Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition Part 2

(Climb to the Clouds and Back)
Clearly the cold and climb had taken it our of us. The group of us slept in until about 7:45am. Check out wasn't until 10am so, we headed back over to the Log Cabin Pancake house where we decided to mix it up from the day before and ordered some more traditional breakfast food. I had a wonderful western omelet. Then it was back to the hotel to pack up and head to Asheville, NC. In new found efficiency we were packed up and ready to roll with time to spare. Our 1 1/2 hour drive was nearly doubled due to I40 being closed for a rockslide. The detour must have added 100 miles to our trip. As we neared Asheville, the traffic picked up so, we ducked off the highway and with a combination of Tom's man-compass and Bryan's black berry, we found our way through the city and to our hotel. Also equipped with a fire place. An added bonus.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

Our detour had added quite a bit of time to our journey so, we quickly geared up and headed out to the Blueridge Parkway on our bikes. The journey to the parkway turned out to be rather hectic. We had to take a detour due to construction on the direct route and road on 5 lanes roads along side full force traffic for the few miles to where the real riding begun. Our peril through traffic was worth it. The blacktop on the parkway was so smooth it felt like there was little to no rolling resistance. The road was smooth and scenic. However, we were not alone. The parkway in the area is used by those that want to circumvent the traffic in the city so, traffic was pretty heavy and there was no shoulder. We complained about people driving like idiots the day before but, that was nothing compared to what we were experiencing. There were far less curves and elevation and the speed limit was 45 opposed to 35 as it was on the climb to Clingmans Dome. The drivers were far less patient and they gave new meaning to close calls as they literally played chicken with one another to pass us. Just a few miles into our jaunt, we flew down a smooth descent for approximately a mile. At the bottom of the descent, there was an intersection and a bridge. We slowed from our 30+ speed and cautiously crossed the intersection. The joints were the bridge met the road were raised a couple of inches and each of used different approaches to cross it from bunny hops to simply slowing. A mile or so up the road we stopped for a restroom break. Upon our departure, Bryan discovered his approach of crossing the bridge was not entirely successful and we had our first and only flat of the trip.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

Soon after the ascent began. We stopped at the first overlook and took a few pictures.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

From that point forward, the theme was climb, rest, picture, climb. Along the way we ran into a sign the road was closed ahead. After approximately 13 miles and a short decent, we rode around a barrier and had the road to ourselves. From that point on the mission was simply to climb to the clouds. Contrary to the signs, the road was completely clear. As we climbed to the clouds the temperature began to drop. Likely due the time as much as the altitude. However, it was only 47 degrees when we left so, even a slight temperature drop was significant. Approx. 9 miles later we finally reached the cloud cover.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

After a unanimous decision to turn back we began our decent. It was then we realized just how much climbing we had done. The miles simply flew by as we raced down at 35+ mph. This time as a group, unlike the day before. Our route took us through the decaying tunnel we had passed through on the way up. This is where I experienced tunnel vision for the first time. I felt like I was going to lose my balance as my eyes focused on the light the awaited at the end of the tunnel. The return to the point at which we entered the parkway seemed to be racing towards us and after two huge descents, we were 1/2 of the way back. At this point, we were near the first descent and Tom informed us that he was struggling on the climbs. At this point fingers and toes were completely numb from the drop in temperature and 9 + miles of racing into the wind. Once we reached the exit, Tom pressed hard through the city traffic and detour to get back to our hotel and the sweet relief of the hotel's warmth. Or ride amounted to approx. 45 miles. Again, we huddled around the fireplace and took showers to warm our frozen bits and pieces. I thought the day prior's shower felt great but, it was nothing in comparison to this one. It was once again time for our nightly recover meal and beverages and we called a cab to bring us to a local micro brewery that also served pizza. Our cab picked us up, piloted by Bobby, the comedian, cad driver who entertained us with bad jokes and a smoker's cough until we reached our destination. Turns out we may a fantastic choice and we ended up at what must have been the best micro brew and pizza place in town. Not only was the beer wonderful but, the pizza was made from scratch. As we destroyed a Caribbean and Greek pizza and must have sampled every dark beer in the house. Using Michigan sample size glasses of course. That being a pint.

(Cold Mountain)
We were up again at 8am and raced down to the hotel’s buffet breakfast. This was no normal, half *ss buffet. It was a full layout, eggs, sausage, potatoes, yogurt, waffles, etc. This was the real deal. After a few trips to the buffet, we were ready to plan the day. Though there were some complaints from the group, I felt amazing and was ready to ride. Trusty weather.com, which had been failing us all weekend stating it was not raining as it down poured, stated that the temperature would be near its 50 degree high as earlier as 11. So, we geared up and were off by 10am to the start of the legendary Cold Mountain climb.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

The weather was windy and chilly but, the gloomy cloud cover that had blocked out the sun the previous two days had disappeared. I actually needed sunglasses. Tom had sung praises about Cold Mount but, I had no idea what I was in for. The ride out to the legendary 10 mile climb was about 9 miles. I was a pleasant, scenic ride along a river with little to no traffic. The view was breath taking but, dotted with what can only be described as shacks, old cars, yards filled with tied up hounds and trash. Our spirits were high as we began the ascent.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

I had survived the previous two days with my lowest gearing being 42-25. After the past hours of climbing, I was confident I was ready to take whatever Cold Mountain was going to throw at me. After all, it was only 10 miles to the top right? I even commented how the climb seemed easier than the last two days as I dropped back and snapped a few pictures

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

As the road’s curves turned to switchbacks, the grade became much steeper. Michael and I started to pull away from Tom and Brian and the pace seemed to instantly turn serious. I decided that I was ready to take whatever Michael was planning to dish out. Soon after I began to question my confidence in my gear. Or lack of it. I was ready to eat my words concerning not requiring lower gearing. Michael and I powered up the first few miles. The wind started to pick up after about mile 4. It was then I realized we were going all the way to the top. No waiting to regroup today. As we climbed I’d move along side Michael as we reached the relief of the straights but, fall just behind as then incline increased in the turns of the switch back. By mile 6, I was out of gear and I was force to get off the saddle and mash each time Michael would downshift and I began to fall behind. The rest of the climb was a battle of will. I struggled to stay on Michael’s wheel. The final two switchbacks were a true test. Relief came as we reached the bridge and our turn to get on the Blueridge Parkway. Michael and I decided that though we had not reached the highest point of the climb, it would be best to wait and regroup before moving on. We were lucky that the section of the parkway we were about to ride was again closed. So, we had the next 10 miles to ourselves. The views at the beginning were tremendous.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

As we ventured forward, the road was littered with debris. Apparently, the road was closed for just cause. The trees had been topped due to what we later were told to be an ice storm. It looked like a tornado came through or a bomb went off. The road was so quiet and desolate, we even ran across a bobcat.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

Besides debris, our closed section of the parkway was filled with wonderful views, ice covered rocks, snow and the occasional chunk of ice in the road. The descents in the section were commonly followed by a short up hill that could easily be climbed given the 30+ mph we would pick up on the downhill just before it. We reached then end of our private section of the parkway and took advantage of a photo opportunity as Tom and Michael convinced a friendly sightseer to fill up their water bottles.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

As we reached the end of our parkway, my bike was really suffering the abuse of the climbs and rain. The left shifter was locking up on and off and my cables were clearly stretched to the max so, shifting was very poor. I was happy that the Frankendale had made it as far as it had without issue and hopeful it would complete the trip. Next was essentially the reverse of our ascent. A road winding down the mountain side, then a peaceful ride to the beginning of the ride.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

Near the top, my front tire actually began to skid as I crossed a crack in the blacktop and I decided that I’d take a conservative approach on the way down. The group waited for me at the bottom of the steep winding fall to the base of the mountain. We regrouped and road the remainder of the return to the vehicle. Apparently, we were still descending as we easily maintained 27+ mph after forming a pace line as Michael towed us home. In the end, our ride ended up totaling just over 44 miles. Definitely, the best all around ride of the trip and quite possibly my favorite ever.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

On the way back to the hotel, we stopped at Subway for some much needed nourishment. After cleaning up, we headed back into Asheville and another local micro brewery. The beer was equally enjoyable as the night before and I experience sweet potato fries for the first time. I would have never guessed they would be so delicious.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

(Return Trip Home)

In the sake of time, I’ll keep the trip home commentary short. We left just after 6am for the 12 hour drive home. At least 9 of which end up being in the rain. We rotated drivers and kept ourselves busy telling tales and favorite events of the trip and using a stop watch to time mile markers to determine our speed. We arrived safe and sound in Canton. Narrowly, escaping a traffic jam on 275.


Can't wait til next year.

Quote of the trip:
"Y'all talk so fast, you make me feel stupid." - Random, Asheville Local

Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition Part 1

"You guys might not know this, I'm kind of a loner. I kinda think of myself of a one man wolf pack."

My teammate Bryan Deal and I had the pleasure of making the invite list to what can only be described as Spring Mountain Madness in the Smokies coordinated by teammate Tom Sterling and his close friend and cyclist Michael G. A trip that simply can't be summarized in a few simple words. Each day deserving a least a short story and/or list of highlights and mishaps. The following is what remains of my memory.

Departure and Warp Speed to Gatlinburg, TN.

We were locked, loaded and on our way from Tom's by 11:30 with bikes in tow on quite possibly the best rack on the planet on loan from our team captain which seemed to be perfectly designed for Admiral Sterling's Envoy.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

After a quick assessment of all necessities for the voyage it was apparent the crew of the SS Envoy would certainly perish on the journey due to boredom or insight a mutiny without essential XM satellite radio entertainment. Understanding the severity of the situation, Michael sprung into action, dialing XM radio to mitigate the potentially deadly situation. Using his powers of persuasion he was able obtain a 90 day free trial of XM radio. After only a few minutes the radio sprung to life and the crew of the Envoy quieted. It was then that I first noticed the hint of red clothing peaking out from under his collar. With our new source of musical entertainment, black berries and hours of conference calls, the drive flew by. With the exception of a roll over accident in southern Kentucky, traffic was unbelievably light. Apparently, the driver lacked the third grade education to comprehend the recall notices they had been receiving in the mail for the Firestone tires on their vehicle. You could clearly see the tread peeled from the rear tire of the SUV as it laid on it's roof. Luckily the family looked more shaken than stirred as all 8 that had inhabited the vehicle sat outside it as the emergency crew attended to them. As we neared Gatlinburg Tom's patience wore thin and he decided to engage the Envoy's warp engines, powering us in speeds in excess of 100 mph. We arrived at our top secret destination in Gatlinburg at approximately 8pm. 6 hours ahead of schedule.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

(Not really, the speedometer broke but, we did arrive at 8pm.) Our accommodations were amazing. A two bedroom condo, equipped with a full kitchen, fire place and balcony with a partial view of the mountain and overlooking a small river/creek.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

Less women and children, the group moved with incredible efficiency, unloaded and headed to the Smokey Mountain Brewery. Our overly friendly waitress Brandy ensured our grumbling stomachs were satisfied with some fantastic house burgers and wings with signature sauce, while our thirst was quenched with some fabulous porters and ale. Brandy also combated our sarcasm and poor jokes by nicknaming Bryan "Mouth", threatening to no longer serving us and tell us stories of her childhood, education and children. After a short walk home and a Guinness or two around the fire it was lights out at 11:30.

Ascent, Wind Burn and Frozen.
Our excitement stirred us from our bed at approx. 6am. Given nothing is open or working except the grocery store and police before 7am in Gatlinburg. Including the TV. The decision was made that a grocery run would be the best use of time before breakfast. In usually man-fashion, we ventured out without directions to find the nearest grocery store. Using Tom's interna-man-compass we found the store and stocked up on vital supplies for the trip. After a fantastic, oatmeal, raisin and brown sugar breakfast at the Log Cabin Pancake House we huddled around Tom's computer to plan the timing of our ascent to Clingmans Dome. Hoping to avoid as much of the forecasted 70% rain as possible. Given the temperature was near it's predicted maximum for the day (high 40's), we decided no time was better than the present. It was during our preparation that our suspicions were confirmed. Michael G. was no ordinary man. He emerged from his room dawning his crimson red, crime fighting, bulletproof, super hero uniform. We were in the presence of Bikeman.

After wiping the tears of joy from my eyes, Bikeman pryied Bryan from his leg and the excitement faded, we gave the bikes a final check over and left to begin our 20 mile ascent.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

We made a short stop at the visitors center just outside of town and the scenic road began to wind and reach towards the top of the mountain obscuring our view ahead. The climb was serious from the that point on. The elevation was steep and I was forced into my second to lowest gearing almost immediately (42-23). Within the first mile I was already having an internal debate of whether I had been too confident and my choice not to gear down my bike for the trip was a mistake. I think Bryan was doing the same as he questioned whether his conditioning was going to be sufficient to last the day and he remainder of the rip. The rest of the climb was a challenge but, pure enjoyment. With the group in tow, Bikeman would power up a series of switch backs for a mile or two then we'd regroup, rehydrate and refuel at an overlook or point where the shoulder had widened. The leafless trees offered an unobscured view of the scenery. As we climbed the temp dropped, snow appeared in the ditches and the once running water turned to ice. Probably 14 miles and 11 or so into the climb and ~1 from the road to Clingman's dome, the wind picked up and the rain started. The wind was intense and seem to freeze our sweat soaked clothes almost instantly. As we rounded a corner further up, the wind became almost over powering. Bikeman and I had gapped Tom and Bryan. Realizing I was a mere mortal and did not posess the power of flight or fire, Bikeman noted that we may need to make a call on whether to continue or begin our decent. We decided to climb one more switchback and make a call at that point. Coincidentally, around that corner was the Newfound Gap overlook. We decided it was a good place to regroup and make a decision to continue or turn back. We again regrouped and after a quick chat with a clearly starved for human contact, Appalachian trail, hiker. Tom's internal man-compass was telling him the road to Clingman's Dome and the final 7 miles of ascent was just around the corner. So, we decided to continue our climb.  As we neared the road a construction worker posted in a truck rolled down his window and flagged us down to Guard posted informed us that the road was not just closed for the season but, unpassable due to construction. Give the weather, that was all of the information we needed. The rain had picked up and the weather quickly deteriating. The temperature had to be near freezing. We used a snowbank as a make shift camera tripod and snapped a couple of group pictures and began our decent.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

This was the point that I realized that I was not only in the company of one man that possessed super powers but, two. Bikeman and Tom began their decent ahead of Bryan and I. At this point the roads were completely wet and we were freezing. With both men possessing the power of flight, Bikeman and Tom were completely out of view after only a few turns. It was clear they were hovering just above the pavement in order not to draw too much attention as they bombed down the mountain at speeds exceeding 40 miles an hour. At points the actually caught traffic, causing them to pull over in fear of being knocked out of the way. Being mere mortals and fearing for our safety, Bryan and I decented together at a much more conservative speeds and only reached a maximum speed of about 38 mph. It was unbelievable rush on the downhill. While traffic would catch us on the straights, we'd quickly gap cars as we winded through the hair pin, 20 mph turns. My hands and toes were freezing and my metal brake levers felt like knives cutting into my hands. Bryan I stopped twice on the way down to regain the use our frozen appendages. The super humans awaited below in the visitors center warming themselves under the hand dryers. We pedaled back through town to the secret hideout with a total of about 32 miles for the morning. We were completely frozen. We huddled around the fire place to try and warm our near frozen feet and hands. After warming up a little, I looked over my bike and realized I had burned through at least 1/2 of the new brake pads I had put on for the trip. I don't think a hot shower ever felt so good. There was a period where my toes felt as if needles were being jabbed into them as they regained feeling. After cleaning up and the super heroes changed back into their disguises, we headed over for the buffet at the Log Cabin Pancake house. Salad, soup, fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, pasta, you name it. It was fabulous. The afternoon slipped away.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

The group cleaned their filthy bikes and we napped as Micheal attended to some business over the phone for the Daily Planet newspaper or wherever he works. The peer pressure and shine of the other clean bikes in the condo was too much for me to bare so, I decided to clean up the Frankendale a little. After wiping down the rear tire, I discovered it was indeed a good decision. The sidewall of my rear tire had been sliced at some point on the ride and he tube was bubbling through it. It was nearing 5pm so, we needed to act quick. Bryan sprang into action and performed a quick search of the area for the nearest bike shop and we raced to the Envoy. After a quick call to the first bike shop to confirm their location and hours we discovered it was closed. However, in the spirit of true southern hospitality, the person on the line offered to meet us later that evening in Gatlinburg with a replacement tire. Being a risk adverse person, I decided that it'd be best to hedge our bets and try to reach the next closest bike shop and take the kind stranger up on his offer if our search for the shop was fruitless. At this point we had only an hour to travel to the next closest shop Shifting Gears which was located approx. 15 miles away in Sevierville. Now 15 miles does not seem too far. However, in the Gatlinburg area, it is at least an hour drive and we only had about 1/2 of that. Even with Tom driving no less than 120mph now (speedometer still broken), it was going to be tough to make it. Traffic was a mess and the GPS useless.  It had us driving in circles. After a series of calls to the shop and friendly directions, we made it to the shop 3 minutes before closing time at 6pm. We receive fantastic service, chatted about our adventures and attempt on Clingman's Dome, purchased an inexpensive tire and some brake pads (just in case), got great directions on how to get back to Gatlinburg and avoid traffic, discussed some other potential rides in the area and were on our way. Many thanks to Shifting Gears. Not only would I recommend them to anyone based on their customer service, they really saved my behind.

From Precision Adventures - March 2010 Edition

After installing the new tire, cleaning and taking all of the new slack in the brake cables on my bike, we had dinner a nearby Mexican restaurant and washed it down with the perfect beverage to accompany the meal, Dos XX's amber.

Stay tuned. More to come.

Finally! No more Gears.

The Motobecane has officially been converted to single speed. It's also got a new set to Kenda small block 8's. Test ride around the neighborhood scheduled for the afternoon. I can already tell you that I am entirely unhappy with the tensioner I put on. Well maybe it's not the tensioner's fault but, it's use with my particular model of bike. The whole reason I bought it was because it was one of the only ones I found that was a "push up" style. However, with the particular gearing and length of my chain stays, I was only able to use it in "push down" mode. I am hoping I can it positioned the way I want if I put some 1/2 links or something in the chain later. I would have just threw on a smaller cog but, I want to stick with 2 to 1 gearing out of the gate.

What a freaking ordeal the conversion and new tires turned out to be. I had to make an emergency run to Jim's to get a presta adapter to use my compressor to inflate my tires and get the beads to set. I spent at least an hour pouting over the fact I couldn't use the tensioner the way I wanted and I was barely strong enough to get the tires on. They are tighter fit than my Pythons. Which are actually tubeless tires. To top it off, I discovered that my rear derailleur way so loose, it was ready to fall off my bike (that would have been sweet at Iceman) and I need about 1/2 of my spokes replaced in my rear wheel. The 2 or 3 times my chain sucked in between my cassette and spokes last year pretty much sawed them in 1/2.

Hopefully a spin outside will stop all of this whining and complaining. But, first to clean up the mess I made of the basement.

***UPDATE***
Went for spin. Bike road fantastic. The drive train is totally silent. Before I left, I decided that I would try and figure out why my handle bars were creaking the last few times I rode my bike last year. The bottom two bolts on the face of the stem were finger tight. I am not sure how the bars weren't spinning in the stem. I am shocked they held up at Iceman.

Tigertown 5000 - July 24th, 2010

Well, after a short mental debate, I've decided to skip the Tree Farm Relay for the Tigertown 5000 this year. I've missed it the last two years and Mr. Desgrange has stepped up his game with an official beer sponsor and post race hog roast. Can't pass up the chance to hang out with my former college team members, a night out in Liberty Center, a small but, well run race and a great after party.

htttp://tigertown5000.blogspot.com

Another week down.

The work week really flew by this week. It was a crazy week. Lots of estimating and planning to do for a large effort April-July.

The wife and I went out to the Our Lady Peace concert at the Fillmore last night. I was feeling a bit under the weather before we left but, it didn't affect me to much. It was nice to have a night out with the wife without the kids. We don't get a chance to get out that often. The concert was great. OLP is great live and the Fillmore is such small venue, there is not a bad spot in the place. Once we were there, I kinda wished we would have brought a camera but, I suspect pictures would have turned out terrible in the dark with all of the lights in the light show. So, it probably wouldn't have been worth the hassle of carrying it around.

This morning was another story. I woke up miserably sick. My ears and throat hurt. Some of the world's best remedy for sickness, Theraflu, got me through the day. It was basically 70 degrees and sunny in SE Michigan and the weather forecast is looking terrible for next week. Bryan from the team had sent a note that he was heading out to Hines after work and I just couldn't pass up the chance to ride on possibly the nicest weather we'll see here until April. So, we met up and rode out to Northville and back. We crossed paths with Melissa from the team on the way back. Ended up getting an easy 26 miles in. Hoping the fresh air did me some good and I'll wake up feeling better than this morning.

Rain, Sweat & Beers!

A handful of the PrecisionMTB team made an appearance at the Corktown races this morning. We had small but, good group. Bryan Deal, Jim Senska, Andy Staub, myself and Andy E. and his family cheered us on. We were fortunate that the rain, which had been relentless the day prior and the morning of broke just in time for the race. The start of the race was a real site to see. There was sea of green shirts, hats, beads, face paint and in some cases, fish net stockings. The race was an out and back. We went our directly into a head wind. I went out in what I felt was a conservative 5:25 first mile. I heard the split at the mile, did the math in my head, knew I was on pace to break my 17 minute goal and felt good. The competitive blood started boiling over in my veins and I put in a big surge passing a small group of runners that had slowed due to the increasing head wind. I surged for what equated to approx. a 1/2 mile. Then the reality of my 170+ lbs and lack of running came drushing down upon me. I struggled through the nex 1/2 mile and came through mile two in 5:49. At the time I wished I hadn't heard the demoralizing split. I knew 17 minutes was now out of reach. I tried to fight the burning in my lungs, the cramp forming in my diaphram and the lack of power in my legs through the next mile but, it was all over. I was spent. The next mile felt like two. I was so disoriented that I was looking ahead for some kind of landmark to gauge the distance remaining that and didn't even see the old train station. As I neared the turn into the finished, I clicked off my third mile split, 5:56. I rounded the corner and cruised to the finish. Not much else to say about the race other than, I am worse shape than I had hoped and I officially ran the worst 5k of my life. 17:47.  On a positive note, I did see a quite a few familiar faces and friends from my high school and college days. That alone made the day.

The festivities after the race turned out to be much more enjoyable. Bryan Deal and I ended up at Corktown tavern with Andy Staub, Jim Senska and a few friends.

In the end, we had a blast and are planning to be back next year.

Lot's of work left to do before the GLR. Can't wait for the weather to break. This rain is miserable.

Mak'n the best of it.

Well, this crappy weather was good for something today. The kids and I took another tour of the Henry Ford Museum. The kids had a blast. We used the little machines there that create little injection molded cars and trucks and I had to keep them from running as they pretended to race them through the museum. They even had the big steam engine running while we where there. That's are real site to see. Almost as cool as the giant locomotive they've got in there.

I even broke out the trainer this evening and put in a solid 30 minutes. Compared to the hour long spin class this morning, things were much more enjoyable on the trainer.

I've been day dreaming about the new bike a ton lately and keep having what I can only describe as "daymares" that I am going to get the bike and it'll be too big and I'll be all laid out and miserable on it. Knowing the road bike I have is even larger than the Giant I have on order, I decided to officially check my saddle position with a plum bob tonight. Turns out I had my seat in completely incorrect on my bike. I had it as far forward as possible when it really needed to be back as far as possible. I always felt so stretched out on my road bike.  Which was one of the reasons I had the seat forward. Even, though looking at the pictures of me in a road race last year, it was clearly not the case. I clearly ride in a more upright position. But, I felt that way anyway. Especially, when riding on the hoods. Even after moving the seat back, I am still sitting a little upright compared to the rough check of having the bar obscure the front axle of the bike. I did some spinning on the trainer and it felt good so, I will give it a shot. I also changed my cleat position on my shoes. I clearly had them too far forward. Way in front of the center of the ball of my foot. I have  nice crack that has formed in my shoes that made this pretty clear.

Corktown 5k tomorrow. Hoping we aren't rained out.

100 days to LJ

It's now officially 100 days until Lumberjack. Plenty of time to prepare. With all of this spring weather, my training intensity is down but, my time spent training is up. Spring is about to bring its endless amount of rain. Likely throughout the weekend. Hoping that I can get a ride in between showers on Saturday and the Corktown 5k is not a wash out on Sunday. I avoid running in the rain as much as possible. The result of getting caught in it usually results in 2 weeks off due to blisters. I am really hoping for nice weather so, I can commute down to the race by bike with some of my fellow team members.

First week of the change in diet/livestyle has been a wash. Still 172lbs. Guess I should stick to the program.

"Honey, if you need me, I'll be outside."

55 degrees and sunny out right now. I am crawling my cubical at work. Ready to get outside and play. I was debating spin class. Not a chance that I stepped outside and saw this lovely weather. Outdoor activities only.

Boom!

***Warning, shortness of breath and rapid heart beat may occur after clicking on this link***

The sunshine and near 50 degree temperatures have pushed me over the edge. New bike ordered this afternoon and expected to to arrive at the end of the month. Not in time for the trip at the end of the month but, just in time for spring temperatures and hopefully clear/clean shoulders on the road.

Thank you to KLM Fitness and a wonderful wife for giving the green light.

D*mn I love Spring, 2010 race schedule posted

The sun is a drug like no other for us people with SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorder). While, I've never been officially diagnosed, I am 100% positive I am afflicted with it. Here I sit at my computer with only a hint of sun peaking through the curtains and I can feel the sun pulsing through my veins. Urging me outside.

I made the final touches to my 2010 race schedule this morning. I definitely expect it will change around and/or I'll pick up a race or two but, I've posted the highlights/plan for the moment. Dates cleared with the wife. The most important detail of all.

Great day of training yesterday. 6 miles of running and an hour of spin. Hoping to get in an hour of running today. Then a 50 miler on the road bike tomorrow. Given the sun still has my pumped.

Final Experiment

So, last step for the intial Blog config. Email --> Blog --> Facebook test. The plan is to post public happenings through my phone to the blog when I am not at arms length from my computer. Think race results, vacations, etc. I finally got a update to show up from my blog to facebook last night. It appears, I simply wasn't waiting long enough. Facebook claims feeds get picked up within 3 hours. Reality is, it take about 8-12. Oh well, guess that works for me.

Put in a decent 55 minute run yesterday. My legs are crazy sore today. I forgot how much I love the sun. I underdressed a little yesterday and was really suffering. My entire left arm went numb after about 35 minutes. I was debating cutting it short but, couldn't bring myself to do it. The sun was just amazing and I could sense the smell of Spring in the air. I think everyone knows this smell. The only way I can describe it is refreshingly clean. Every year when I get a sense of it, I can't help but reflect on how miserable winter is. I am really getting psyched about this Spring. Looking forward to long bike rides with the kids. Really hoping my daughter will drop the training wheels this year and we can hit Hines Drive on Saturdays as often as possible.

I am totally exhausted today. My son's been up at night with the stomach flu and I was out late last night for Weds. night triva at BWW's with some team members. I am going to have to power nap before attempting any form of physical activity this evening.

---

Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now.

The Plan? Clean Living

So, I've held true to my training strategy for the New Year. No less than 5 days a week of a minimum of 45 minutes cardio training a day. Whether that be on the bike, spin class or running. Weights have gave way for a daily routine of push ups and sit ups. I've seen the most improvement in this area. With the cycling season nearly a month a way, it's time to modify the training program from maintain to improve. What does that mean? Running, running and more running. Cycling and spin class are great and have made up 90% of my training since the New Year but, I am convinced they don't have nearly the fitness benefits that running does. Especially, given the fact that I simply don't have more than an hour a day during the week to devote to "working out." I've decided I need to put in at least 3 hour long runs a week and maintain this as long as I can throughout the season. Now is that something that I will start doing immediately?. Certainly not.
Running is hard. There is no if, ands or buts about it. At my current weight (172lbs), an hour run is simply too painful and too hard. This is coming from someone that consistently ran 80 miles a week through high school and college. I’ve tested this theory. I ran 57 minutes last Saturday and 56 minutes the Saturday prior. My joints and back simply can’t take the pounding at my current weight. So, that's where the “clean living” comes into play. How clean you ask? Clean enough to drop at least 10lbs. Will I attempt some preppy beach body, organic, uncooked, whole foods diet? No way. Well, at least not initially. I plan to do cut out three things from my diet.

#1 - Fast Food. I don’t eat a lot of it but, it seems to find its way into my belly 3-4 times a week.

#2 - Desserts, treats and snacks. The bad kind, I am the kind of person that likes to eat 3 or 4 Costco chocolate chip cookies and then go for a run or a ride. Then another few after lunch. Or anytime I walk by them.

#3 - Beer. This is the key. I love beer. Rich, thick, dark beers. Stouts, porters, IPA’s, etc. Gotta cut back on this. So, only in social settings. At least until I can hit my running goals.

This simply dieting strategy pealed 10lbs off me in only a few weeks last year. So, I am hoping for the same results this year. I started this “plan” last Saturday and so far, I’ve been able to maintain points #1 and #3. But, it’s girl scout cookie time and I knocked out a whole sleeve of short bread cookies in a day at my desk at work this week.

The Corktown 5k is less than two weeks away. While I definitely don’t have any thoughts of putting up a decent time at the race, I am a little scared to see what kind of running shape I am really in. Whatever it is, I already know it’s not going to be pretty. As usual, I have lofty and unobtainable goals for myself. Under 17 minutes is what I am thinking will allow me to call the race a success. Man, I never thought I’d see the day when under 17 minutes for a 5k sounded intimidating.

Blogspot 2 Facebook Connection Established

Well, it took me all of two hours but, it appears I've figured it out. If this makes it through, it's proof that the mission is accomplished. Postings to my blog will show up on my facebook wall, news feeds of others and I was even able to add a new tab in my facebook profile where people can see the last 5 posts in my blog. Even better, the hyperlinks work from facebook to direct people back to my individual postings.

As with all of my victories, this one may be bitter sweet. The two hours I burned overlapped my time to train today. Wanted to run too. Hoping to muster up the mental strength to at least get on the rollers tonight.

I've got me pair of cheap sunglasses

Given I haven't been able to make up my mind on the great "Gears" or "One Gear" debate this year, I've been holding back on any large bicycle purchases this year. So, I've hade to set my sights on the little stuff. For example, some new shades for the season. Last year I debated and debated, trying to determine how to spend way too much money on a pair a versatile, yet durable pair of sunglasses to wear while cycling. I just couldn’t justify spending ~$100 on pair of sunglasses that I knew wouldn’t last the season. So, a little time and some googling and I settled on these bad boys.

Cooper Safety Glasses

Yep, some good ol’ fashioned, cheap, safety glasses. Three pairs in fact. One, clear, one tinted and an amber pair for those overcast days. All for the low price of about $20 with shipping. I expected these to break on their first trip to the trail or first crash but, they’ve help up pretty well. Also, given the face they are frameless, they make great cycling glasses since they don’t obstruct your vision in any way. So, I am considering buying a couple more pairs for this season. Mostly, to replace my regular sunglasses that have seen better days. What’s better than a pair of sunglasses you don’t have to worry about losing or getting broken? The added bonus is that every dollar I save on glasses can be better spent on new bike parts. I encourage anyone out there looking for cycling eyewear to give them some consideration.

Testing, Testing, 123...

What's this? It's my own blog. Why you say? I've got a facebook page, made promises to post on my team blog and have a blog dedicated to an all but, dead project. Why? Cause I want one. One free from the constraints of facebook. One free from the restraints that a team blog imposes and requires. One that’s mine, all mine, just for me. How selfish, huh? Well, it’s mine so, I can do what I want with it. I am actually hoping to figure out how to get this linked in with my facebook profile and simply post happenings, events, updates, etc. here opposed to the confines of facebook. So, the just that challenge alone seems to be enough to motivate for me at the moment. Plus, this gives me the opportunity to do some art work for the blog logo as well. Who knows, I may not be able to link this in to facebook and may lose interest immediately. Or maybe, I'll succeed and post on a daily basis. Time chall tell.