water...

On July 7, the DTFWY will host The Mayor's Triathlon (http://www.active.com/triathlon/fort-worth-tx/the-mayors-triathlon-2013). Seeing as it is in my Y, I (along with a few others) have committed to participating. While I am fairly comforatble with the ride (15 miles), and the run (5k), I am not as comforartble with the swim (300m). In preparation for this event, I went to watch a similar event at the Benbrook Y, have been reading about transitions, etc. In theory, I understand process, transitions, etc. So...now time to get in the pool. I called my buddy Dirk, who is a great swim coach, to ask for counsel. 1st things...buy goggles...check. Buy swimsuit...check. Dirk met me at the Y yesterday for a quick lesson. In less than an hour he gave me great advice and several things to work on. The improvement I experienced in that short time was awesome. I am pleased to say that I returned to the pool today and completed a 200m swim with only a few breaks. I still have a lot of work to do, but, am optimistic about my ability to be ready for July 7.

WildRide 2013

5.18.13

The Wildflower festival is an arts and music festival that takes place in Richardson each year. We have discussed attending for years, but schedules have not allowed.  I was unaware that a bike rally and 5k were included, but, this year, my buddy Dirk encouraged me to participate in the bike rally. (http://www.methodisthealthsystem.org/WildRide). We registered for the 64 mile route.  Dirk got hung up at home, so we were unable to connect pre-race, but, found each other almost immediately after the start. We got off to a great start, averaging about 17 mph for the 1st 30 miles. I felt great on this ride, and was enjoying the company of a buddy.  This was Dirk's 1st long ride of the year, and he felt the affects of his time off.  However, he was a trooper, and completed 60 miles.  This ride was a good one, as the roads were pretty good, there was good scenery, police presence was good at intersections, etc.   This will definitely be a yearly event. We were a little slow on this one, but, a great day overall. The stats:  65:81 miles in 4:24:19. 14.9 mph and  4155 calories burned. 

Buffalo Boogie 2013

5.11.13

Well, May is shaping up to be an active month, as I will participate in events 3 out of 4 weekends.  Weekend number 2, 5.11.13, was the Buffalo Boogie 5k. (http://www.naturecenterfriends.org/buffalo.php). Lindsi participated in this event last year, and enjoyed it.  Due to our limited child care options, we took the boys with us. Lindsi offered to push them in the jogging stroller.  While we thought we arrived on time, the packet pick up line was long. As a result, I had not even attached my timing chip to my shoe when the horn sounded to begin. Rushed and skipping any stretching led a frustrating start. This was a hilly course, but, other than that, not bad.  Unfortunately, Lindsi didn't make it far before the kids melted down and forced her to turn around.  

The stats: 3.15 miles in 32:44. 503 calories burned.  I suspect we will do this one again due to its convenience. 

Perfect recipe...Shiner Gasp 2013

5.4.13

The next ride was one that I had been looking forward to for almost a year: the Shiner GASP. (http://www.shiner.com/shinergasp/). This 100 mile ride starts in Austin and ends in Shiner at the Spoetzel Brewery. The after party includes fee beer, live music, and food. I initially opted for the 100 mile route, but, based on my cramping just a couple of weeks earlier, downgraded to the 1/2 option. I paid for a "partner pass" for Lindsi, allowing her access to the after party as well. This ride was awesome. The rest stops were great, route was good, and the after party was great. I will definitely opt for the 100 mile option next year and this will be a yearly staple on my cycling schedule. 

The stats:  56.18 miles in 3:39:22. 15.4 mph and 3572 calories burned.  Great event! 

Ride for Heroes 2013

4.20.13

The next ride scheduled was the Ride for Heroes in Aledo on 4.20.13. (http://rideforheroes.org/). I registered for the 75 mile ride, which was the longest option. I got of to a good start and felt great.  However, at about the 30 mile mark, I felt the beginning of some cramping in my left quad. I thought little of it, continued to hydrate, and consumed bananas and pickles at the rest stops to combat. However, the issue only got worse, causing me to stop and stretch multiple times, and, on the last long hill, walk the bike for a bit.  I took advantage of the last bail out, and continued on the 64 mile route, shaving 11 miles off of the total distance.  I even considered sagging back, but, pushed through and finished in the saddle.   Between the winds and the cramping, I was proud that I was able to finish strong.  After the ride, I researched several electrolyte supplements, and have since started using them on long rides. I have noticed vast improvement as a result.  Here are a picture taken early in the ride:

The stats: 64.43 miles in 4:28:55. 14.4 mph and 3988 calories burned. A slow, painful ride.  

Ride Ataxia...in the cards?

3.23.13

My buddy Dirk talked me into the 1st cycling event of the season, the Ride Ataxia Dallas, to be held in Denton on 3.23.13. (http://rideataxia.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1045499) The weather forecast was calling for rain and cold that morning, but, I packed the appropriate gear and headed north. As I was approaching UNT Apogee Stadium, the rain and lightening storm picked up. Dirk and I had been trading texts along the way, and it was clear that he was not coming.  I picked up my packet, geared up, aired up the tires, and waited...

The rain showed no signs of slowing, and the cold and wind was a mess. When it was clear that the ride would, at the very least, get off to a late start, I bailed.  It would have been a miserable experience for 50 miles.  I came to find out later that the ride was postponed more than an hour.  My focus shifted to a day of cards at Winstar.  I was disappointed that I was unable to ride, but, glad I made the decision to skip a cold rainy event.  I will target this one again in 2014. 

Stockyards Easter 5k 2013

3.30.13

Lindsi and I targeted our next 5k as the Stockyards Easter Run on 3.30.13. (http://stockyardseasterrun.com/). We had child care, so, were able to concentrate on the event.  This was a smallish event that started and ended in the Stockyards with a little time on the trinity trail system. The race got off to a late start due to a train that was stalled on the route, but, we finally got off to a good run. I felt great in this one, and finished in. 28.04.  So, 3.2 miles in 28:04. Not bad.  This was an easy race to participate in and close to home. I suspect that we will do it again. 

Back in the saddle.

Although I was able to ride a couple of times in February, my riding didn't pick back up until March. However, the weather was still inconsistent, and , due to a new job, saddle time was difficult to come by.  I was able to log a little over 250 miles for the month.  It felt great to be back on the bike. 

Cowtown...or not.

Having lived in FW for almost two years, we have come to learn that the Cowtown Marathon, 1/2, 5k etc, are "must-do's". (http://cowtownmarathon.org/). As a result. We were excited to register for our 1st Cowtown 5k, scheduled for 2.23.13. Unfortunately, I found myself very sick that week, and was limited to walking the event. So...no stats to report. However, we will be back next year, and are considering the 10k. 

Electric Run 2013

The January event was the electric run in fair park on 1.19.13. (http://electricrun.com/dallas/). This night time event was part 5k, part rave. Pulsing music, laser light shows, etc, made this a fun event.   The good: the atmosphere, the experience. The bad:  the narrow paths, kids stopping mid run to pick up glowing objects, the cost of drinks at the end. While the run was fun, we left the after party quickly, as we felt about 20 years too old. Lindsi and I stayed at the Adolphus that night, so, go a date night out of the deal. We headed to Hacienda on Henderson post race to relax. Not sure if we will do this one again.

From a fitness perspective, I felt good about this one, as I was able to run the entire time, and, this was after taking a spin class at the Airport Y that morning. 

The stats: 3.08 miles in 33:15. 

The offseason.

Due to short days and cold weather, my riding came to a screeching halt in December.  For a 2 month period, I had no time in the saddle. The solution...indoor cycling. I found myself quite fond of this offseason option, and, found that in 45 minutes, with a good instructor, I could burn 800+ calories. I found myself taking 3-4 classes a week, and quickly realized who the great instructors were. Fortunately, there was no shortage of great instructors at the Y at White Rock. While I was a bit concerned about how the time off from the bike might impact me, I found that I was able to maintain a healthy weight, and, when I returned to the bike, I felt strong due to all of the indoor cycling. I may consider an indoor trainer in the future, but, indoor cycling was a great option.  

Jingle Bell Run 2012

The next event on the agenda was the Dallas Jingle Bell Run (http://www.dallasjinglebellrun.com/). This mid-week event was held 12.19.12 at the Dallas Anatole. This event was awesome!  It will definitely be on the "to-do" list each year.  Lindsi and I decided to turn this into a mini family vacation, so we booked a room at the hotel. Lindsi's mom came to the hotel to watch the boys during the race and after party.  The after party included food, free beer, and live music. All in all, a great event.  The stats: 3.23 miles in 33:45 and 517 calories burned. 

Back to the hardwood.

For several months, the idea of a Hoop It Up reunion had been discussed.  Well, wouldn't you know that there was an indoor HIU tourney scheduled December 1. HIU is not what it used to be. It was a small, unimpressive event.  We rolled out the old team sans Hider. Troy, Turchi, Gutierrez, Courtney and I gave it a run..with limited success. We weren't terrible, but, I don't see us rushing to do it again. We played 3 games, were somewhat competitive, and, most importantly, no one got hurt.  

If we are going to do this again, I'm forcing a cardio program pre-tourney, as everyone was carrying far more weight than last time we played...

Turkey Trot 2012

Up next, the FWY turkey trot (http://fwtrot.org/). My 2nd 5k since my monthly fitness event  commitment.  During the last 5k, I walked .2 of a mile. I was hopeful to do better this time. Lindsi planned on pushing the boys in the jogger stroller in this event, but, alas, they were not having it. She was kind enough to let me go ahead and run. The before pictures:

Once again, I had to walk a short distance, but, all in all, felt better.  It had been years since I had run in a Y Turkey Trot. Is was good to be back. The stats: 3.28 miles in 35:13 with 529 calories burned. The best part was the finish...

Trick It Up Bike Ride 2012

Feeling the need to improve on the new bike, I targeted an organized ride just 2 weeks later. The event was the Trick it Up Bike Ride in Farmersville. It just so happens that the long route was 42 miles, and the event took place 1 day after my 42nd birthday. It seemed fitting.  I arrived in farmersville to a group of great, friendly volunteers. However, the temperature at start time was in the mid 30's. I didn't have any cold weather cycling gear, so, improvised the best I could, including wearing a windbreaker, and full fingered golf winter gloves.  While I was hoping this would be a great experience, it was not. The cold weather, poor roads, and poor directional markings led to a fair experience, at best.  I'll skip this one in the future. The stats:  42.09 miles in 2:41.29. 15.6 mph and 2314 calories burned.  A vast improvement on the new bike in just 2 weeks.

Disco Bike Rally 2012

As mentioned in my previous post, I received my road bike on the afternoon of October 12, with a long ride scheduled for the 13th. The event was the disco bike rally in Gainesville (http://www.dallasathletesracing.com/races/depot-day-bike-rally/).  I was concerned about taking a brand new bike out for the first time on a long organized ride. I decided to stick with my spd pedals from the hybrid, as I had not had the opportunity to ride with true road pedals and larger cleats. However, I was on a new bike, with a new saddle, different shifting, and thinner road wheels.  I must say, it was a tough ride. In addition to learning the shifters on the fly, the more aggressive riding position and new saddle made for a long, painful ride.  I stopped at most, if not all, of the rest stops to get off the saddle, stand upright, and stretch. Additionally, it was a crazy wind day, and I began experiencing light cramping about the mid-way point. But, against the odds, I completed the ride.  The stats:   60.53 miles in 4:08:59. 14.6 mph and 3764 calories burned. The ride itself was well organized and worth doing again.  I'll be back in 2013. The before picture:

Upgrade.

After months of research and deliberation, I pulled the trigger on the purchase of a road bike.  I knew that my budget was about $1600. I spent many hours researching brands, models, geometry, group sets, etc.  I narrowed my search to: a Trek 1.5 64cm, Specialized Allez Comp 64cm, and a Cannondale CAAD 10 5 105 63cm.  Ultimately, due to Cannondale's reputation for great aluminum bikes, the Cannondale was the choice.  Now, as you might imagine, bikes for 6'7" cyclists are not carried in many stores. As a result, I had to order through a LBS and have it shipped and assembled. I had a ride targeted for 10.13.12. The bike, pictured below, was ready for pick up on the 12th. 

http://www.cannondale.com/2013/bikes/road/elite-road/caad10/caad10-5-105-double-crankset

Running? Really?

A my fitness level improved, so did my confidence. Over the past 5 months, I had dropped significant weight, traveled over 2300 miles on the bike, and started to branch out into other fitness activities, including a little bit of running, and a return to the basketball court. 

With my fitness level improving, I decided that my next monthly event be a 5k. This was a big deal, as just a few years earlier, I was unable to run at all due to bad knees and weak leg muscles. Now, I am by no means a runner, but, I figured that I could "figure out" 30-45 minutes of running. The event chosen was the Rahr Oktoberfest 5k (http://www.rahroktoberfest.com/). What a great event!  It starts and ends at the Rahr brewery, and as you cross the finish line, you are handed a "finisher pint" glass. 3 beers are included in the race entry.  Lindsi and I participated in this one together.  Pre-race photo:  

The date was September 29, 2012. For the most part, I felt good, although, I did have to walk .2 of a mile due to fatigue. For my 1st 5k in more than a decade, I felt pretty good. The stats:  3.17 miles in 32.51, 456 calories burned, and, most importantly, I survived. 

Hot Rocks 2012

As my fitness level improved, I decided that Lindsi and I should commit to one organized fitness event a month. This would force us to maintain a decent fitness level, as, once a month, we would be called into action.  Clearly, with the amount of riding that I was doing, organized rides would be my activity of choice. The 1st event for me would be the Hot Rocks Bike Ride in Rockwall. http://www.hotrocksbikerace.com/. The event took place August 11, 2012. My buddy, Scott Hider, who has been cycling for years, agreed to join me for my 1st organized ride.  With distance options of 13.5,  45 and 56 miles, I entered the ride with the idea that, most likely, the 43 mile option would be the best, but, if I was feeling good, I would extend to 56. I had little idea what to expect, as I had never traveled a distance like this on the bike before.  I got off to a good start, used rest stops as needed,  and rode at a good speed for my hybrid (15.4 mph).  When I arrived at the turn off for the 43/56 mile split, I headed towards 56.  The final stats:  55.67 miles traveled in 3:36:41. Average rate of speed 15.4 mph and 2998 calories burned.  Pretty good day. 

So...I bought a bike.

Written July 2012...

All of my life, I have played sports. I played soccer (in my opinion, a gateway sport), baseball, football, basketball, flag football, softball...
In August 2004, my weekend warrior days came to a crashing halt as I laid on the floor in the Plano YMCA gym, waiting for the ambulance to get there. This time, torn quad tendon. Now, this was not my 1st knee injury. I was able to return to action after an ACL reconstruction in 1988. But, an 18 year old knee is quicker to heal than a 33 year old knee. So, for the next 7.5 years, I sat around, ate lots of bad food, drank a fair amount of beer, and gained weight. In my late 20's and early 30's, I maintained a weight of 200 - 210 lbs. By 2006, I was up to almost 240 lbs.
Realizing that I felt like shit and needed to lose some of the weight, I began to eat better, but, still not much exercise. I was able to get my weight down to the 215 - 220 range, but, knew I needed to do more. So...I bought a bike. I bought my bike March 24, 2012.
I went into the purchase a bit tentative, as I knew that I wanted to spend enough $ on the bike that it would not become a dusty fixture in my office, but, not so much that, in the event that cycling did not "stick", I would not be out thousands of dollars.
After a fair amount of research, I purchased a Trek 7.2 FX Hybrid. It had be to ordered by the LBS (Local Bike Shop), because, it turns out that bikes for guys my height can be difficult to come by.
First order of business...White Rock Lake. WRL is a 9.2 mile loop. I needed to determine 2 things: 1) could I even ride 9 miles without dying, and 2) how could I avoid being the reckless jack ass on the trail that was running over innocent joggers and such.
The following Monday (3.26.12), Off to the lake I went. 41 minutes later, I completed my loop and was, in fact, alive. Off to a good start. Over the next 90 days, my distance and frequency of rides increased. As a matter of fact, last week, I logged over 200 miles on the bike.
I am off cholesterol medication, am maintaining a weight of 190 - 195, and feel great. I have begun to price and research road bikes, as I suspect that I could log more miles and time on a lighter, more comfortable bike.
I feel great, because, I bought a bike.