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.

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.

Nemesis

I finally got back on the Soldier's Delight trail for a 5.5'er run. The good ol' double up (west trail and east trail). A couple months ago I twisted my ankle and thought my entire season was in jeopardy, but I plowed through like the ox I am.

I had my pack loaded with game day gear and headed out for a smooth run. No timing, pacing, etc. I felt really good and according to the sun, I couldn't have been on the trail for much more than an hour.

I did get a blister which isn't a good sign...sock choice is important. I think I may hit the trail more often though...lots of single, in shape ladies running amok. Although at the end of the run I noticed that I had my AR knife clipped to my strap...that probably sent off a lot of unwanted signals. Oh well, you can never be too safe.

Trail hike tonight with Cobi and then a easy Seminary ride on Thursday to make sure the Paragon is dialed in for this weekend's festivities.

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.

Rollin' along

We hit Merryman's Loop at Loch Raven last night - we being Hoppe and I. Hoppe got hung up at work so I took a quick half hour loop and the timing couldn't have been better. As I rolled back to the lot, Hoppe was pulling in. He got ready, I fueled up on Vitamin Water (I immediately regretted making that decision, VM was a bad choice - read: vurps like acid). Then off we went, up Heart Attack Hill. It's not like the hill is so horrible, it's just the immediacy at which it comes.

Hoppe, on a singlespeed, once again showed me that I always have room for improvement. He rocked the hill like his biznatch. Although, I rolled it pretty nicely too. Then we were off to the races. My only hiccup was my rear tire. Last trip, and I suspect trips previous, I found a rip in my tire's sidewall. Simple physics suggests that the inner tube will expand the outer shell if the outer shell is weaker than the force exerted outwardly by the tube...I watched Mr. Wizard as a kid. The effect is a bulge in the tire, which makes rocky sections and switchbacks a little squirrelly in the rear. Most of the time I was worried about flatting out, so I took every clean line I could find and slowed down during downhill turns...boring.

We capped the ride off with a nice bottle of Burton Baton by DFH. It's a nice tradition Hoppe and I used to have. One bottle shared between friends after a hard ride.

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.

Rolling Thunder, Pouring Rain

Today's blog title is apropos on two fronts.

Front #1: Monday's training got bumped after running approximately one mile. The winds were too much. It felt like I ran 13.1 miles. God bless the Boston Marathoners who had to run in that mess. Yesterday was less windy, but my 10 mile plan got bumped to a 60 minute run. My normal loop was closed due to high winds and possible falling trees, so I opted to run helter skelter around the treeless section of the park. I did some intervals and called it a day.

Front #2: RT/PR is the name of the 2007 edition of the Oddysey Wild and Wonderful 24 Hour Addy Race team. Zack and two of his college cohorts, Mick and Charlie, will be my partners in grime. Should be a blast...other than the real sucky parts of the race.

After my "hell week" of the Savage and the 1/2 thon, my focus will be on the 24 hr. After the 24 hr, I will be shifting my attention to train for the marathon. I think the fitness achieved through the marathon training will carry me through my other planned events.

In other news, Team Enter the Draggin' has officially registered for the 24 Hours of Big Bear. Get your wallets and your big, charitable hearts ready for donations to the ALA.

35 and 4

35 road bike miles and 4 road run miles on Saturday in the morning (okay noon). Felt pretty strong even with a lack of adequate nutrition during the exercise.

DC United game with Newb, Wil and Zack and Big Buck Hunter in the evening. Wilson has been playing and not telling us. Newb and I will be lodging a formal protest. Dammit...I really want Big Buck Hunter Pro.

Sunday..a bunch of nothing but good home cookin' and listening to the rain. Oh and tracking Justin during his quest to finish Ironman Arizona. I think he finished in a little over 14 hours...hell yeah! I fell asleep before he crossed the line...although I tried like hell to stay up and watch the live feed.

Training in peril

...not really. I just haven't updated. Wednesday I had to bag the mountain ride...bear with the explanation...I forgot my wallet as I headed out the door for work...I needed to purchase a new tube...new moola/no tube/no ride.

I even backed my way into a lunch meeting just so I could nourish myself through the long and trying day. I usually spend the bulk of my time trying to back out of meetings...I believe karma will have a strong future role in this ordeal.

So I headed home and ran a couple miles or 25 minutes.

Yesterday I ran all over Baltimore with a gaggle of PHHers during the first annual PHH Amazing Race. Six teams of five competed in a tooth and nail grinder that hit points east, west, south, north and points in between solving clues and collecting various trinkets to rack up the most points. I didn't know B-more had so may cool little places. I think it's a highly underrated city, which can probably be directly correlated to our phenomenal overachievement in field of murder. In fact, we were a couple minutes behind a double murder in Piggtown. We were there before most of the police. Thankfully we didn't see bodies and what not.

Best moment...being in the underbelly of the Lithuanian Hall after some shmoozing with the building manager. The tour took us to what appeared to be a board room, which was found after a maze of rooms, bars, closets, etc. It was dark and dingy with florescent lights acting as a backdrop. I thought I was walking into the past. It reminded me of every Cold War movie I've ever seen. The guy was the nicest person and we got a picture of a shield that no one else would have been able to find...bonus points.

Oh...I also had a Brooks Robinson sighting. After being star struck (doesn't happen to me much, but old HOF Orioles get me every time) and fumbling with the camera, I missed a golden photo op. Dammit!

My Team (in front of Cafe Hon)















So the race was my exercise for the day...wrapped it up at the Waterfront Hotel in Fell's Point to watch the Taylor's. The lead guitarist is ri-donk-ulous.

Tonight, I'm thinking 5 miles.

Bye,
Cycle

Changin' it up

I opted out of the bike/run brick and ran a moderate paced 60 minute run, which I logged approximately 6.5 miles. It felt pretty good, but I know I'll need to get at least a 10 miler in before I do the 1/2-thon. My goal had been changed a couple weeks ago to just finish the race...no specific time (although I may have certain pace markers).

Tonight I ride the mountain with Tobias...

Easy like a Monday evening

Did a little 2 miler backed with some ab work. Steamed some curried Mahi and chilled in front of the boob tube. Hoping to get in a 90 minute ride and transition into a 2 miler this evening.

The Savage has been paid for...now it's all about the racin' on April 29th. I'm hoping to button-hook a Victory visit afterwards for a few libations.The Savage will be a nice little warm-up for both the Frederick 1/2 and the Odyssey.

Speaking of the Odyssey...Looks like I'll be teaming up with old pal, Zacker.

Just rollin' along

Friday was a rest day as I made my way to the glades of Walkersville. I enjoyed the evening as I rested up for the Garrett Petronchak 5K. As the sun rose and some snowflakes fell, my pop and I made our way to Baker Park to meet up with my comrade in stride, codename: Newb (aka, the Gazelle). Checked in, stretched out and shot the shizzle for a spell...then off to the starting line. And we were off. I believe Newb was kind the first mile or so, but then - as with all wild animals - I had to set him free. He was graceful in his departure until I could no longer see him on the horizon.

I found it pretty difficult to get dialed in until I got to mile 2ish...After that I felt spry. I ended up with a 25:14 (8:08 split), which I was pretty jazzed about. I wanted a sub 25, which probably could have been attained if I was wearing a watch and knew how much time remained. I ended up 74th out of 282 runners (top 10 in my age group, but there may have only been 11 runners). Newb kicked some ass with a 23:33/7:36 split/50th overall/6th in age group...SOLID...for a self-proclaimed long distance runner. Newb, you impress me...if you told me you were going to be a long distance runner about 10 years ago, I may have pee'd my pants. Kudos to you. Now, I need to get you on a bike to do these Adventure Races.

Speaking of Adventure Races...next on the checklist is The Savage AR in Pennsylvania on April 29th. Team HKI will be teaming up with Team Tricerat to help escort Tricerat into the wonderful world of AR.

I did a relaxing four-miler on Sunday after church with my new GoLite pack. It was the inaugural run with the pack. Other than some needed minor adjustments...this pack barely felt like it was on. It's go time!

Cold Feelings

...was the Social Distortion song in my head as Toby and I rode the country roads of Owings Mills. Not only was the air temperature chilly and the wind slightly blowing...but us knuckle heads didn't factor in ride speed. This is a deadly trio, which turned our 25 mile flight into a 15 mile speeder. I felt really strong for my first OM ride this year...it seemed flatter. It must be the mad cross training schedule!

FYI...my Hammer sups came today...time to power up like Pac-Man (wokka-wokka-wokka...that may also be construed as Fozzy the Bear...you get the point).

The Good and the Bad

The Good: I ran a 7:16 mile
The Bad: I ran out of steam for the next 2 miles

I was gunning for a sub 25 min 5k. Nothing amazing. I came out of the gates flying and then petered out around the mile and 3/4 mark. I was drained. I know nothing of pace, yet. I am starting to understand its importance. I think on Saturday's run I will start slower and ramp up. I'm hoping this will give me the 8:20 split average I'm looking for.

Looking forward, I think the half-marathon will be a test of fortitude. I will continue to ramp up the miles, but I think race day will be difficult.

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.

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.

Lackluster

Friday through Sunday saw dismal performances on my part. I rested on Friday...that was planned. Saturday I rode with my boys at Gambrill, but got a flat about 4-5 miles in..no spares. Dammit! So I got to walk about 3 miles back to the truck before Toby came back to pick me up. I got home napped for a spell and then off to Virginia for some hoops action (watching, not playing). I had more "fun" than expected which pretty much eliminated any sort of athleticism on Sunday. It was my pops b-day so I took onboard lots of unhealthy calories. I'll be running some of them off this evening.

And we ride...

Fast ride last night at Loch Raven - Seminary. It was my first mountain ride since January. It felt awesome...I felt nimble. I had to ride the geared sled because of fears of hurting my knee any further, so that helped me keep Hoppe in sight. I would say we rode our standard night course in around an hour, which makes me tremendously happy considering it was our first ride of the season. Big Bear should be fun this go round.

We are hitting Gambrill on Saturday. Full EtD crew...Toby, Hoppe, Jimmie, myself and hopefully Volker.

I'll be hitting a soft two mile run tonight.

Missed a few updates...sue me.

Monday...rest day...I think...maybe I ran...I can't remember.

Tuesday...I definitely ran. Three easy miles. Shins hurt. Some kids were making out on the trail. They were not attractive, so I kept running. Ate pasta and drank vino on the deck with my best girl, Cobi Joan. She loves her some pasta.

Today I mountain bike at Loch Raven - Seminary with Hop and Toby. Time to throw down. Spring has sprung. Hope it doesn't rain.

That, my friends, was a verbal sprint. That just happened!

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!