. Also managed to squeeze an inventory in to the same period of time. This is the time of year when I step up from 45-50 hours per week at work, to something a little closer to 60-65 hour per week. So, I'm definitely around a little less...it's unfortunate that I miss out on some things this time of year. But, the next 5 months get pretty crazy.
This year, though, I've decided to put a little more strategy in place in dealing with the heavy workload. I'm planning some specific "don't miss" days that I will race, ride, run, or do something else for myself or family.
So, a tenative schedule for this coming year involves a few things. At the prodding of MC, Aaron, Da'Ve, and Edward (yes, that is you Skip!) I'm planning to start the season at the end of this month with the Time Trial at Fisk Knob. This should be interesting because it may be the first time that the race organizers will need to time a participant with a calendar rather than a stop watch. I plan to finish...it is only 18ish miles. But...uh...it may not be pretty. Naturally, I'm also planning to do the P-Bob ride on Sunday...but, that will complete my planned festivities in March.
I really don't have anything planned for April. I'll definitely need to do some running and start stepping up to two-a-day workouts in order to get ready for the rest of the season. Normally I would plan on doing the April Fun Raiser wih the VCC crew...but, it is on Sunday of the Masters. So, unless it looks like it will be really boring finish (Tiger leading by 10), I probably won't attend that one.
May will mark my first attempt to do the Riverbank Run. At the moment I am shooting to complete the 25K...though, I haven't run much over the winter. So, it will depend heavily on how fast I can get myself ready during the next two months. If my body feels ready, I will do the 25K...if not, I'll at least do the 10K. Either way it should be fun. I believe my wife will be doing the 5K again this year. So, we'll get a chance to race together.
In June I am tenatively planning on doing the Lake Macatawa Triathlon. I am sure I will be ready to complete the race...the question is whether I'll actually be able to get that time away from the store. June is the busiest month of the year for me. And, taking a Saturday off is unlikely. So, it will be a matter of whether I feel like I can complete the race and still work a full day afterward. I'll have to measure that when I get a little closer to the event.
July will bring the July 4th 5K in Dorr...not a huge event. But, I did that one last year and had a ton of fun. So, I definitely want to try again. Maybe I'll beat last years time! The major event I'm planning to try in July is the Holland Hundred. It's hosted by the Macatawa Cycling Club and would be my first attempt to complete a century ride. I'm a bit nervous about that one...hopefully I can get my fitness where it needs to be in order to finish.
In August I want to do the Petoskey Triathlon (Olympic)...it's a pretty setting and will keep me working on swimming and running even when the majority of my workouts will be bike focused.
September will be a big one...I'm already signing up for ODRAM (One Day Ride Across Michigan), which is a 150ish mile ride. This will be my first experience with Velo Ventures (Jeff the Cruise Director will be leading the party) and I'm excited about it. Primarily, though, I'm a little scared about being able to finish the mileage. We'll see. I'm also planning to try to do the Bridge Run downtown in September. I did that 5K last year and really enjoyed it. It's a big event as 5K races go and I'd like to try to go back and beat last years time.
Finally, October. I will participating in the JDRF Death Valley ride. 100ish miles through the middle of Death Valley...I find this to be the most frightening in terms of exertion. But, my theory is that if I complete all these other rides first I should be in good shape to finish this ride. The most frightening part of this ride is getting the money together...I really needed to start fund raising months ago. But, I haven't been able to sign up officially yet. Supposedly I'll be able to do so some time this week.
Alright...long post today. But, lots to discuss with myself (and whatever poor schmuck decides to read it).
04 March 2008
It's March...you know what that means...
Well, it's March. So, that means I'm done with Winter. Sadly, that does not mean that Winter is done with me.
Here is my theory...and I might be wrong on this. I don't exepect the snow to just disappear on March 1st. I know it's not going to be 80 degrees outside. In fact, I don't even expect the snow to be gone by mid-March. It will linger for a while, and I'm ok with that.
However, my expectation is that there will be no additional snow added to our winter wunderland. That's it. Once March gets here, any and all accumulation of the fluffy white crap must cease and decist. No exceptions.
I love Michigan. I love our weather. I love having four seasons...I wouldn't want to live someplace that is warm all the time. Generally speaking, my favorite season is whichever season is coming next. So, I spend most of the year looking forward to those things that are coming next.
There is one noteable exception to my optimism though. March. This freakin' month kills me every year. It's torture. I love winter. I love snow. But, it's time to be done. It's time for some warmer weather, some grass, some sunshine, some rain...and most of all, it's time for the roads to clear up. I swear that if we have another "Spring" like we had last year...I'm just going to lose it. I'm not sure how I'm planning to deal with it this year...last year I did not cope very well with the "winter that would not die".
So, I'm looking for suggestions for strategies to deal with March. Anyone? How shall I remain mentally intact this March?
Pineapple Bob ride next Sunday might help the situation...if it's not 4 degrees outside.
Here is my theory...and I might be wrong on this. I don't exepect the snow to just disappear on March 1st. I know it's not going to be 80 degrees outside. In fact, I don't even expect the snow to be gone by mid-March. It will linger for a while, and I'm ok with that.
However, my expectation is that there will be no additional snow added to our winter wunderland. That's it. Once March gets here, any and all accumulation of the fluffy white crap must cease and decist. No exceptions.
I love Michigan. I love our weather. I love having four seasons...I wouldn't want to live someplace that is warm all the time. Generally speaking, my favorite season is whichever season is coming next. So, I spend most of the year looking forward to those things that are coming next.
There is one noteable exception to my optimism though. March. This freakin' month kills me every year. It's torture. I love winter. I love snow. But, it's time to be done. It's time for some warmer weather, some grass, some sunshine, some rain...and most of all, it's time for the roads to clear up. I swear that if we have another "Spring" like we had last year...I'm just going to lose it. I'm not sure how I'm planning to deal with it this year...last year I did not cope very well with the "winter that would not die".
So, I'm looking for suggestions for strategies to deal with March. Anyone? How shall I remain mentally intact this March?
Pineapple Bob ride next Sunday might help the situation...if it's not 4 degrees outside.
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