That's all folks

The Marine Corps Marathon was an amazing event. The course, the sights, the spectators - everything was on such a grand scale. It will be very tough to beat the energy around this event.

So how did I do? Out of the gate, I felt pretty strong. Rob and I got to the first water station and we lost each other. This was probably a blessing for both Rob and I. I felt that I would have anchored him and I didn't want to feel like I had to run faster - at mile 2 I was free as a bird. I felt great, so my taper worked pretty well. At mile 13 I was sure that I has 4:15-4:30 in the bag.

Mile 18 had other ideas. At this point I was already fearing the dreaded wall everyone was talking about. I didn't run into that issue. However, somewhere between 17 and 18 my right foot felt like it was going to tear in half. I had foot issues during the latter half of my training, but this pain was different. The big beefy tendon on the inner part of my foot had stabbing pains. I instantly started to walk. When walking hurt I jogged. The cycle continued until I reached the finish line at 5:31.

Was I upset...for about a second. Then I realized that I did achieve my main goal - finish a marathon. And if I had to run a marathon everyday to see that smile and excitement coming from my mom, then where's tomorrow's race? My support crew was second to none:

Pop: Old faithful. He has been at every event this year. He's been my support crew with no questions asked. He really has learned the ropes along with me this year. He's been a great sounding board when I am over critical of my results. "Chalk it up to learning", he says. And as always, he's right.

He was truly one of the main reasons that made my mile 18 decision to keep moving on without complaining quite simple. Between seeing the soldiers at each station, which should've been motivation enough, I kept on thinking "For Pop". I think I may have said it out loud once...not sure. Probably after the beer station :)

Can you already smell next year, SAG Daddy?

Mom: I believe she thinks I am nutso for all these crazy events I get into and probably questions my sanity on a daily basis. But I think this one was different for her. She absolutely glowed when I saw her at the end. To know my mom, you know she is petite (I think that won't get me in trouble). Her hug at the end felt like a huge wrestling-style bear hug. Maybe she was hugging for more than one?

Aunt Barbara: Two words - Mile 23. Cold, tired and pain-ridden - a spark plug, whirlwind of photographic excitement ran up to me like a Whirling Dervish. I was a little confused at first, but after a second realized it was Aunt Barb. The energy she exuded made me want to vomit at first, but then I kinda latched on to her excitement. I really want to thank her (you) for supporting me. It was really nice to have you at the event, but especially at the finish line.

Zack: You're fired.

Kara: You got Zack's job if you want it!

Rob: Thanks buddy. You're an inspiration to me. Thanks for making sure I followed through on this one. And way to knock out an incredible time!

Miss me?

Sure you did. Sorry for being so damn quiet, but life happened. Unfortunately the bliggity-blog wasn't a part of this so-called life. But now I'm back, but just for some quick bullets:

• Marathon is upon us. 20,000 or so warriors are going to run amock in NoVa this Sunday. I've trained as much as I could and as they say, "the hay is in the barn". Let's just hope it's enough to fuel the 26.2 mile fire.

• The Octoberfest stout is still in the fermenting bucket...hope she doesn't go bad!

• Apparently I don't party like a rock star or a sailor. http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/wayoflife/10/26/mf.drinking.storries/index.html(CNN posts don't get archived, they just go away. So if the link is dead...too bad).

That's all for now. Ta-ta

On tap

On tap, indeed. The Family Chesnik Brewery, located in the glade-laden valley of Walkerville, Maryland, will be hosting the First Annual FCB Oktoberfest. The 'fest will center around the seasons first homebrew, an Irish Stout. A cast of nine wiley characters will be huddled around our vast brewing center (okay, a gas-powered turkey fryer burner and a stainless steel pot) watching the magic that is brewing.

Additionally, the kitchen will be spewing gastronomical delights that have been honed by Mamma C over the years. Of course a smattering of German sausage will be provided, along with Mamma's infamously ridiculous mac&cheese, some 'kraut, and pretzels to nosh.

Not to forget the traditions that encompass a true Octoberfest, beer a' plenty will be provided. As a intermediate beer expert, I'll be offering some delectable brews to quaff which will open up conversations around what beers people enjoy or hate and why?

Oh...I have to run 20 miles too...WEEEEEE! Probably Sunday though.

Where'd ya go?

Busy as a bee, my friends. I've been a writing fool at work so I needed a deserved break from the keyboard. Still running for my life - aka training for the MCM. I can't wait to get this over with. My excitement has come and gone. I have respectfully decided that this marathonin' ain't for me. I need more visual stim than a road run gives. I understand that some peopel derive great pleasure from the miles they tally on the road, but this old dog needs trees and grass and mud...or it just feels like work.

My mindset may change on game day with the excitement of the crowd, but the training is painful. My feet hurt too.

My bikes miss me. Don't tell them, but I bought them a present. an internal bike mount for my Element.

And ladies...this is a pretty good depiction of hierarchal roles in my house.

In my element

It's with heavy heart that I write you today. My red chariot of fire is resting comfortably in her parking space, but is on her way out to pasture. Off into the great 4x4 sunset she'll be heading. After multiple mechanical issues, it was time to let my Cherokee princess go. If she could talk, I would be in a lot of trouble. We shared many miles and good times together, over road and rock we went. She was a solid friend who never gave me a hard time until she just couldn't go any further.

I'm sure she will find a good home for her last remaining miles and I hope she enjoys them. Goodbye my sweetest friend.

As my Jeep passes, a Honda rises from the ashes. I'm a proud new owner of a Honda Element. She is like a Swiss Army knife of vehicles. It's like she was built for me. No carpets, simple design, decent mileage, folding/removable rear passenger seats. It's like a tent on wheels!!!!

I haven't bonded with her yet. We're still in the butt sniffin' stage, but I have a good feeling we are gonna be friends. Pics are coming forthwith.

ARE YA READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL???

Blog neglect (aka FU Brad)

So I get a rash of new visitors and then I opt not to write for...oh...forever. Sorry loyalists.

My life is still rather interesting. I keep getting tossed curveballs and with the help of a good team, I keep knocking 'em outta the park. My MVP to-date has to be my pops. From picking me up when my trusty steed broke down...dammit....I guess I mean steeds...plural. The C&O bike breakdown and my Jeep breakdown. As always, there for me during my darkest hours (literally and figuratively). Always my number one fan. Thanks Big Daddy!

What else? Let's see:

Running: Top of my foot hurt, so I took a 3 day break. Longest hiatus I can remember. It mentally is damning. I run 8 tonight...weeeee!!!

Biking: Not much. Hitting the trails with Hop-a-dopalous tomorrow. Getting my brand new GF 29er frame soon. The good doc (The Bike Doctor, that is) already has her built up and ready to riz-ock!

Brewing: Commences one of the first weekends in October. I'm thinking stout.

Vehicular: Brand new car, baby! Brand new bill, baby! '07 Honda Element. I have a trunk I can put my bike in...Awwww yeah! Buying vehicles based on bikes. I'm crazy. And...

I'm out!

Head Meet Ass

Seeing as I can't tell the difference between the two right now, I might as well introduce them so they can talk amongst themselves as I listlessly plug away at my heinous work and training schedule. The past week has consisted of:

Work: 8-6
Home by: 6:30
Run: 7-8/9
Work: 9:30-whenever

I would like to take this time to thank Starbuck's, Mountain Dew and Polly-O String Cheese. If not for you, I would be incapicitated (okay...more incapacitated) at this time. I may follow the path of the Z-man and find the perfect food. Main traits being: quick, portable, some nutritional relevance...in that order (Nutri System-esque). POS cheese covers the first two basis...but severely neglects the last crucial trait.

Oh well...back to work!

Taint that ashame

The skinny on the C&O Canal bike trip.

• We set off on Saturday morning around 8am.


• We stopped every 10-20 miles for breaks. Skinny seats make for long days


• Major breaks for food in Hancock and Williamsburg. 60 miles makes two grown men make Big Daddy pizzas look like little snacks.


• The scenery is amazing. Some sections of the Potomac are second to none by way of beauty.


• I had mechanical issues (two flats and a broken tensioner), which made us cut our trip short


• We traveled 107 miles by bike and approximately 6 miles by foot.


• Zack destroyed his one day personal best distance of 40 miles


• A century ride in one day ain't bad, especially on a dirt trail.


• We have decided that we must conquer this beast.


• If you ride this type of distance, go with a good friend. This makes catastrophic events - like bikes breaking down - easier to swallow.


• If you want to understand the in's and out's of GPS, ride with a guy who worked for NASA.


• The old man wasn't right about the mud...he was indirectly right about the issues of trail riding with a road beast created into trail monster.


• If you have to break down, make sure you have the best SAG daddy in the biz.

Larger report later.

AY OH

Hump Day

Hump of the work week, and hump the middle distance run of 8-9 miles @ steady pace. The weather seems to be relatively nice, but the last time I was outside was 8 am...boo desk job!

Last night I did hill intervals which isn't easy in Owings Mills, meaning hills are few and far between unless you don't mind playing chicken with maniacal truck drivers, too fast/too furious spoiled teenagers in their souped up rocket cars and the occassional piece of farm equipment that takes up both lanes and the shoulder you're on.

{and breathe}

So I found the longest hill in my neighborhood and made it the central piece to my 5.5 mile clover leaf-patterned run. Basically up tempo on the hills and recovery in the flats. Had the old HR up to 188 at one point. I hope I'm doing this training right.

In other news...I've got nothin'.

Woot!

Hello RideCam'rs. Another weekend down, but what a fun weekend it was.

Friday was my day off from running, so Hop and I were going to bike bar hop through Fell's Point, Fed Hill and other B-more brew spots. I had intended to pick up the last critical tool needed to finalize my new bike build, an 18 mm cone wrench, but alas every bike shop I went to had every size except. This effort goes against my highly ingrained ABP-mentality (Always Be Prepared).

We opted out of the ride based on these signs (last time I said we shouldn't ride based on tire issues, I ended up endo'ing off a wire mesh bridge and collecting scar tissue tattoos on the insides of my knees. So a barhoppin' we went.

Saturday, I headed up to the 'Ville to get my LSD run out of the way. I started my HR training, running at 150-160 BPMs. I was conversational the whole way (I ran by myself) and averaged a little over 11 minutes per mile. I'm happy with that for now.

Afterwards, I got prepared for Jeff Hoke's nuptials at the Links of Gettysburg. It was like a mini high school reunion with a majority of friends in attendance along with their parents. Nothing could have been prettier than the weather, except for the bride, Fanny, who was absolutely glowing. After a lot of catching up, some great food and some wobbly pops, Z-man and I headed back to downtown Frederick for a couple more brews and second dinner - then we called it a night.

Sunday, I woke up around 9:30 and hit the road for a quick 3-mile recovery run. Noshed on some of the world's best pancakes and fruit whipped up by me Ma and then hit the road to pick up my pup.

Back to the real world again, which I should actually get back to...

MCM training schedule and HR Zone Training

I need to post this here, so everyone (at least everyone that reads RideCam) will know my mission and the training it will take to succeed. The following may bore you, but it's more for my needs...and as everyone knows, it's all about me.

Sunday: Recovey run (3 or so miles slow)
Monday: weights or bike
Tuesday: 5-6 miles (hills)
Wednesday: 8-9 miles (steady pace)
Thursday: 4-5 miles (steady pace)
Friday: Rest

LSD Runs (them long Saturday distances...woot!):

- 18-Aug: 10
- 25-Aug: 14
- 1-Sep: 12
- 8-Sep: 16
- 15-Sep: 10
- 22-Sep: 18
- 29-Sep: 13
- 6-Oct: 10
- 13-Oct: 20
- 20-Oct: 11
- 28-Oct: Marathon

I know the last bullet on my LSD list will be here before I know it.The heat has been a killer.

Yesterday, I just called it a day, because it stayed in the 100's until 8pm. Yuck! Today I'm going to muster the 4-5 miles, required per Newb's regimen, with great caution. It's supposed to be another blazing day under the sun.

HR ZONE TRAINING

I think I'm also going to try and weave HR zones into my training. Ultimately it makes sense. No more running quantity, but running quality. I assume improvements will be easier to monitor through HR levels...not just time. I also assume that while HR zone training will benefit the marathon training, it will vastly improve my adventure race training. We'll see...sometimes I drink the Kool-Aid too soon. Here's the idea:

First, you will need to know your resting heart rate. Over the next 3 days record your heart rate first thing in the morning, before you get out of bed. Take an average of those three days. Let's say day one is 48, day two is 50, and day three is 47. Your resting heart rate would be 48.

Next, we will determine your age-adjusted maximum heart rate. Take your age and subtract it from 220. So for a 32 year old the maximum heart rate would be, 188 (220-32=188). Then we need to figure out your heart rate reserve.

Take the 188 (maximum heart rate) and subtract your resting heart rate. (188-48=140). 140 is your heart rate reserve. Now we are ready to put your training zones together.

Example: ZONE 1

• Multiply your heart rate reserve by 40%. (140 x 40%= 56)


• Add resting heart rate back in. (56+48=104)


• This is the low end of heart rate zone 1.


• Multiply your heart rate reserve by 45%. (140 x 45%= 63)


• Add resting heart rate back in. (63+48=111)


• This is the high end of heart rate zone 1.

So heart rate Zone 1 = 104-111.

Use the following percentages to determine all 6 heart rate zones. Zone 2 = 50-55%, Zone 3 = 60=65%, Zone 4 = 70-75%, Zone 5 = 80-85%, Zone 6 = 90-95%.

As an endurance athlete you should spend most of your time training in heart rate zones 3-4. You must push your body into heart rate zones 5-6 for several short intervals or fartleks throughout the week. This will help you to recover quicker during the race when you need to push hard for an uphill section. Do all your recovery days in heart rate zone 1-2.

The method used above is a best guess method and will provide you with a staring point. If you want to really dial in your training zones you need to seek professional help. Your target heart rate training zones are the keys to a success racing and training season.- consult your doctor or trainer before beginning any exercise regiment.

Tomorrow, Hoppe has created a B-more City Spin that will connect a couple cool routes along the Harbor and some watering holes. Should be interesting...sweaty, but interesting.

Hey now

Sorry for the lapse in timely posting. I've been pretty busy with work and have been ramping up my marathon training - both have left me too pooped to even think about writing at night. The last week consisted of approximately 30 running miles and 30 bike miles - I fear the worst for this marathon as I don't think I am training right. I had forescasted a 4:00 marathon, which may be a little aggressive (and by a "little", I mean a lot)!

On the otherhand of my physical feats, my riding has taken on a whole new level of hammer-festing. I'm not sure what has gotten into me, but my normal trails are becoming very second nature and very easy to ride - on a singlespeed even! So, that's fun.

August 17th will be the kick-off for Zack and my attack on the C&O Canal. We will attempt to cover 184.7 miles from Cumberland to Georgtown. Zack on his trusty Trek and me on a handcrafted singlespeed grocery monster! Should be good to hit the trail with the Z-man!

This weekend I hit the Hoke nuptials. He and Fanny are getting their hitch on at the Links of Gettysburg. I better get out the good 'links! Hoping Fanny has a lot of hot, single, female doctors and/or nurses...I don't judge (hot, single and female - basic criteria).

Done writing. More proposal writing :(

Recap

Just a little recap from the weekend.

Thursday. Hit a Patapsco ride with Elton, Boring and crew (the Under Armor Triath crew). I haven't ridden out there for a while and it was a treat. I was riding on the single speed and had some reservations as to how I'd fair with these guys, who were riding geared lightweights.

Surprisingly enough I hung tough the whole ride. I was pretty self-impressed with some of the climbs I was managing. After 10 miles, a couple riders headed back to the park and ride, while Brian, Chris and I hit the ridge line for some more fun miles.

Friday. I went to a work friends open house. she's selling her house in B-more and she wanted to show it to friends - part pride, part "tell your friends". Afterwards we headed down to Fell's to see the Loose Caboose. Another fun show.

Saturday. Back to A-town to hang with the NoVa crew less Z-man. The players ended up being Newb, Wil, Eck, Kara and myself. We went to see the White Stripes at the Patriot Center. The show was ridiculously good. Two person band...I can't describe how good the show was...go see them yourself.

Afterwards we hit Dremos and then Wilson's Rooftop. Good times were had by all...I think.

It was good to hit my parent's place on Sunday for some good home cookin' and the unconditional love of my pup.

Ahh...such a loveable little killah!

This just in - Palooza pics (Thanks Kara!)

Presenting

PALOOZA AFTER DARK

Keith, Jimmy Freebird, Newbias, Hedges, Wil, Burl, your's truly

It's dark outside, cups in hand - you do the math. I think we're leaning on each other out of support (more structural than moral).

Me and Z

It's official. I can't take a serious picture. I'm attempting "Magnum" with not a lot of success. I just look like Zack's drunk buddy, which I am pulling off with a great deal of success

Coming soon...the PPEC (Palooza Pretzel Eating Championship) pics.

I'm racing in the Tour next year

I figure if I can just make the time cut-off for each stage, I'll have a fighting chance at a podium spot.

Seriously, the doping, lying and various other advantage-gaining tactics, have gotten way out of control. Whatever happened to long training days in the saddle, watching the diet, studying competitor tactics, etc? When your acumen and god-given talents were your edge. And if you didn't have those, well, you raced amatuer or were a hard-nosed domestique.

I don't like making blanket statements. There are way more honest riders than cheats and frauds, but I am getting very disgusted at these doping scandals. Once you get into the top echelon of pro cyclists, I would assume the edge over your true peers is harder to find. Throw large amounts of cash in the mix through sponsorship deals and bonus money, and now you have created your powder keg for cheating.

It happens in all sports - even chess (seriously - thanks Brad). I would love to have heroes again that I can honestly look up to and I would love to think that Lance, Floyd and Tyler are innocent. Nothing is sacred.

I am too mad to write more eloquently!

Oh, screw you, Chicken!

Proof of Purchase...very painful purchase

Big shocker that there is only one photo from my day of destruction (aka, the Xterra Du). Oy vay. Not looking happy at all. Note the horrible seat positioning...

yes, my right leg is at full-extension. It hurts just thinking about it.

Screw you, Vino!

That's it.

Confused? Read this.

Been a long time....

Haven't posted for a while. My athletic prowess has been lacking, although I have been running and riding...just not in the systematic way that I have been. I'm re-re-launching my marathon training next week. My ankle is starting to feel better, but I want to make sure that I'm not grinding it out prematurely.

Last week, I was able to get in two real solid mountain bike rides. Some very good mileage at Loch Seminary. Hoppe reacquainted me with the other trails on the eastern side of providence. Some awesome downhills and a gnarly uphill. Throw in some road climbs and you have a fun little addition. I have been enjoying the hell out of my single speed. It's a nice release from the mind-twisting worries of derailleurs and suspension.

I have been running as well, but nothing over 5 miles. I feel good, but I don't want to push the ankle.

This past weekend, was a athletics-free weekend. Grandmapalooza was on my plate, which started Friday. Friday afternoon we headed to Urbana to the Edmarve Farm for a weekend of debauchery. Wilson and I picked up some beers and found our way to a little piece of heaven on Prices Distillery Rd.

The Friday poker tourney was going to be underway at 6:30, so I had to get the tent up tout suite. And by tent, I mean carnival, big top proportions. I enlisted the help of Zack, Wilson, Harne and Fair to get the monster up. After some engineering, the bad boy was up - about 45 minutes later. Luckily, Little Harry wakes up doing shit or we might have been out of luck.

The tent became the transient home to many, but the permanent residence to Wilson, Z-man and myself. Barker became a Saturday crasher. Tent City has a number of other inhabitants who took residence outside the safety of the monster. The hope is that Tent City increases in numbers next year.

It was great seeing everyone there. In addition to the beer bus, the huge "Pimp My Smoker" with whole hog a cookin' and the new gaming rage, Cornhole - we were audibly delighted by the sounds of Bluegrass Blend.

Guesstimates are hovering at around 300 attendees. I can't wait for next year.

Rest for the wicked....

Wicked exhausted that is...nyuck, nyuck, nyuck! After a nearly debilitating weekend, a "shake the pain" run on Monday, and a chill ride (aka blazing fast ride) at Loch last night...this kid is gonna chill for a night or two. Maybe get a nice six-pack, grill some meat, chill on the patio with the neighbors, hang with the dog.....or go on a five-mile run.

We'll see.

In any light, I'll be watching the tour replay tonight. So maybe a nice French red and a baguette are in order.

So about last night's ride. I get to the Seminary parking lot and casually get ready for the ride while waiting for Hop's arrival. All decked out, tuned-up the single dinga, and prepped myself for the self-proclaimed easy ride that awaited me. I had forewarned Hoppe that in no way was I going to turn myself inside out.

Well, the ride kicked off and the easy pace was set. and then two miles in...off to the races!!!! Miraculously I felt great. We hit some trails that I haven't ridden in a LONG time, on the backside of the reservior near the dam. Hoppe put on a clinic and then I thought it was wise that I too put on a clinic...

It ended up being one of our fastest rides of the year. Both on singles. I've never been as strong on the Rig as I was yesterday. At the end of the ride, I was tapped out of water and I wanted to sleep on the church lawn.

HEY PRO CYCLISTS...STOP EFFING DOPING!!!!!!

It's not often a person applauds a whole country...but YAY Germany:

"We just received the news that the German public channels ARD and ZDF have indeed decided to pull the plug until the doping case of Sinkewitz is further investigated. The channels have said they hope that their action will send a strong signal to all of those involved in cycling."

Although I would be one PO'd TdF watcher...Versus better not follow suit.

Tour DAY France

The updated GC results from the "2nd annual Brad & Cam Waste Time at Work Talking About the Tour de France Poll" are in:

snydeheimer

1. valverde (2nd) = 2
2. vino (21st) = 34.2
3. evans (4th) = 1.6
4. leip (9th) = 7
5. mench (18th) = 15.6

Overall GC points: 60.4

chezcapie

1. vino = 40
2. valverde = 0
3. menchov = 24
4. kloden (8th) = 5.6
5. hincapie (39th (capped at 25 spots)) = 30

Overall GC points: 99.6

RideCam needs to have some of Crankenstein's GC riders "tested", if he has a chance of winning the GC at all this year.