Whateva!
Long time, no blog. Busy livin' the dream, if that dream consists of over working and stressing over poor training schedules. Actually, it's not all that bad. Work has been pretty intense with all the merger concerns and retaining the biz...but with all my excellent strategery...shouldn't be a problem.
I have revamped and re-committed to a new training plan for the Marine Corps Marathon. it consists of 18 weeks of training with decent mileage, not the crazy "run 2 miles then 14 miles..in week 2"! Oh, and the plan emphasized that walking is okay.
WTF? I haven't signed up for a long walk. I signed up for a marathon. And if memory serves correctly, Pheidippides didn't walk from Marathon to Athens to proclaim that the Greeks beat the Persians ... nope ... he ran. All 26.2 miles. Although he did die from exhaustion at the end.
Hmmm...A fine predicament.
Basically I'll be running 4 times a week with cross training and rest sprinkled in, which helps with my other pursuits...like drinking beer and eating fatty foods...oh and stuff like ARs and Duath's that I've signed up for.
My new itch....kayaking. Need to get more proficient in the way of the paddle if I want to have better showings at these fickle 24 hour adventure races. Next year, we are looking at tackling the 2 day E-Fix...yaaay-yah!
On tabs for my currently event-free August, a 184.7 mile C&O Canal bike trip w/ my usual suspect, Zack. He should be all healed up from his Mt. Blanc excursion.
Showing posts with label Misc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Misc. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Monday, June 18, 2007
This pretty much sums it up
I found this picture on www.yourmtb.com. It offers a good insight into the feel of a 24 hour mountain bike race. At the risk of sounding cliche, a picture is worth a thousand words.
Trail run. New kicks. I blazed a 25 minute 3-miler on the rough side of Soldier's Delight. The Sundragons were phenomenal. They soaked up all the off camber roots and rocks. I may need to get a size smaller though.
I signed up for the Xterra Duathlon in Rocky Gap on July 15th. The kid needs something to do in July. Although, I believe the first annual 'Palooza Halfy is slated for the very next weekend. Well, I feel obligated to keep race promoters in business and the halfy is just to make me feel better for the gallons of beer I'll be drinking and Scotty dogs i'll be ingesting (okay...inhaling) the next day.
Bye,
Cycle
Trail run. New kicks. I blazed a 25 minute 3-miler on the rough side of Soldier's Delight. The Sundragons were phenomenal. They soaked up all the off camber roots and rocks. I may need to get a size smaller though.
I signed up for the Xterra Duathlon in Rocky Gap on July 15th. The kid needs something to do in July. Although, I believe the first annual 'Palooza Halfy is slated for the very next weekend. Well, I feel obligated to keep race promoters in business and the halfy is just to make me feel better for the gallons of beer I'll be drinking and Scotty dogs i'll be ingesting (okay...inhaling) the next day.
Bye,
Cycle
Ze weekend
I had a nice little weekend planned. Friday, after work, had me prepping my run clothes and then I took a little nap. This turned into the longest nap ever...opening my eyes around 11:30pm. Damn..there went Friday. I scarfed down a granola bar and called it a night.
Saturday morn, I hit the trails in the morning. Unfortunately it wasn't with Hop, his bike was in the shop. I ran Soldier's Delight. Five miler. Used the new Garmin. It's a nice training tool. Afterwards, I headed to Fredrock to spend the weekend with the folks. Did some marathon shopping with my mom and aunt. Afterwards we headed to Brewer's Alley.
Next morn, I woke up at the break of dawn and hit the pavement for a run. It turned out to be a 4.25 miler. I was hoping for 5, but I'm testing the routes in Walkersville. I think I know where I can add mileage and still be safe and have fun on the roads. It was a scorcher, even in the early morning. The heat was already radiating up from the asphalt.
I also found a new nature park, which I've passed a thousand times during my youth but never ventured in. The Fountain Rock Nature Center houses a limestone quarry and kiln plant. It was a pretty interesting self-tour. Who knew this was in my backyard? This was a brief respite from the heat, although I think my curiousity would be a more accurate culprit for the "break".
Picked up some new trail runners, GoLite Sundragons. My old trail runners are on the verge of toastdom. Check out www.golite.com to check them out.
Ended the day with picking up CJ and having a Father's Day feast!
Saturday morn, I hit the trails in the morning. Unfortunately it wasn't with Hop, his bike was in the shop. I ran Soldier's Delight. Five miler. Used the new Garmin. It's a nice training tool. Afterwards, I headed to Fredrock to spend the weekend with the folks. Did some marathon shopping with my mom and aunt. Afterwards we headed to Brewer's Alley.
Next morn, I woke up at the break of dawn and hit the pavement for a run. It turned out to be a 4.25 miler. I was hoping for 5, but I'm testing the routes in Walkersville. I think I know where I can add mileage and still be safe and have fun on the roads. It was a scorcher, even in the early morning. The heat was already radiating up from the asphalt.
I also found a new nature park, which I've passed a thousand times during my youth but never ventured in. The Fountain Rock Nature Center houses a limestone quarry and kiln plant. It was a pretty interesting self-tour. Who knew this was in my backyard? This was a brief respite from the heat, although I think my curiousity would be a more accurate culprit for the "break".
Picked up some new trail runners, GoLite Sundragons. My old trail runners are on the verge of toastdom. Check out www.golite.com to check them out.
Ended the day with picking up CJ and having a Father's Day feast!
Friday, June 15, 2007
Ridiculous
Three days and counting. I'm running tonight at any cost...I'm thinking trail run. 10 miles. Time to self-punish for my neglectfulness. OK, so being in the woods and running isn't REALLY punishment. I'm thinking I'll hit a five and five, with the "and" being a small rest/refuel.
Tomorrow I will be ridin' dirty with Hop up at Merryman's.
Tomorrow I will be ridin' dirty with Hop up at Merryman's.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Seriously...I haven't rested for this long...
...in months. Day number 2 down (Tuesday and Wednesday) without a stitch of athleticism. I did strap shoes on my feet for a quick 50 minuter last night, but the skies opened up in a big way. I don't mind running in the rain. In fact, I enjoy it. But this was the kind of rain the moves horizontally and hurts. I ran for about 10 minutes and headed back home.
I did get to go to my favorite store, REI, and pick up a few items. I picked up a Garmin 305 HRM and GPS unit...sweet! Now I can pinpoint where I'm at when my heart explodes...which is nice. I also picked up a Mountain Hardwear rain jacket. Thanks thief for robbing my truck. I got an upgrade! Which I'm sure my premiums will also reflect. I tend to be short-sighted so I'm psyched for now!
Hit up Ocean's 13 last night. Good flick...better than 12 (I think), but 11 still takes the cake. A lot of gags were pulled based on the previous two movies, so if you haven't seen 11 and 12, and plan to see 13, do yourself a favor and watch them both before you go. I had to explain a few things after the fact to my friend and the funny connection was lost on her. And big ups to REI for product placement!
On the wires: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/11/arizona.bicyclist.ap/index.html
This makes me feel good about my future and the sport I love. And 2,000 miles in 14-16 days is no joke. In fact, I'm cramping right now just thinking about it. That's around 140 miles a day...oi.
I did get to go to my favorite store, REI, and pick up a few items. I picked up a Garmin 305 HRM and GPS unit...sweet! Now I can pinpoint where I'm at when my heart explodes...which is nice. I also picked up a Mountain Hardwear rain jacket. Thanks thief for robbing my truck. I got an upgrade! Which I'm sure my premiums will also reflect. I tend to be short-sighted so I'm psyched for now!
Hit up Ocean's 13 last night. Good flick...better than 12 (I think), but 11 still takes the cake. A lot of gags were pulled based on the previous two movies, so if you haven't seen 11 and 12, and plan to see 13, do yourself a favor and watch them both before you go. I had to explain a few things after the fact to my friend and the funny connection was lost on her. And big ups to REI for product placement!
On the wires: http://www.cnn.com/2007/US/06/11/arizona.bicyclist.ap/index.html
This makes me feel good about my future and the sport I love. And 2,000 miles in 14-16 days is no joke. In fact, I'm cramping right now just thinking about it. That's around 140 miles a day...oi.
Throwback
This looks enticing. My pup, Cobi, is relaxing like a rock star. She can pretty much sleep on spot. This is one of my favorite snaps of her. She was unfortunately awakened by the owner of the mess bag, he needed it for his morning commute. She went back to sleep promptly. Those were the days.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Rest?
Yeah...so on Tuesday I didn't do anything. It felt nice. Although I did continue the clean up effort that was borne from the barage of Big Bear gear in my living room. While the warmth of a nice wood-burning fire during the chill of Big Bear's night air was devine, the lasting odor of smoke on every stich of clothing and various other fibered materials is devastating to the nostrils in my abode. Step one, air out...step two, wash...step three, usually repeat.
Come to think of it, I don't think I ate anything, but a hunk of cheese last night...hmm. Okay, and mustard. I better watch that. I'm sure I will binge at some point today, against my better sense of judgement.
On tap tonight, the beginning of MCM training. 50 minutes slow pace run. On and on!
Come to think of it, I don't think I ate anything, but a hunk of cheese last night...hmm. Okay, and mustard. I better watch that. I'm sure I will binge at some point today, against my better sense of judgement.
On tap tonight, the beginning of MCM training. 50 minutes slow pace run. On and on!
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Taper Man
Worked from home yesterday and instead of eating lunch, I ran 3 miles at Soldier's Delight. I told myself over and over...only one loop! As I got to the end of the western loop, I started to cross the road to the east side. It was difficult, but I pulled up and headed back to my truck.
I'm starting to realize that training is more about consistency and sticking to the plan, than it is about sheer volume. Finding the thin line between the two can be difficult. As they say, there is no "cramming" in training.
I am feeling real good about this race, which may be the kiss of death. But, all cylinders are clicking along. The only unknown element is the rafting, but that will boil down to the guide we get and luck.
In other news, I hit the John Butler show at Sonar last night. Sonar is an amazing venue and the show was amazing.
And a big thanks to my RT/PR teammate, Mick, for sending us advice on how to avoid bowel movements during the adventure race...wow.
Giro: Crankenstein - 60.8, RideCam - 79.4. Our picks are starting to flesh out. They have entered the true GC contention stages, weeding out the sprinters and the wannabes from the top spots. Barring any unfortunate events, our picks seem to be pretty solid.
I'm starting to realize that training is more about consistency and sticking to the plan, than it is about sheer volume. Finding the thin line between the two can be difficult. As they say, there is no "cramming" in training.
I am feeling real good about this race, which may be the kiss of death. But, all cylinders are clicking along. The only unknown element is the rafting, but that will boil down to the guide we get and luck.
In other news, I hit the John Butler show at Sonar last night. Sonar is an amazing venue and the show was amazing.
And a big thanks to my RT/PR teammate, Mick, for sending us advice on how to avoid bowel movements during the adventure race...wow.
Giro: Crankenstein - 60.8, RideCam - 79.4. Our picks are starting to flesh out. They have entered the true GC contention stages, weeding out the sprinters and the wannabes from the top spots. Barring any unfortunate events, our picks seem to be pretty solid.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Not much to report
Took a break yesterday to accomplish some household tasks...stupid household tasks always gettin' in the way of fun stuff. Oh well, live like a pig, you must clean up after a pig.
Quick and dirty
Riding: Seminary tonight with Toby and Hoppe. I believe they are prepping or a race this weekend at Granogue in Delaware...could be wrong. It will be great to ride with those guys again, since we have the 24 Hours of Big Bear in three weeks. It's been too long without a solid ride with these pros.
Giro poll: No changes in the GC. Crankenstein still destroying RideCam. It was a sprinters race today, so I wasn't anticipating any shake-ups in the GC.
Commute: I may attempt another bike commute tomorrow.
Training weekend: Looks like Z-man and I will be getting our final major workout in before the AR. We're hitting Hashawa in Westminster which has decent mountain biking and an O-course...we are thinking two and two.
Bye,
Cycle
Quick and dirty
Riding: Seminary tonight with Toby and Hoppe. I believe they are prepping or a race this weekend at Granogue in Delaware...could be wrong. It will be great to ride with those guys again, since we have the 24 Hours of Big Bear in three weeks. It's been too long without a solid ride with these pros.
Giro poll: No changes in the GC. Crankenstein still destroying RideCam. It was a sprinters race today, so I wasn't anticipating any shake-ups in the GC.
Commute: I may attempt another bike commute tomorrow.
Training weekend: Looks like Z-man and I will be getting our final major workout in before the AR. We're hitting Hashawa in Westminster which has decent mountain biking and an O-course...we are thinking two and two.
Bye,
Cycle
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Upon further review...
As a rule, I don't read my posts right after I write them - it encourages flow of consciousness. I do, however, go back and read my old posts to reminisce, review training and get a pulse on the roller coaster that is my life.
A couple posts ago I posted some old Snowshoe pics. One particular caption didn't sit well with me. The picture in question is of Jimmie, Toby and myself, and the caption reads: "the original Enter the Draggin crew". Yes, that was the first year we unveiled the EtD name unto the 24 hour mountain bike world. But to say that just three of us were the original gansters wouldn't be accurate. EtD became EtD when we landed our 4th wiley vet, Hoppe. So let me reintroduce the Original EtD crew:
A couple posts ago I posted some old Snowshoe pics. One particular caption didn't sit well with me. The picture in question is of Jimmie, Toby and myself, and the caption reads: "the original Enter the Draggin crew". Yes, that was the first year we unveiled the EtD name unto the 24 hour mountain bike world. But to say that just three of us were the original gansters wouldn't be accurate. EtD became EtD when we landed our 4th wiley vet, Hoppe. So let me reintroduce the Original EtD crew:
(l to r) Tobias, Hoppe, Killah, Jimmie
Dedicated to spending our life behind bars!!!
Okay, now that's off my chest. Here's what I've been doing:
1. Rest - my ankle needed some TLC and my quad was soooorrrre!
2. Garden - Poppa C came to O-mill to help ressurect the ol' garden in my backyard. The list of delectables is as follows: Roma tomatoes, spinach, cucumbers and zucchini in the salad garden. Mint, rosemary and basil in the herb garden. Can you say mojitoes and basil/tomato/mozzarella lounging on my patio? Also looking into growing hops in the herb garden and some peppers in the salad garden
Thursday, May 03, 2007
I have a nice little weekend planned
Chock full of half marathons, mountain biking, brewing, bike building...the list goes on and it don't stop. Friday night I head back to Chesnik headquarters to prep for the weekend and do a little bike repair. Saturday looks like a great day for brewing some beer and lying low for the Frederick Halfy. I'll also probably hit some of the pre-run festivities while I pick up my marathon package during the evening.
Bright and early on Sunday, I'll be running with a bunch of friends - Newbury, Zacker and Jimmie's wife, Tina. I think it will be a nice run, but I'm already setting the ground work to ensure people that no feats of endurance/speed will be shown. Afterwards, Z-man and I will be hitting Gambrill for a little mountain bike action...yee-haw!
I'm still waiting for the official Savage results..if the race day coordination is any indication of the timeliness of the results...don't hold your breath. Visit the blog often, but don't anticipate results.
Bright and early on Sunday, I'll be running with a bunch of friends - Newbury, Zacker and Jimmie's wife, Tina. I think it will be a nice run, but I'm already setting the ground work to ensure people that no feats of endurance/speed will be shown. Afterwards, Z-man and I will be hitting Gambrill for a little mountain bike action...yee-haw!
I'm still waiting for the official Savage results..if the race day coordination is any indication of the timeliness of the results...don't hold your breath. Visit the blog often, but don't anticipate results.
Found some old race pics from the 24 Hours of Snowshoe.1) The original Enter the Draggin crew at Snowshoe - Toby, Cam, Jimmie Jam; 2) Jimmie coming down the final slope on his first lap; 3) The ETD family minus a few - Jimmie, K, Mrs. L (we miss ya terribly), Mr. L and Toby.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Stop...demotivate and listen
A workmate sent me a website that pokes fun at those motivational posters that you see hanging in conference rooms across the USA. Within the site they have a fun application that allows you to make your very own "motivational" poster. I made two referencing 1) Jimmie and I after 15 miles of being lost and 2) Bradley's first race and first wreck. Enjoy!
In other news, The Loch ride last night was a blast. I was very impressed by the newbie. He was taking log piles and other obstacles with nary an issue. It was his first ride with clipless pedals and only fell once, due to a slow and steady issue. My bike seems to be dialed in...the ride was smooth and steady....I had a lot of fuel left in the tank. Now it's time to rest.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Dog is my co-pilot
Yesterday I planned on taking my little girl on a stroll around Soldier's Delight, but rain started coming in droves. She didn't seem too energetic anyway. I went about my business...laundry, dinner, not mowing my lawn, flexing in front of the mirror, etc. As I sat watching the tube, I noticed she was obsessing over her rear end. I finally had enough and took a look. Yikes!!! A huge bump on the rump! Off to the ER vet we went. She had a blocked anal gland, which I'm told can be normal. Not normal to me...that was scary!!
So she got it drained, we got some meds, and she has a lampshade around her neck. Thumbs up to the Falls Road Veterinarian Clinic. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and they have a fantastic staff. Pictures are forthcoming of the lampshaded Cobster...not of her butt...she's a lady.
Tonight I ride Loch as a warm-up/gear check for the Savage on Sunday. I am taking a newbie out on the trail so it should be somewhat moderately paced...although I said that when I rode with Hoppe the first time too.
Friday I hope to get a decent hike in and rest on Saturday in the 'Ville, because Team HKI takes the Savage by storm on Sunday.
Newbs requests that I don't hurt myself before the halfy...request noted.
So she got it drained, we got some meds, and she has a lampshade around her neck. Thumbs up to the Falls Road Veterinarian Clinic. Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and they have a fantastic staff. Pictures are forthcoming of the lampshaded Cobster...not of her butt...she's a lady.
Tonight I ride Loch as a warm-up/gear check for the Savage on Sunday. I am taking a newbie out on the trail so it should be somewhat moderately paced...although I said that when I rode with Hoppe the first time too.
Friday I hope to get a decent hike in and rest on Saturday in the 'Ville, because Team HKI takes the Savage by storm on Sunday.
Newbs requests that I don't hurt myself before the halfy...request noted.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Another weekend down
I had a pretty eventful weekend. I kicked off Friday with some pasta and some beers at a local watering hole, Liberatore's. Got some shut eye, woke up and prepped for a long haul bike ride. I started with a 35 and 4 in mind, but the day was so nice I extended my bike ride to 57.4 miles (per the Garmin).
I headed out my front door in Owings Mills and rode to McDaniel College where I was surprised to see Spring Flingers partying...it does my heart well. I was a little bit nutritionally challenged as I thought I was only doing 35 miles, but Perpeteum kept me strong until the last 5 miles where I popped coming up Deer Park from the reservoir...thank you granny gear.
I napped, I showered, I headed to Z-man's (aka, Everyday) in Arlington to celebrate the birth of one of our high school buddies. Good times until my cell phone alarm went off at 7ish in the morning and off to see Brad's first road race in Columbia. He rode strong and would've finished well, but got pinched in the last 100ish meters before the finish line. He crashed out, garnering some gnarly looking road rash, etc. See folks, this is why roadies shave legs. That and it makes your calves look huge!!! Brad...mad props to you in your first race!!!
Brad up front on lap 8, making it look like a ride in the park (note upright position compared to other riders...that's silly strong).
After the crash (Harshman on the left, mangled Brad center, HalfCam in the rear)
Photos courtesy of Eric "Pinarello"
Sunday evening I enjoyed the musical stylings of Sevendust at Ram's Head with Hoppe. I was expecting a loud, brash and noisy evening. While all of that occurred, I really enjoyed the show they put on. I never thought heavy metal show could end up being emotional/spiritual/something along those lines.
Monday I ran around Frederick...teeth cleaned, road bike adjusted, 29er tire found, lunch and Hefe's ingested and naps had...good day.
I headed out my front door in Owings Mills and rode to McDaniel College where I was surprised to see Spring Flingers partying...it does my heart well. I was a little bit nutritionally challenged as I thought I was only doing 35 miles, but Perpeteum kept me strong until the last 5 miles where I popped coming up Deer Park from the reservoir...thank you granny gear.
I napped, I showered, I headed to Z-man's (aka, Everyday) in Arlington to celebrate the birth of one of our high school buddies. Good times until my cell phone alarm went off at 7ish in the morning and off to see Brad's first road race in Columbia. He rode strong and would've finished well, but got pinched in the last 100ish meters before the finish line. He crashed out, garnering some gnarly looking road rash, etc. See folks, this is why roadies shave legs. That and it makes your calves look huge!!! Brad...mad props to you in your first race!!!
Brad up front on lap 8, making it look like a ride in the park (note upright position compared to other riders...that's silly strong).
After the crash (Harshman on the left, mangled Brad center, HalfCam in the rear)
Photos courtesy of Eric "Pinarello"
Sunday evening I enjoyed the musical stylings of Sevendust at Ram's Head with Hoppe. I was expecting a loud, brash and noisy evening. While all of that occurred, I really enjoyed the show they put on. I never thought heavy metal show could end up being emotional/spiritual/something along those lines.
Monday I ran around Frederick...teeth cleaned, road bike adjusted, 29er tire found, lunch and Hefe's ingested and naps had...good day.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Recovery
Recovery runs are a bitch. It's very hard to stay committed to a leisurely stroll when your mind and body want to run faster. Alas, it is an important element in the whole cycle of training. I headed out for 20 minutes listening to the smooth tunes of Jack Johnson, which made it a little easier to go at an "island" pace.
Before the run, I hit REI to pick up a few items for the upcoming adventure races. Snagged a Brunton compass, which I need to start training with, a gerber lock blade knife, some CO2 cartridges and an Iced Gingerbread Clif Bar (a brotha's gotta eat).
Tonight I hope to hit the trails with Hoppe. Let's hope the weather holds. It's been too long since I've hit the trail and it will be a nice departure from all the running.
Before the run, I hit REI to pick up a few items for the upcoming adventure races. Snagged a Brunton compass, which I need to start training with, a gerber lock blade knife, some CO2 cartridges and an Iced Gingerbread Clif Bar (a brotha's gotta eat).
Tonight I hope to hit the trails with Hoppe. Let's hope the weather holds. It's been too long since I've hit the trail and it will be a nice departure from all the running.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
A case of the mornings
Why can't I wake up these days? Why can't I get to bed before midnight? I'm sounding like a commercial for some new fangled narcotic. The unpleasant side is that it is interfering with my morning workouts. I have the best intentions of getting up by setting the ol' alarm clock. However, I whack the snooze bar a dozen times and wake up with barely enough time to get to work.
So, in the tradition of writing down goals, here goes it:
WAKE THE HELL UP IN THE MORNING...EVEN IF YOU FEEL LIKE DOGSHIT!!!!
There. That ought to do it.
Dropped my run last night. Will hammer out a 5K tonight to measure how embarassed I will be on the course. Also trying to schedule a road ride for Thursday. Friday is lay low day...maybe a slow jog in the 'ville to keep loose.
So, in the tradition of writing down goals, here goes it:
WAKE THE HELL UP IN THE MORNING...EVEN IF YOU FEEL LIKE DOGSHIT!!!!
There. That ought to do it.
Dropped my run last night. Will hammer out a 5K tonight to measure how embarassed I will be on the course. Also trying to schedule a road ride for Thursday. Friday is lay low day...maybe a slow jog in the 'ville to keep loose.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Run, run, runaway
Got back on that horse yesterday. After scheduling and being de-scheduled from a post-work road ride, I hopped on the trail to do some modified intervals. One mile warm-up, one-mile soft, one mile full-board, one mile cool. I felt pretty decent. I would really like to find out where my 5K pace is at for the race this weekend. I am going to run a 5K today and feel it out.
Oh and I may have this installed at work...why not.
Oh and I may have this installed at work...why not.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Lots of mileage
Went to the land of cows this weekend (aka Walkersville). Friday evening I got to see the rewards of Keith's monumental effort in home renovation. From head to toe he revamped his entire house. Kudos bro...it looks fantastic. You're on the home stretch now!
Saturday morning-ish. I headed out on bike...disregarding the forecast that was laid before me. It was misting, which I thought would be a relief on the road. I set out on the 40 mile venture from the valley of Walkersville through the hills of Thurmont and back again. I felt pretty good for the first venture out this season. Then the sky came falling from the heavens and the temp dropped at least 10 degrees. This change in weather was very unwelcome. I found out that road shoes do not drain so well. So I had to deal with ice cold feet for at least 30 miles.
The ride took me through three covered bridges (Maryland has 7 historical covered bridges). At the second bridge at Roddy Road I ran into another rider, Stan. He was from Damascus and was on a century ride. Yikes. He was preparing for a 3 week tour in South America, so he was lugging all sorts of gear (including soup, which he had just polished off). He was headed my way so we rode together until we parted ways at Dublin and Links. We added some additional miles to tally my total ride closer to 50 miles. It was nice to have a buddy to chat away with during the miserable conditions. He had some very interesting tales of cycling in different parts of the world.
It was nice to get back home and take a hot shower and then the fam headed to Mamma Lu's. I devoured some Baked Ziti and headed to Starbucks for a Caramel Macchiato...yum.
Sunday I woke up and headed home to pick up the world's greatest dog. We ran around the backyard for awhile then she was conked out. During her slumber I hit the trail for a five miler which I tallied a 43 minute total (again no splits). I'm happy with the time and the distance. I hope I am ready for the 1/2 marathon in a couple weeks.
The kicker is that I have a Sprint AR the weekend before the Frederick 1/2'r. That should be an interesting 2 weeks.
Good day. I said good day!
Saturday morning-ish. I headed out on bike...disregarding the forecast that was laid before me. It was misting, which I thought would be a relief on the road. I set out on the 40 mile venture from the valley of Walkersville through the hills of Thurmont and back again. I felt pretty good for the first venture out this season. Then the sky came falling from the heavens and the temp dropped at least 10 degrees. This change in weather was very unwelcome. I found out that road shoes do not drain so well. So I had to deal with ice cold feet for at least 30 miles.
The ride took me through three covered bridges (Maryland has 7 historical covered bridges). At the second bridge at Roddy Road I ran into another rider, Stan. He was from Damascus and was on a century ride. Yikes. He was preparing for a 3 week tour in South America, so he was lugging all sorts of gear (including soup, which he had just polished off). He was headed my way so we rode together until we parted ways at Dublin and Links. We added some additional miles to tally my total ride closer to 50 miles. It was nice to have a buddy to chat away with during the miserable conditions. He had some very interesting tales of cycling in different parts of the world.
It was nice to get back home and take a hot shower and then the fam headed to Mamma Lu's. I devoured some Baked Ziti and headed to Starbucks for a Caramel Macchiato...yum.
Sunday I woke up and headed home to pick up the world's greatest dog. We ran around the backyard for awhile then she was conked out. During her slumber I hit the trail for a five miler which I tallied a 43 minute total (again no splits). I'm happy with the time and the distance. I hope I am ready for the 1/2 marathon in a couple weeks.
The kicker is that I have a Sprint AR the weekend before the Frederick 1/2'r. That should be an interesting 2 weeks.
Good day. I said good day!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Work(out) from home
I had a lot of proposals to get in line so I opted to work from home, but I really wanted to run. So I compromised and I went running. Again two miles, but at a slightly faster clip:
Now I need to fuel up, so off to Trader Joe's I go. Then back to work, which I'll probably be at until 5ish. Then I hope to hit a nice 20 mile bike...again...easy pace. Then probably back to work until bed. Yay me!
P.S. - do not wear the UA's with the lining in them - chapped like a muv, I am.
Update: Scratched the ride...road construction on a large chunk of my route. So I opted for a casual run for 45 minutes. I need to build up my stamina for the half. Knee felt brilliant!!
Jalapeno Tuna on Spinach w/Feta...delish. Scoop o' B&J's Phish Food...no Black and Tan :(
- First split - 8:23
- Second split - 8:30
Now I need to fuel up, so off to Trader Joe's I go. Then back to work, which I'll probably be at until 5ish. Then I hope to hit a nice 20 mile bike...again...easy pace. Then probably back to work until bed. Yay me!
P.S. - do not wear the UA's with the lining in them - chapped like a muv, I am.
Update: Scratched the ride...road construction on a large chunk of my route. So I opted for a casual run for 45 minutes. I need to build up my stamina for the half. Knee felt brilliant!!
Jalapeno Tuna on Spinach w/Feta...delish. Scoop o' B&J's Phish Food...no Black and Tan :(
Friday, March 09, 2007
If your not wearing Seven H, you might as well be naked!!
My boy Hoppe made his jump to the Big League's on Zazzle as a featured contributor! Is it really the Big League's you ask? Well maybe Triple "A" ball, but it's definitely a tribute to his craft and design work. I stay away from a lot of the new graphic styles these days, because they don't make sense to me, but Hoppe's line is just powerful. The kicker...he's just beginning to tap into his genius.
He is going to start producing silk-screened one of a kinds soon (by one of a kind, I mean not mass produced and each shirt will have it's own character). This, my friends, should launch him into the "Big's". He's got the talent and the drive to make this thing happen.
Check out his work here. Hit me up if you want to know more about his new venture.
He is going to start producing silk-screened one of a kinds soon (by one of a kind, I mean not mass produced and each shirt will have it's own character). This, my friends, should launch him into the "Big's". He's got the talent and the drive to make this thing happen.
Check out his work here. Hit me up if you want to know more about his new venture.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
300 = Intense
I haven't had a strong urge to see a movie in a long time, but the trailer for 300 has my interest piqued. 300 courageous Spartans fighting an army of millions...should be pretty crazy. The film is an adaptation of the graphic novel of the same name by Frank Miller, who I also believe wrote Sin City. It's showing in IMAX theaters around the U.S., so I'm crossing my fingers that it will be played in B-more.Apparently the main cast of characters and their stunt doubles were put through a rigorous training regimen, which I read about here. A Gym Jones workout sounds legit...I didn't see any mention of Kool-Aid on their site though. This is their website intro:
At Gym Jones we train elite athletes and professionals. For some of these individuals fitness can mean the difference between life and death. The objective is genuine fitness, not the appearance of fitness. The methods we use are based on old ideas, new research, creativity, anecdotal evidence and our own high-stakes practice. Our programming emphasizes relative strength, power-endurance, and endurance because in these areas we are expert.
Gym Jones is not a cozy place. There’s no AC, no comfortable spot to sit and there are no mirrors. Stressors are intentionally designed to cause discomfort and apprehension. Effort and pain may not be avoided. Physical and psychological breakdowns occur. The support of a like-minded group, dedicated to The Art of Suffering, provides a safety net. An individual will push harder and risk more in the company of trustworthy peers and that’s one reason the gym is not open to the public. Gym Jones is a private, invitation-only facility located in Utah.