I've had a major set back. It's really unbelievable. I don't even want to write the words as there is no way to avoid the embarrassement. There are moments in life when everything stops and you wish you could go back just a couple seconds: I drove my time trial bike, mounted to the roof of my car, into a small overpass and destroyed it.
There. I said it. The truth is out.
I stood outside the car, thrown into an adrenaline sweat, and assessed the damage. My grandmother-in-law, wife, and kids sat in the vehicle watching to see if I would explode. I quitely disassembled the cracked frame from the broken and bent roof rack. My 1 week old Zipp 808 wheel that I received as a father's day present was still strapped to the bent Thule rack. It now spins with a slight wobble.
This was over a week ago. I've been on suicide watch. I'm starting to come out of it. The word DUMB really sums the whole thing up pretty well.
I raced in the Warsaw Sprint triathlong last Saturday. Placed 11th out of 750. Had a good solid race. Friday I rode to Angola, killed my bike on the way home, swam a 1,300 on Monday evening. Tuesday ran 8 miles and did boot camp. Wednesday swam 3,500 yards in the AM. I haven't done anything today (Thursday). Tomorrow I took the day off to train. I'm thinking of doing a series of really super big days. I've got to put in the time.
So, you know anyone selling a high-end carbon fiber time trial bike in mint condition?
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Friday, June 25, 2010
Friday in June
Update for the week:
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Race Ride with the big boys. I was in the lead pack- killing it, when I broke another spoke. I think the Mavics are history. Very hilly course, intense pace - loved it. Had to linger back about 15 miles to my car, not knowing where I was, with a rear wheel that wobbled like a wagon wheel.
Wednesday: Ran 16 miles. Nice run, started out in a major thunderstorm, lightning, high winds, soaked shoes, poor visibility. Loved it. I didn't like running 16 miles with soggy shoes and socks, but that happens in triathlon so I kept with it.
Thursday: Swim. 1,000 free all out, 4 x 100 each stroke, 200 kick fly. Out. A quick one.
Friday: I'm going to rest again today. Tomorrow morning I'm doing a sprint triathlon in Warsaw, IN.
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: Race Ride with the big boys. I was in the lead pack- killing it, when I broke another spoke. I think the Mavics are history. Very hilly course, intense pace - loved it. Had to linger back about 15 miles to my car, not knowing where I was, with a rear wheel that wobbled like a wagon wheel.
Wednesday: Ran 16 miles. Nice run, started out in a major thunderstorm, lightning, high winds, soaked shoes, poor visibility. Loved it. I didn't like running 16 miles with soggy shoes and socks, but that happens in triathlon so I kept with it.
Thursday: Swim. 1,000 free all out, 4 x 100 each stroke, 200 kick fly. Out. A quick one.
Friday: I'm going to rest again today. Tomorrow morning I'm doing a sprint triathlon in Warsaw, IN.
Monday, June 21, 2010
120 Miles to Indy
It seemed like a nice thing to do for Father's Day - go see my Dad. And, I was scheduled for a long ride...so I rode to Indianapolis (Carmel really). But Fort Wayne to Indy for me. Something I've always thought of doing. 120 miles - the farthest I've ever ridden in one ride. And I did get to spend sometime with my Dad and family to top it off.
I didn't approach a ride of this distance with much forethought. I woke up Sunday, made some coffee, hugged my kids, read the paper, went through my normal Christian guilt for missing church again on Sunday morning, then started to plan out my workout. I quitely Google mapped Fort Wayne to Indianapolis and drew a line representing I-69 on an piece of paper. Then I wrote the names of most of the smaller towns on either side on the I-69 line...so that I could at least get my bearings as I happened upon little towns like Jonesboro, Markle, Upland and Elwood. From there, I'm embarrassed to write, I packed my nutrition for the ride: 1 Hostess Dunkin Stick, 1 banana, 1 chocolate covered Granola bar type thing which later melted it in my back jersey pocket. My pre-ride meal consisted of: 1 Hostess Dunkin Stick and two cups of coffee. Hostess? Shame. That has to be the absolute worst thing to eat. I don't follow a very holistic approach to my training, obviously.
The ride was good. I pedalled strong the whole way, only a few times did I stand to coast and stretch it out. I focused on my cadence and breathing, and just watched my shadow follow me along. The sun was horrible. I certainly didn't enjoy being in the sun that long. I had no where to hide, as it was a bright sunny hot day. I didn't get any flats, thankfully. Having not planned the morning well - I only had one spare tire. Normally two spares is a little smarter for that distance. I'm forever indebted to the woman that works at the Burger Dairy in Elwood, IN. She not only rounded down my bill (bought water and a Coke at mile 85) so that I didn't have to carry change, she also drew a map for the final 35 miles. That was perfect timing as I was growing a bit weary and losing focus.
I didn't approach a ride of this distance with much forethought. I woke up Sunday, made some coffee, hugged my kids, read the paper, went through my normal Christian guilt for missing church again on Sunday morning, then started to plan out my workout. I quitely Google mapped Fort Wayne to Indianapolis and drew a line representing I-69 on an piece of paper. Then I wrote the names of most of the smaller towns on either side on the I-69 line...so that I could at least get my bearings as I happened upon little towns like Jonesboro, Markle, Upland and Elwood. From there, I'm embarrassed to write, I packed my nutrition for the ride: 1 Hostess Dunkin Stick, 1 banana, 1 chocolate covered Granola bar type thing which later melted it in my back jersey pocket. My pre-ride meal consisted of: 1 Hostess Dunkin Stick and two cups of coffee. Hostess? Shame. That has to be the absolute worst thing to eat. I don't follow a very holistic approach to my training, obviously.
The ride was good. I pedalled strong the whole way, only a few times did I stand to coast and stretch it out. I focused on my cadence and breathing, and just watched my shadow follow me along. The sun was horrible. I certainly didn't enjoy being in the sun that long. I had no where to hide, as it was a bright sunny hot day. I didn't get any flats, thankfully. Having not planned the morning well - I only had one spare tire. Normally two spares is a little smarter for that distance. I'm forever indebted to the woman that works at the Burger Dairy in Elwood, IN. She not only rounded down my bill (bought water and a Coke at mile 85) so that I didn't have to carry change, she also drew a map for the final 35 miles. That was perfect timing as I was growing a bit weary and losing focus.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Learn how to kick to be a good swimmer.
Friday morning: Swam 4,200 yards this morning, mostly all freestyle. 168 laps. A good solid swim. I read recently some blog about a guy who is doing a 10k swim at Morse reservoir in Indy....made me realize I need to be putting in more yardage. There was a new guy at the pool this morning, thin as a rail, non-swimmer. He got in the lane with the 300lb woman rather than my lane. Fine with me. I had to comment to him at one point about his kick...it was as fast as a humming bird's wings but produced no forward propulsion. All it did was force his heart rate up, and he would stop in the middle of the pool gasping for air. I tried to describe what he needed to do, but it didn't seem to help much; he continued to kick as if he was trying to rapidly fling something off his big toe. I couldn't watch after a while.
Thursday: Rest day, slept in, felt great.
Wednesday: Ran 10 miles. I experienced a fair amount of left hip pain on this one. A sure sign of dead shoes. Or overuse. Or hip dysplasia, like an old dog. I'm going to buy another pair of shoes and worry about my hips when I'm older - as surely they'll need to be replaced someday.
Thursday: Rest day, slept in, felt great.
Wednesday: Ran 10 miles. I experienced a fair amount of left hip pain on this one. A sure sign of dead shoes. Or overuse. Or hip dysplasia, like an old dog. I'm going to buy another pair of shoes and worry about my hips when I'm older - as surely they'll need to be replaced someday.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Tuesday - Race Ride
I had a big Tuesday, yesterday.
First I hit the Boot Camp guys at the park and ran through the motions again - I'm getting stronger at that stuff, a little weak on the push-ups still. My biceps have always been a bit stunted.
After 'Camp' I rode to work, putting in some speed work- racing sporadically between telephone poles. I've discovered a new, perfect route to work. Very little traffic, nice road, straight 18 mile trip.
After work yesterday I went to the Tuesday Race rides and had a good showing. I attacked the pack twice and broke away solo. The first one was good because two guys came along and we worked together, dropping the group and finishing the 'race' strong. Then we re-grouped and started out again. I saw an opportunity to break again climbing a hill so I went for it, head down, legs like pistons, burning. After a few minutes I glanced back....and I was solo. No one came along to help. The term commitment comes into play at that time. If you break from the pack solo you can either give-up, look silly and gear-down until everyone catches you, or gear-up and see how long you can push it. I gave it my all, but was ultimately caught by two guys that bridged up to me. I was able to hang and finish top three anyway.
My legs are sore today: 43 fast Tuesday miles.
First I hit the Boot Camp guys at the park and ran through the motions again - I'm getting stronger at that stuff, a little weak on the push-ups still. My biceps have always been a bit stunted.
After 'Camp' I rode to work, putting in some speed work- racing sporadically between telephone poles. I've discovered a new, perfect route to work. Very little traffic, nice road, straight 18 mile trip.
After work yesterday I went to the Tuesday Race rides and had a good showing. I attacked the pack twice and broke away solo. The first one was good because two guys came along and we worked together, dropping the group and finishing the 'race' strong. Then we re-grouped and started out again. I saw an opportunity to break again climbing a hill so I went for it, head down, legs like pistons, burning. After a few minutes I glanced back....and I was solo. No one came along to help. The term commitment comes into play at that time. If you break from the pack solo you can either give-up, look silly and gear-down until everyone catches you, or gear-up and see how long you can push it. I gave it my all, but was ultimately caught by two guys that bridged up to me. I was able to hang and finish top three anyway.
My legs are sore today: 43 fast Tuesday miles.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Week 25
I've been following my program for 25 weeks now. I hopped on the scales this morning at the Y after my swim. I've lost two pounds. From 185 to 183.
I've been spending some good time on the bike lately, consistant for the last four days. About 120 miles total. I brought my bike into work this morning planning to ride home and then back again tomorrow. Commuting to and from work is such a pain. On Sunday night I have to plan what I'm going to wear for Tuesday, as the clothes need to be at work. I have ridden with a small pack on my back before with a change of clothes, that too is unenjoyable, feels more pack-mule rather than cyclist.
I'm obsessed lately with Zipp wheels. It's a curious process, contemplating a major investment in my pursuit of cycling. Zipp wheels are the equivalent of a Rolex watch. Or Ping golf clubs (I think those are good ones?), or like buying cookware from Williams-Sonoma. I would never wear a Rolex watch, even if I could afford to buy one, they're too pretentious. But I may soon be riding Zipp wheels. What's wrong with this? I don't think I can stop myself. Spending money on cycling is so easy to justify: it's for your health, your fitness, you only live once. And then I think of the kids college fund, and car repairs, and laundry detergent, and all the other things we need that cost money. I went so far as to attend a recent Zipp clinic, where a rep had the wheels available to try out. I rode a pair of 404's. Carbon wheels are sweet. I should have never gone there. Since then I've been re-evaluating my current stock pile of material goods, with crazy thoughts about what I can sell on eBay, like "do we really need a lawn mower", "how much can we get for these dishes", etc.
Oh well. Petty concerns. I put in a nice brick yesterday - 42 bike 8 mile run. This week is supposed to be an 'active' recovery week. I'm going to keep on training as we have a vacation coming up and I won't have my bike with me for a week.
I've been spending some good time on the bike lately, consistant for the last four days. About 120 miles total. I brought my bike into work this morning planning to ride home and then back again tomorrow. Commuting to and from work is such a pain. On Sunday night I have to plan what I'm going to wear for Tuesday, as the clothes need to be at work. I have ridden with a small pack on my back before with a change of clothes, that too is unenjoyable, feels more pack-mule rather than cyclist.
I'm obsessed lately with Zipp wheels. It's a curious process, contemplating a major investment in my pursuit of cycling. Zipp wheels are the equivalent of a Rolex watch. Or Ping golf clubs (I think those are good ones?), or like buying cookware from Williams-Sonoma. I would never wear a Rolex watch, even if I could afford to buy one, they're too pretentious. But I may soon be riding Zipp wheels. What's wrong with this? I don't think I can stop myself. Spending money on cycling is so easy to justify: it's for your health, your fitness, you only live once. And then I think of the kids college fund, and car repairs, and laundry detergent, and all the other things we need that cost money. I went so far as to attend a recent Zipp clinic, where a rep had the wheels available to try out. I rode a pair of 404's. Carbon wheels are sweet. I should have never gone there. Since then I've been re-evaluating my current stock pile of material goods, with crazy thoughts about what I can sell on eBay, like "do we really need a lawn mower", "how much can we get for these dishes", etc.
Oh well. Petty concerns. I put in a nice brick yesterday - 42 bike 8 mile run. This week is supposed to be an 'active' recovery week. I'm going to keep on training as we have a vacation coming up and I won't have my bike with me for a week.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Boot Camp is not Yoga
I hit the 6:00am boot camp workout this morning. We did jumping jacks, push-ups, 8-count boby-builders, burpies, crab walk, bear crawls, leg raises, leap frog jumps, and then ran a single file pace line around the neighborhood rotating a 25 pound bag of sand between us. Good times! Sprinting with a 25lb bag on sand over your shoulder was different.
8-count body builders are horrible. Standing in wet dewy grass, in the middle of a baseball field, squatting down, jumping into a push-up position, then jumping legs out, legs back in, push-up, jump to squat, then jump up in the air as high as you can. Do that sometime - 25 times, as fast as you can. Do it near something you can lean on afterwards.
Sunday I rode 92 miles then ran 5. A solid brick workout. It was yet another windy ride. I felt OK on the run, not really in the mood to do 21 more miles, but OK.
A friend of mine extended an offer to run a 30 mile trail run this weekend in Warsaw, IN. I might give it a go - slow and easy.
My kids started swim team yesterday - their very first practice. Before they got into the water I was going to tell them that it would hurt. I decided not to - just to let them learn. My younger son got out of the water later, it was cold, he was shivering, he was a little weepy, and he said "I hurt all over".
8-count body builders are horrible. Standing in wet dewy grass, in the middle of a baseball field, squatting down, jumping into a push-up position, then jumping legs out, legs back in, push-up, jump to squat, then jump up in the air as high as you can. Do that sometime - 25 times, as fast as you can. Do it near something you can lean on afterwards.
Sunday I rode 92 miles then ran 5. A solid brick workout. It was yet another windy ride. I felt OK on the run, not really in the mood to do 21 more miles, but OK.
A friend of mine extended an offer to run a 30 mile trail run this weekend in Warsaw, IN. I might give it a go - slow and easy.
My kids started swim team yesterday - their very first practice. Before they got into the water I was going to tell them that it would hurt. I decided not to - just to let them learn. My younger son got out of the water later, it was cold, he was shivering, he was a little weepy, and he said "I hurt all over".
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
update - Updated
Friday: rode 25 miles.
Saturday: Swam 2,000 yards. The life guard asked if I was the 'Gary' on the neat board on the wall that documents those that have swam the equivalent of the Panama Canal. Apparently I could earn a free Mexican dinner certificate or something from the Y if I participated. I said "No, I'm not Gary...but I could probably swim the Panama Canal". She agreed.
Sunday: Rode 70 miles / ran 5. Hooked up with some guys at Foster. One of them has done 8 Ironman distance triathlons - and boy did it show. I've ridden with him before - he rides with the Dentist. It was a pretty good ride once my Memorial Day Cookout from the previous night hang-over wore off in the heat. The 5 mile run was in the HEAT. I had to take a quick 20 minute nap after that ordeal.
Monday: Ran 2.2 easy with Zeke the dog. I keep repeating the words "with me" trying to get him to learn a phrase that means something.
Tuesday: Boot Camp. Only two of us showed up, me and the leader of the group. So - we ran a few miles and did push-ups. It was a bust.
Tuesday Night: Ran 6 miles then watched the boys play a double header until 9:30pm on a school night. To bed at 11:15pm.
Wednesday: up at 4:45am. Drove to the downtown pool. And then, catastrophe! It was bone dry. I hate that feeling. I was there, I was ready - and the pool was closed for repair. I quickly turned around and drove to the other Y across town. Swam a good 2,800 freestyle workout.
Saturday: Swam 2,000 yards. The life guard asked if I was the 'Gary' on the neat board on the wall that documents those that have swam the equivalent of the Panama Canal. Apparently I could earn a free Mexican dinner certificate or something from the Y if I participated. I said "No, I'm not Gary...but I could probably swim the Panama Canal". She agreed.
Sunday: Rode 70 miles / ran 5. Hooked up with some guys at Foster. One of them has done 8 Ironman distance triathlons - and boy did it show. I've ridden with him before - he rides with the Dentist. It was a pretty good ride once my Memorial Day Cookout from the previous night hang-over wore off in the heat. The 5 mile run was in the HEAT. I had to take a quick 20 minute nap after that ordeal.
Monday: Ran 2.2 easy with Zeke the dog. I keep repeating the words "with me" trying to get him to learn a phrase that means something.
Tuesday: Boot Camp. Only two of us showed up, me and the leader of the group. So - we ran a few miles and did push-ups. It was a bust.
Tuesday Night: Ran 6 miles then watched the boys play a double header until 9:30pm on a school night. To bed at 11:15pm.
Wednesday: up at 4:45am. Drove to the downtown pool. And then, catastrophe! It was bone dry. I hate that feeling. I was there, I was ready - and the pool was closed for repair. I quickly turned around and drove to the other Y across town. Swam a good 2,800 freestyle workout.
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