There have been some great things about this vacation already, bucket list items ticked off.
- I have seen the western mountains
- I have run in them
- I have run the highest altitude I will likely ever try
- I have seen one of the great biking Meccas in America
- and of course I've spent some wonderful quality time with the family
Mesa Verde is interesting, but a 4-hour tour? I was a 5th grade teacher for 17 years of my career. The Indian nations of the US is a central theme. There wasn't much shared today I haven't already taught, so... I could have skipped this part.
Didn't sleep well last night, so I took a nap after. Ten it was a 5-mile run at an altitude of 8100+ feet. It is amazing how fast you can get winded, which will be evident once I upload my vacation runs. It was breathtaking in every sense.
Oh, and another side effect - 10% humidity means no sweating and dry sinuses. Nose bleeders beware!
Tomorrow we drive to Colorado Springs.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Thursday, June 7, 2012
The Odyssey
You know it's going to be a long day when your first flight on the itinerary gets cancelled. We received no advance notification, no call, no e-mail, no nothing. Thanks, American Airlines.
We managed to convince the lady to try and get us to Moab TODAY. Sure, she could get us to Dallas, but the flight to Grand Junction happened only once a day from Dallas, and we'd miss it. The only other option was to fly to Salt Lake City, Fly to Denver, lay over at Denver, then take some unknown airline (picture "Raiders of the Lost Ark II", cattle and chickens running loose in the passenger area)... and on top of that, it would be 6 hours in Denver. If all went well.
Fortunately I had an epiphany. "Why are we flying to Utah, flying out of Utah, then flying back into Utah?", I asked. It was only a 3-hour drive from SLC to Moab, we could surely rent a car and make it today. So that's what we did.
Getting the car wasn't as easy as it sounded. No company wanted to rent one-way, that is until Avis. They put us into a nifty little Dodge Avenger (you know, what state troopers now use?), red of course. It did take a while to straighten out the red tape, but Leisa is a bruiser in negotiations.
It was the best way to go, as it turned out. We saw a huge hunk of Utah, noting how the grey hues of the northern mountains change to clay coloration in the southeast. The terrain varied greatly too, far more so than you can imagine. This state has a strong demarcation of geography, with one foot in the Rockies, another in the high plains, and a third still in mesas.
Entering Moab, one could not help but notice all the bikes and jeeps. Every third vehicle was either a jeep or a vehicle with a bike on it. Off-road vehicles littered the countryside around, and once in town, there were at least four different bike shops within a square mile.
You had me at Moab. You had me at Moab.
We ate at a little a little Italian place called Pasta Jay's, and it was the best pizza and bread I've eaten since Italy. It really was worth every penny. It was even better the excellent Japanese restaurant we hit at lunch, "The Last Samurai". Lunch was delicious, and it was all the more fascinating because of the three homeless guys dancing half-naked outside the window, begging passing cars for change. The climax of the performance featured one homeless guy pouring a jug of water over the head of another, who was by then in the throws of rapture. The only thing, and I mean the ONLY thing missing was "Frankie Goes to Hollywood".
Tomorrow we go to Arches National Park. I also find a biking jersey. Oh yes, I find a biking jersey...
- Making the world a better place, one post at a time!
We managed to convince the lady to try and get us to Moab TODAY. Sure, she could get us to Dallas, but the flight to Grand Junction happened only once a day from Dallas, and we'd miss it. The only other option was to fly to Salt Lake City, Fly to Denver, lay over at Denver, then take some unknown airline (picture "Raiders of the Lost Ark II", cattle and chickens running loose in the passenger area)... and on top of that, it would be 6 hours in Denver. If all went well.
Fortunately I had an epiphany. "Why are we flying to Utah, flying out of Utah, then flying back into Utah?", I asked. It was only a 3-hour drive from SLC to Moab, we could surely rent a car and make it today. So that's what we did.
Getting the car wasn't as easy as it sounded. No company wanted to rent one-way, that is until Avis. They put us into a nifty little Dodge Avenger (you know, what state troopers now use?), red of course. It did take a while to straighten out the red tape, but Leisa is a bruiser in negotiations.
It was the best way to go, as it turned out. We saw a huge hunk of Utah, noting how the grey hues of the northern mountains change to clay coloration in the southeast. The terrain varied greatly too, far more so than you can imagine. This state has a strong demarcation of geography, with one foot in the Rockies, another in the high plains, and a third still in mesas.
Entering Moab, one could not help but notice all the bikes and jeeps. Every third vehicle was either a jeep or a vehicle with a bike on it. Off-road vehicles littered the countryside around, and once in town, there were at least four different bike shops within a square mile.
You had me at Moab. You had me at Moab.
We ate at a little a little Italian place called Pasta Jay's, and it was the best pizza and bread I've eaten since Italy. It really was worth every penny. It was even better the excellent Japanese restaurant we hit at lunch, "The Last Samurai". Lunch was delicious, and it was all the more fascinating because of the three homeless guys dancing half-naked outside the window, begging passing cars for change. The climax of the performance featured one homeless guy pouring a jug of water over the head of another, who was by then in the throws of rapture. The only thing, and I mean the ONLY thing missing was "Frankie Goes to Hollywood".
Tomorrow we go to Arches National Park. I also find a biking jersey. Oh yes, I find a biking jersey...
- Making the world a better place, one post at a time!
Wednesday, June 6, 2012
Getting it done
My knee was sore last night after our Spring Mill run. I'd hoped it would pass quickly, and I would be able to get up and run with the girls this morning. I couldn't. The knee was VERY sore, and I played it cautiously and didn't run. It was tough, because I really wanted to go.
I did ride. I'd planned 50 but settled for 32, once again because of the knee. It was sore again after the ride. By this point, I was becoming concerned.
Walking around the house after the ride, I managed to pop it a little - just a little. It seemed to make a difference. I also got another surprise - the Garmin came in. I really wanted to test this baby out before heading on to vacation tomorrow, so if there was any way possible, I was going to run.
Jimmy had his heart set on quarters. I can't remember the last time he lobbied so hard to get people to join a workout, or another time when it was met with such decided indifference. I hadn't planned to be there, and had warned him of such; since I didn't run this morning, I surprised him and showed up. Galloway, Dan, Robin, Scott, and Miller were there too, along with Bartlett.
Miller and Scott were only along for a few miles, and Bartlett did what Bartletts do and went straight on when we started the workout. Robin did it here own way, of course, leaving Galloway, Jimmy, Dan, and me to conform to Jimmy's wishes.
The workout was 12 quarters with a minute break, starting when the last person came in. This afforded a longer break for the guys who finished first, but fair only exists in a vacuum sealed glass jar orbiting earth on the space station.
If you want to scan the results, look here. It's the breakdown from my GPS. The short of it is we were between 1:30-1:35 on all of the splits. Sounds fine until you realize that means between 6:00-6:20 pace, which isn't even at all. We'll have to do better.
Gotta go for now. Packing and such!
I did ride. I'd planned 50 but settled for 32, once again because of the knee. It was sore again after the ride. By this point, I was becoming concerned.
Walking around the house after the ride, I managed to pop it a little - just a little. It seemed to make a difference. I also got another surprise - the Garmin came in. I really wanted to test this baby out before heading on to vacation tomorrow, so if there was any way possible, I was going to run.
Jimmy had his heart set on quarters. I can't remember the last time he lobbied so hard to get people to join a workout, or another time when it was met with such decided indifference. I hadn't planned to be there, and had warned him of such; since I didn't run this morning, I surprised him and showed up. Galloway, Dan, Robin, Scott, and Miller were there too, along with Bartlett.
Miller and Scott were only along for a few miles, and Bartlett did what Bartletts do and went straight on when we started the workout. Robin did it here own way, of course, leaving Galloway, Jimmy, Dan, and me to conform to Jimmy's wishes.
The workout was 12 quarters with a minute break, starting when the last person came in. This afforded a longer break for the guys who finished first, but fair only exists in a vacuum sealed glass jar orbiting earth on the space station.
If you want to scan the results, look here. It's the breakdown from my GPS. The short of it is we were between 1:30-1:35 on all of the splits. Sounds fine until you realize that means between 6:00-6:20 pace, which isn't even at all. We'll have to do better.
Gotta go for now. Packing and such!
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Winds not favorable - again!
It wasn't quite a northwest wind tonight, but it wasn't much better. We had a strongish wind blowing out of the NNE. Speed was around 10-15 mph, with gusts of over 20. The impact of this wind could be felt both going out and coming back.
We'd planned to ride pace line slowly out, maintaining 20 mph max. It didn't take long to see this could work. The strong lateral winds prevented a stable line from forming, and we abandoned the exercise by Lost River Valley. Better to save the energy for the ride, which was sure to be more difficult because of conditions.
I wound up falling completely to the back, playing sweeper to DfO's relaxed pace. We talked, and I observed the wind conditions throughout the course. It was a variable deal, always strong, but shifting about directionally. Any hope for a tailwind of any kind was out the window.
We joined the others at the tree. WinD and Kathy had turned back at Bromer, leaving 10 of us to decided how to manage the drill. Rand took off on his own; Galloway, Strunk, Allen, DfO, and Dan formed the first chase group. Allen took the first lead, and when they hit the start only 30 yards separated Rand from the chase. It wouldn't take long to catch at that rate.
Apparently there was some sort of gentlemen's agreement between the riders of this group to stay 20-21 mph, though sadly I must report there were no gentlemen in the group. Rand was caught. The group average 21.7 mph. The math doesn't lie. Sure, it made interesting dinner theater listening to Allen gyrate through verbal gymnastics, attempting to explain how a promise that wasn't kept wasn't broken. Dan didn't attempt to explain it at all.
We gave the first group a couple of minutes, then we let Jimmy take us out. I figured the first two pullers would have an easier time of it, and they did. Jimmy gave us 2 strong minutes at 24.5-25.5 mph, then handed to John T. John took it right up to 26-27, settling in to 25.5-26.5 range for 2.5 minutes. Miller took a long pull of 4.5 minutes, though he wound up with a tougher leg. He got Bromer, with the first really strong headwind leg and the first climb. I figured he'd hand off at the top, but he didn't. He held it for a lot longer, finally tapping near the log cabin.
I took over midway through the descending straightaway, a mixed blessing with a favorable terrain drop and a mitigating vortex of wind. My pull was strong, going 26-27 mph as we headed to the Pumpkin Center turn. This was about when we caught the first group.
Interesting thing about that; Rand had been absorbed. There were six of them now in a pretty good line, which meant we'd have to be careful on the pass. The timing of the pass would mean our line wouldn't get around their line until we were headed straight north, pretty much into the teeth of the rather strongish wind. We needed to clear them quickly and by enough distance to allow four riders back in front before we hit the series of turns directly ahead. I didn't want any of us forced to the center of the road where we couldn't see clearly.
To this end we topped 28 mph as we passed. I won't lie; passing people decisively feels good. We went around with authority. I called out, "On your left!", and heads turned our way. I caught the eyes of DfO, and wondered to myself if he might think about jumping on.
We slowed a bit by the end of the straightaway, perhaps 24.5 mph, then it was Lost River hill. I'd been on for some time at this point, but I wasn't the least bit fatigued. I considered briefly giving to Jimmy at the top of the drop (where he normally gets it), then decided against it. I was going pretty well, felt good, they were hanging in there, I'd go for a while longer. 33 mph downhill, scatting across the bottoms, slowly bleeding speed, and once again I thought about giving to Jimmy. Nah. I'd take the climb. I wanted to see if I could hold the speed over the top. I'd give it up once we were over the top and up to speed.
We topped at over 20 mph. I feel good about that because there was no wind aiding about it, not one bit. It was a legit climb. The weird thing was what was going on behind me. My aero helmet can really be impacted by wind, and at times I can't hear a thing at all behind me. I could glance back and see a shirt which should have been red-white-black (Jimmy), but was solid red (John T.). I figured Jimmy had been dropped, but I thought I could still hear his voice. Right before we climbed the hill I heard Jimmy saying something, so I knew he was there. Halfway up the hill I noticed the shirt change, but didn't worry too much about it. I was focusing on the job ahead of me for the time being.
Over the top I resumed the fast pedal, taking it right back up to 26 mph. I was still amazingly fresh, instantly recovered, but I was feeling selfish. I'd been on for over 9 minutes by now, and though I could have easily taken it in, I tapped.
I rolled out, fell back to take my place at the end, and counted only two behind me. Jimmy was gone. We were maybe 200 meters past the top of the hill, and Jimmy was just coming over the top, clearly slowing. There was no hope he could catch us, John T. was motoring on, and I had to make a choice. I stayed with John T.
John took us quickly into the rollers, touching 26 mph again. Near the end of the last roller he tapped, handing to Miller for the final climb. This was shaping up nicely for me the second week in a row. Miller would have the last pull.
Miller climbed well, better than last week (he only ran 5 hard miles at lunch instead of 12), and over the top he endeavored to recover his pace. He had it back up in no time at all, and we were fast approaching the break. Exact speed I cannot say; I was already strategizing.
The last pull would make it harder, not impossible for Miller to catch onto me if/when I made my move. I need a sizable speed advantage to keep him from taking my wheel. His instantaneous acceleration necessitated something drastic. I resorted to an oldie but goodie. Since I was behind him, I let him pull away a bit near the end of his pull, near the break line. Then, as he was nearing the bottom of the last roller, I hit it hard. The timing was perfect. I was 30 mph already when he topped the break hill, and I got around him.
This by itself would not have been enough, even with him pulling last - the guy has wicked speed and acceleration. John T. was on my wheel, which meant Miller had to attach to his wheel. This put one bike between us.
I had no idea what either guy had left. We had a lot of buffet from the wind, so much so I could only make and hold 30 mph. But hold it I did all the way to the line. John apparently faded in the stretch, and since Miller was behind him, the gap was too great to close, sealing my second sprint victory in as many weeks. I was so excited I forgot to stop the watch!
Of course I suspect these guys just let me have it. They're way too good to be taken like this. I'm still keeping the trophies. ;)
On the rather fastish 3-mile run that followed the ride, we got to hear about DfO's rather interesting ride. First he started with the group, then he tapped out and disappeared, only to reappear a few minutes later, passing up the right side of the line and cutting in, then jumping out of the line when our group went by (and attaching to us), then dropping off that group, then attaching to Jimmy when he got dropped... not sure how to score that, but it was suggested he might be the "Wendy's Sweet Potato Award" winner of the evening because, whatever we were expecting, we weren't expecting that!
Speaking of Wendy's sweet potato, Jimmy apparently died inside since every attempt to purchase a sweet potato has been met by bitter disappointment. Since he nor Dan had the guts to try, I ordered one. And got it. Trouble is, I hate sweet potatoes, so guess who got it? Jimmy and Dan! They split it, and both apparently enjoyed it greatly.
I guess I showed them... wait a minute...
We'd planned to ride pace line slowly out, maintaining 20 mph max. It didn't take long to see this could work. The strong lateral winds prevented a stable line from forming, and we abandoned the exercise by Lost River Valley. Better to save the energy for the ride, which was sure to be more difficult because of conditions.
I wound up falling completely to the back, playing sweeper to DfO's relaxed pace. We talked, and I observed the wind conditions throughout the course. It was a variable deal, always strong, but shifting about directionally. Any hope for a tailwind of any kind was out the window.
We joined the others at the tree. WinD and Kathy had turned back at Bromer, leaving 10 of us to decided how to manage the drill. Rand took off on his own; Galloway, Strunk, Allen, DfO, and Dan formed the first chase group. Allen took the first lead, and when they hit the start only 30 yards separated Rand from the chase. It wouldn't take long to catch at that rate.
Apparently there was some sort of gentlemen's agreement between the riders of this group to stay 20-21 mph, though sadly I must report there were no gentlemen in the group. Rand was caught. The group average 21.7 mph. The math doesn't lie. Sure, it made interesting dinner theater listening to Allen gyrate through verbal gymnastics, attempting to explain how a promise that wasn't kept wasn't broken. Dan didn't attempt to explain it at all.
We gave the first group a couple of minutes, then we let Jimmy take us out. I figured the first two pullers would have an easier time of it, and they did. Jimmy gave us 2 strong minutes at 24.5-25.5 mph, then handed to John T. John took it right up to 26-27, settling in to 25.5-26.5 range for 2.5 minutes. Miller took a long pull of 4.5 minutes, though he wound up with a tougher leg. He got Bromer, with the first really strong headwind leg and the first climb. I figured he'd hand off at the top, but he didn't. He held it for a lot longer, finally tapping near the log cabin.
I took over midway through the descending straightaway, a mixed blessing with a favorable terrain drop and a mitigating vortex of wind. My pull was strong, going 26-27 mph as we headed to the Pumpkin Center turn. This was about when we caught the first group.
Interesting thing about that; Rand had been absorbed. There were six of them now in a pretty good line, which meant we'd have to be careful on the pass. The timing of the pass would mean our line wouldn't get around their line until we were headed straight north, pretty much into the teeth of the rather strongish wind. We needed to clear them quickly and by enough distance to allow four riders back in front before we hit the series of turns directly ahead. I didn't want any of us forced to the center of the road where we couldn't see clearly.
To this end we topped 28 mph as we passed. I won't lie; passing people decisively feels good. We went around with authority. I called out, "On your left!", and heads turned our way. I caught the eyes of DfO, and wondered to myself if he might think about jumping on.
We slowed a bit by the end of the straightaway, perhaps 24.5 mph, then it was Lost River hill. I'd been on for some time at this point, but I wasn't the least bit fatigued. I considered briefly giving to Jimmy at the top of the drop (where he normally gets it), then decided against it. I was going pretty well, felt good, they were hanging in there, I'd go for a while longer. 33 mph downhill, scatting across the bottoms, slowly bleeding speed, and once again I thought about giving to Jimmy. Nah. I'd take the climb. I wanted to see if I could hold the speed over the top. I'd give it up once we were over the top and up to speed.
We topped at over 20 mph. I feel good about that because there was no wind aiding about it, not one bit. It was a legit climb. The weird thing was what was going on behind me. My aero helmet can really be impacted by wind, and at times I can't hear a thing at all behind me. I could glance back and see a shirt which should have been red-white-black (Jimmy), but was solid red (John T.). I figured Jimmy had been dropped, but I thought I could still hear his voice. Right before we climbed the hill I heard Jimmy saying something, so I knew he was there. Halfway up the hill I noticed the shirt change, but didn't worry too much about it. I was focusing on the job ahead of me for the time being.
Over the top I resumed the fast pedal, taking it right back up to 26 mph. I was still amazingly fresh, instantly recovered, but I was feeling selfish. I'd been on for over 9 minutes by now, and though I could have easily taken it in, I tapped.
I rolled out, fell back to take my place at the end, and counted only two behind me. Jimmy was gone. We were maybe 200 meters past the top of the hill, and Jimmy was just coming over the top, clearly slowing. There was no hope he could catch us, John T. was motoring on, and I had to make a choice. I stayed with John T.
John took us quickly into the rollers, touching 26 mph again. Near the end of the last roller he tapped, handing to Miller for the final climb. This was shaping up nicely for me the second week in a row. Miller would have the last pull.
Miller climbed well, better than last week (he only ran 5 hard miles at lunch instead of 12), and over the top he endeavored to recover his pace. He had it back up in no time at all, and we were fast approaching the break. Exact speed I cannot say; I was already strategizing.
The last pull would make it harder, not impossible for Miller to catch onto me if/when I made my move. I need a sizable speed advantage to keep him from taking my wheel. His instantaneous acceleration necessitated something drastic. I resorted to an oldie but goodie. Since I was behind him, I let him pull away a bit near the end of his pull, near the break line. Then, as he was nearing the bottom of the last roller, I hit it hard. The timing was perfect. I was 30 mph already when he topped the break hill, and I got around him.
This by itself would not have been enough, even with him pulling last - the guy has wicked speed and acceleration. John T. was on my wheel, which meant Miller had to attach to his wheel. This put one bike between us.
I had no idea what either guy had left. We had a lot of buffet from the wind, so much so I could only make and hold 30 mph. But hold it I did all the way to the line. John apparently faded in the stretch, and since Miller was behind him, the gap was too great to close, sealing my second sprint victory in as many weeks. I was so excited I forgot to stop the watch!
Of course I suspect these guys just let me have it. They're way too good to be taken like this. I'm still keeping the trophies. ;)
On the rather fastish 3-mile run that followed the ride, we got to hear about DfO's rather interesting ride. First he started with the group, then he tapped out and disappeared, only to reappear a few minutes later, passing up the right side of the line and cutting in, then jumping out of the line when our group went by (and attaching to us), then dropping off that group, then attaching to Jimmy when he got dropped... not sure how to score that, but it was suggested he might be the "Wendy's Sweet Potato Award" winner of the evening because, whatever we were expecting, we weren't expecting that!
Speaking of Wendy's sweet potato, Jimmy apparently died inside since every attempt to purchase a sweet potato has been met by bitter disappointment. Since he nor Dan had the guts to try, I ordered one. And got it. Trouble is, I hate sweet potatoes, so guess who got it? Jimmy and Dan! They split it, and both apparently enjoyed it greatly.
I guess I showed them... wait a minute...
Monday, June 4, 2012
This is how summer should be
Had the first cross practice this morning. Eleven girls showed, and we had three nice groups going three different distances (2, 3, and 4 miles). I was pleased with the turnout and the practice. We're young, but given half a chance, I think we can make a go of it by tournament.
After practice, Galloway and I met at Lighthouse despite the very steady shower falling in Bedford. Turned out there was nothing south of the river, so our roads were dry and clear as we headed for Huck's. The wind was calm, or very nearly so. We kept a brisk pace all the way despite sitting upright. All-in-all it was a smooth first half of the ride.
We stopped at Huck's, as usual. I'd considered passing it, but my bladder wouldn't hear of it. Galloway's either, which is unusual. We wound up chatting with a gentleman a little longer than we desired, but soon enough we headed north.
The wind changed by then, a lot. On the way down, not a twig or leaf rustled. Now the tops of the trees were being pushed over, and as you might guess, we had a headwind. Not a severe one, but it made things harder.
The rain didn't start until we hit the highway on the final stretch. We finished off in some steady drizzle and a 25 mph pull north on the highway. Galloway hung right in there, not giving an inch.
My guess is we had the best window of opportunity we'd have all day. I was in Bloomington for most of the rest of the day, and I can say the weather really didn't improve, actually getting worse as the day wore on.
Tomorrow is the pace line. Jimmy has a little surprise for the way out. Just be ready.
After practice, Galloway and I met at Lighthouse despite the very steady shower falling in Bedford. Turned out there was nothing south of the river, so our roads were dry and clear as we headed for Huck's. The wind was calm, or very nearly so. We kept a brisk pace all the way despite sitting upright. All-in-all it was a smooth first half of the ride.
We stopped at Huck's, as usual. I'd considered passing it, but my bladder wouldn't hear of it. Galloway's either, which is unusual. We wound up chatting with a gentleman a little longer than we desired, but soon enough we headed north.
The wind changed by then, a lot. On the way down, not a twig or leaf rustled. Now the tops of the trees were being pushed over, and as you might guess, we had a headwind. Not a severe one, but it made things harder.
The rain didn't start until we hit the highway on the final stretch. We finished off in some steady drizzle and a 25 mph pull north on the highway. Galloway hung right in there, not giving an inch.
My guess is we had the best window of opportunity we'd have all day. I was in Bloomington for most of the rest of the day, and I can say the weather really didn't improve, actually getting worse as the day wore on.
Tomorrow is the pace line. Jimmy has a little surprise for the way out. Just be ready.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Three times fun
Seven miles sure didn't feel easy this morning. It could be Galloway and Rand drug us through it. It could be the longest run since Indy. It could even be the 80-mile ride yesterday. My guess is it was all of the above.
We did keep the 7 under an hour, though only barely. Man. A few short years ago that would have been more like 45 minutes. It didn't take long to fade, that's for sure. I was hoping for a bit more tapered decline, not the absolute collapse that actually occurred.
I waited for a while to do the ride. There wasn't a lot of mental energy to go right after the run, but in hindsight I should have. By afternoon the wind had picked up drastically, and my tired legs begged me to change my mind about riding at all. Too bad. We leave for vacation on Thursday, so the only exercise I get this week is the first four days, starting today. The ride had to happen.
I parked at Kenray, arriving early enough to get a similar ride to last week's. The wind was strong, 15-20 mph from the WNW. It wasn't the worst-case scenario, but it sure wasn't easy. What made it worse is the course is constantly rolling for the most part. It was hard to stay in aero, which would have minimized the impact of the wind. Only thing for it was to tough it out.
Twenty-eight miles is what I got. I thought about going out for a couple more since I had some extra time, but that road is rough. I had no desire to take my bike out on it again. I don't know how often I'll try this workout - the main problem is the roughness of the roads. The bike takes a pretty good beating.
Rand and Jimmy showed after a bit, and we all decided we were too tired for the mile. We agreed to go for two laps, with an option for a third. I finished a bit ahead of the other two guys (Jimmy let Rand do all the pace work!), then asked Jimmy if he was going on. Rand was climbing out, so there wasn't really any need to read his mind. Jimmy wanted a half-lap so he would have a half-mile. No way I would let him swim more than me. I offered to lead, then he took off.
It didn't take long to catch him, but once in front I kept going for the buoy. Half-lap? Who does that kind of crap? Either you do it or you don't, you don't half anything! Jimmy stayed with, hanging on to my feet. I lost him a couple of times, but I slowed and let him get back on. It really didn't take that long to finish, and heck, we'd driven all that way to swim. Had to do three.
The rest of the evening was supper and mowing grass, throwing in a mom visit for dessert. And here we are!
Tomorrow morning is the first practice of Girls Cross for the summer, starting at 8. After that, Galloway and I will meet at Lighthouse for a ride (10 AM, 32 miles). All welcome to join!
We did keep the 7 under an hour, though only barely. Man. A few short years ago that would have been more like 45 minutes. It didn't take long to fade, that's for sure. I was hoping for a bit more tapered decline, not the absolute collapse that actually occurred.
I waited for a while to do the ride. There wasn't a lot of mental energy to go right after the run, but in hindsight I should have. By afternoon the wind had picked up drastically, and my tired legs begged me to change my mind about riding at all. Too bad. We leave for vacation on Thursday, so the only exercise I get this week is the first four days, starting today. The ride had to happen.
I parked at Kenray, arriving early enough to get a similar ride to last week's. The wind was strong, 15-20 mph from the WNW. It wasn't the worst-case scenario, but it sure wasn't easy. What made it worse is the course is constantly rolling for the most part. It was hard to stay in aero, which would have minimized the impact of the wind. Only thing for it was to tough it out.
Twenty-eight miles is what I got. I thought about going out for a couple more since I had some extra time, but that road is rough. I had no desire to take my bike out on it again. I don't know how often I'll try this workout - the main problem is the roughness of the roads. The bike takes a pretty good beating.
Rand and Jimmy showed after a bit, and we all decided we were too tired for the mile. We agreed to go for two laps, with an option for a third. I finished a bit ahead of the other two guys (Jimmy let Rand do all the pace work!), then asked Jimmy if he was going on. Rand was climbing out, so there wasn't really any need to read his mind. Jimmy wanted a half-lap so he would have a half-mile. No way I would let him swim more than me. I offered to lead, then he took off.
It didn't take long to catch him, but once in front I kept going for the buoy. Half-lap? Who does that kind of crap? Either you do it or you don't, you don't half anything! Jimmy stayed with, hanging on to my feet. I lost him a couple of times, but I slowed and let him get back on. It really didn't take that long to finish, and heck, we'd driven all that way to swim. Had to do three.
The rest of the evening was supper and mowing grass, throwing in a mom visit for dessert. And here we are!
Tomorrow morning is the first practice of Girls Cross for the summer, starting at 8. After that, Galloway and I will meet at Lighthouse for a ride (10 AM, 32 miles). All welcome to join!
Friday, June 1, 2012
Things went awry
When I woke up, I knew things were going to come unglued fast. The weather was awful. It was cold, it was cloudy, and there was the promise of rain to come. Miller had already ducked out of the ride because of a scheduling conflict; Galloway followed a couple of hours later. It was easy to see coming.
The nice benefit was a free schedule. Leisa and I had a nice lunch without the stress of any schedule pressure, and afterward I opted to wait it out to see if things improved. They didn't. If anything, things only got worse. Though short of miles, I couldn't see going out today. We're riding long tomorrow anyway, so it makes no difference, other than getting fewer miles this week.
I'll be fresher I guess, so I'm kicking the idea around of perhaps going down to Creepy Town. I haven't done that in two years, and since Allen is wanting to go long, perhaps tomorrow is the day. Probably not - but he and I could go to the Huntingburg General Store for Dan Brand YoHoo. That might be an interesting ride. We'd avoid the worst of the hills in the process.
School is over. It's not real yet. It won't be real until about this time next week when I realize I haven't had to ride anyone about trying to sleep in class all week. I never get tired of the teaching part, it's the battle of wills that wears me down after a while.
Parkview, 7 AM, 65 miles for the main group. There is a splinter for 80, maybe a splinter/splinter for more.
Sunday, 7:30 AM, 7-mile run, Parkview Track.
The nice benefit was a free schedule. Leisa and I had a nice lunch without the stress of any schedule pressure, and afterward I opted to wait it out to see if things improved. They didn't. If anything, things only got worse. Though short of miles, I couldn't see going out today. We're riding long tomorrow anyway, so it makes no difference, other than getting fewer miles this week.
I'll be fresher I guess, so I'm kicking the idea around of perhaps going down to Creepy Town. I haven't done that in two years, and since Allen is wanting to go long, perhaps tomorrow is the day. Probably not - but he and I could go to the Huntingburg General Store for Dan Brand YoHoo. That might be an interesting ride. We'd avoid the worst of the hills in the process.
School is over. It's not real yet. It won't be real until about this time next week when I realize I haven't had to ride anyone about trying to sleep in class all week. I never get tired of the teaching part, it's the battle of wills that wears me down after a while.
Parkview, 7 AM, 65 miles for the main group. There is a splinter for 80, maybe a splinter/splinter for more.
Sunday, 7:30 AM, 7-mile run, Parkview Track.
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