Yep. 5 am on the first Monday in November and i found myself spinning away on my bike. Due to a busy schedule i only had one hour, but for the first time since darkness has forced me inside in the morning, i am half way motivated to just spin. What does a person think about while his legs are spinning at 17.5 mph and actually not going anywhere? Well, here are a few things that went through my head during the course of 60 minutes.
I am not really in training yet for my big ride, am i?
This dream is indeed like a river
I am indeed the lucky one
All of my "new-old" friends bring real joy to my heart. yea that means you, and your not old.
Heavens already here
Jennifer Beals dancing till the dancer becomes the dance
Wow, my son actually earned a letter playing football. My son. wow.
Yea, she is the best wife a guy could have.
What's the cat upto now? omg...no, please no...oh good, not bad.
Am i nut? can i really bike across Washington state in 3 days, let alone the entire continent in 30?
I am gonna miss my Fam alot while i am gone for 30 days.
F the F-ing economy
Wow, its 530 am in India, wonder how Phil's day has gone?
What if Dr. Moore had to tell me the government wont pay for my treatment?
New shoes to wear to work today...its gonna be a good day !
Man, she can really sing!
Done already? that was a quick hour! better get ready for work!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
This Dream is Like a River
Music reaches the soul and motivates people to great things. It is no differennt for me. I begin every indoor training session on the bike with the same song. The River, written and performed by Garth Brooks, is an interesting essay into how i feel about where i am in life and the goals i have set for myself for the next 9 months. I dont know how this journey will play out, but i must follow where it goes.
"The River"
You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores...
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide...yes
There are bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all...yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yes, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
'Til the river runs dry
I will never reach my destination if i never try. It is time. Time to try.
Craig
"The River"
You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores...
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide...yes
There are bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all...yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yes, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
'Til the river runs dry
I will never reach my destination if i never try. It is time. Time to try.
Craig
Sunday, October 25, 2009
New Year New Goal.
“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” - Albert Einstein | |
I CAN do this. no, i cant sing or dance, but i can write and ride a bicycle. This is about the bicycle, and maybe about the writing. Thank God its not about singing and dancing, i will leave that up to Fred A. and Ginger R. 50 times around the sun. On November 12, 2009 i will start my 50th trip on this earth around the sun. (read:49 years old) I think that is something worth celebrating. For years i have said when i turned 50, I would ride from Coast to Coast on my bicycle. Yep, those coasts, the big one on the left to the big one on the right. 3,400 ish miles. This promises to be quite the adventure! I will be riding with Pactour (www.pactour.com) on their "Northern Transcontinental" I have done 5 short one week tours with them, the service and support is first class. Susan Notorangelo and Lon Haldeman who run the business are world class athletes themselves who know how what it takes to cross the country. No tour company is better suited for cross country travel than Pactour. So, with the blessing of my wife, my family, my friends and my co-workers, the adventure begins. 9 short months of training, both mental and physical. Thanks for following my journey, it will be an interesting one. Craig |
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Arizona and The Crash
Coaching week in Arizona was Awesome. Fred Matheny is not only one of the most knowledgeable cycling guru's around, he is also a great guy, being able to learn from Fred was a great experience.
Cycling was good as well. Sunday found us heading uphill and against the wind with a ride from Tucson to Sierra Vista. The winds were estimated at 37-45 mph from the south. We were headed straight into them and uphill! Great Training! Most the riders made the entire trip without a sag.
Most of the rest of the week was uneventful, with great loop rides based out of Sierra Vista. Rides to Coronado National Monument, Bisbee, Tombstone and through Fort Huachuca. Great Cycling, Great Fun, Great Friends.
Friday was the day to ride back to Tucson from Sierra Vista. Well, about 23 miles into the ride ( and only three miles past the first rest stop) I managed to take a pretty severe spill onto the highway. 6 of us were in a pace line to help battle the wind ( it had turned and now was in our face again) and i caught the wheel of the rider in front of me and went down. I hit the asphalt pretty hard, landing mostly on my head and my left shoulder.
As luck would have it, one of the riders in the paceline was an Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr. Nick quickly did triage and discovered that I had separated my left shoulder. I hadn't even felt it yet as i was more worried about my head at the time. There is no question in my mind that my helmet kept the results of the accident from being far, far worse.
I have been nothing but Thankful since the accident.
Thankful for the PacTour Crew on the scene, Esp. Barb and Vicki
Thankful for those i was riding with at the time and their concern: Dr. Nick, Susan, Joann, Susyn, Gordon and Dan.
Thankful that I was in a paceline with an Orthopaedic Surgeon
Thankful for Susan Nortoangelo for taking to Laurie back home and assuring her i was going to be fine.
I am thankful for the Help i received back in Tucson, Esp to Pat C. for carting me all over town trying to find a sling.
I am Thankful that PacTour is a quality organization. You can always tell how someone or some business is put together when things go wrong. Susan Nortoangelo, Lon Haldeman and PacTour are first class.
As for me? I am going to be fine. I have alot of physical therapy ahead of me, and will be off the bike for 8 weeks. I must post pone my great Epic ride in August for a year, but that is a very very small price to pay considering how hard i went down.
Always Always wear a helmet when cycling. I may not be here to write about this had i not been wearing one.
For Now,
Craig
(a feeling very blessed Craig)
Cycling was good as well. Sunday found us heading uphill and against the wind with a ride from Tucson to Sierra Vista. The winds were estimated at 37-45 mph from the south. We were headed straight into them and uphill! Great Training! Most the riders made the entire trip without a sag.
Most of the rest of the week was uneventful, with great loop rides based out of Sierra Vista. Rides to Coronado National Monument, Bisbee, Tombstone and through Fort Huachuca. Great Cycling, Great Fun, Great Friends.
Friday was the day to ride back to Tucson from Sierra Vista. Well, about 23 miles into the ride ( and only three miles past the first rest stop) I managed to take a pretty severe spill onto the highway. 6 of us were in a pace line to help battle the wind ( it had turned and now was in our face again) and i caught the wheel of the rider in front of me and went down. I hit the asphalt pretty hard, landing mostly on my head and my left shoulder.
As luck would have it, one of the riders in the paceline was an Orthopaedic Surgeon. Dr. Nick quickly did triage and discovered that I had separated my left shoulder. I hadn't even felt it yet as i was more worried about my head at the time. There is no question in my mind that my helmet kept the results of the accident from being far, far worse.
I have been nothing but Thankful since the accident.
Thankful for the PacTour Crew on the scene, Esp. Barb and Vicki
Thankful for those i was riding with at the time and their concern: Dr. Nick, Susan, Joann, Susyn, Gordon and Dan.
Thankful that I was in a paceline with an Orthopaedic Surgeon
Thankful for Susan Nortoangelo for taking to Laurie back home and assuring her i was going to be fine.
I am thankful for the Help i received back in Tucson, Esp to Pat C. for carting me all over town trying to find a sling.
I am Thankful that PacTour is a quality organization. You can always tell how someone or some business is put together when things go wrong. Susan Nortoangelo, Lon Haldeman and PacTour are first class.
As for me? I am going to be fine. I have alot of physical therapy ahead of me, and will be off the bike for 8 weeks. I must post pone my great Epic ride in August for a year, but that is a very very small price to pay considering how hard i went down.
Always Always wear a helmet when cycling. I may not be here to write about this had i not been wearing one.
For Now,
Craig
(a feeling very blessed Craig)
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Progress
Sunday February 22, 2009
“Don't wait until everything is just right. It will never be perfect. There will always be challenges, obstacles and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger, more and more skilled, more and more self-confident and more and more successful.”
- Mark Victor Hansen
author: Chicken Soup for the Soul
author: Chicken Soup for the Soul
Coaching Week is less than a week away now, and yesterday in the midst of my trainer spin i really felt like i was beginning to make some progress. Of course the real test will be how i feel when i get to the roads of southern Arizona.
A glimpse at the records shows that my ave MPH on the bike has gone from 15.61 mph in January to 17.60 mph in February while my HR has remained steady at an ave of 141 bpm. Even though the average has remained steady, i have had a lot of rides with an ave HR of around 130 bpm. I think this means i am getting more efficient on the bike, that's a good thing. My average cadence is way up as well, now averaging in the low 90's. January's average cadence was in the mid 80's. The amount of time i am willing to be on the saddle for any given ride has increased as well. Yahoo! I am as ready for Arizona as I have ever been.
Craig
A glimpse at the records shows that my ave MPH on the bike has gone from 15.61 mph in January to 17.60 mph in February while my HR has remained steady at an ave of 141 bpm. Even though the average has remained steady, i have had a lot of rides with an ave HR of around 130 bpm. I think this means i am getting more efficient on the bike, that's a good thing. My average cadence is way up as well, now averaging in the low 90's. January's average cadence was in the mid 80's. The amount of time i am willing to be on the saddle for any given ride has increased as well. Yahoo! I am as ready for Arizona as I have ever been.
Craig
“Endurance is patience concentrated.”
-Thomas Carlyle
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Why?
Sunday February 15
"A man cannot entirely disconnect from the past. To try to is the American impulse, but to look at the steady continuance of the past is to watch time get emptied of its bluster because time bears down less on the continuum than on the components. To be only a nub in the eternal temporary is still to have a chance to see, a chance to pry at the mystery. What is the blue road anyway but an opportunity to poke at the unseen and a hoping the unseen will poke back?"
-William Least Heat-Moon
"Blue Highways"
"A man cannot entirely disconnect from the past. To try to is the American impulse, but to look at the steady continuance of the past is to watch time get emptied of its bluster because time bears down less on the continuum than on the components. To be only a nub in the eternal temporary is still to have a chance to see, a chance to pry at the mystery. What is the blue road anyway but an opportunity to poke at the unseen and a hoping the unseen will poke back?"
-William Least Heat-Moon
"Blue Highways"
'Why are we out there in the first place?' Why does one desire to ride 1700 miles in 17 days. In Mountains. In Weather. Insane? No, i think not. Beyond all the obvious reasons: Fitness, Fellowship, Bicycling, I think for me there is a greater thing; Discovery.
Before i signed up for "Eastern Mountains" I did an interesting exercise; I made a map of the proposed route at the scale 1" equal to 10 miles. We laid the map out on the floor and tip to tail it is over 12 feet long. 12 Feet. 1 lousy inch equals 10 miles. 12 feet. so, "as a crow flies" that would be 1500 miles. But this is a bike trip, not a flight. 1700 miles. 112,000 feet of elevation change. The fear began to take hold. I thought.."No Way" then I started to study the map. Of the 9 states the route goes through, i have never been to 7 of them. Oh, and i consider myself "well traveled" Being from the Midwest, the Appalachians are not exactly the first thing your parents think of when they stuff you in the station wagon for the summer road trip. Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon is.
Fact is, I don't know the eastern part of our great country well at all. this will be an awesome opportunity to see the back roads of the eastern US, where the real people live, where history happened, where nature is the star. So, why am i going to be out there? Fellowship, Fitness, to finish, and i think most importantly: " to have a chance to see, a chance to pry at the mystery....an opportunity to poke at the unseen and a hoping the unseen will poke back."
I now have the map of the eastern mountains route tacked to the wall in the basement right next to where my bike-trainer is set up. Each time i get on the bike, the big ol long map stares back at me. Each nights rest stop circled in red. This week for the first time i thought..."Yes Way"
Craig
Before i signed up for "Eastern Mountains" I did an interesting exercise; I made a map of the proposed route at the scale 1" equal to 10 miles. We laid the map out on the floor and tip to tail it is over 12 feet long. 12 Feet. 1 lousy inch equals 10 miles. 12 feet. so, "as a crow flies" that would be 1500 miles. But this is a bike trip, not a flight. 1700 miles. 112,000 feet of elevation change. The fear began to take hold. I thought.."No Way" then I started to study the map. Of the 9 states the route goes through, i have never been to 7 of them. Oh, and i consider myself "well traveled" Being from the Midwest, the Appalachians are not exactly the first thing your parents think of when they stuff you in the station wagon for the summer road trip. Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon is.
Fact is, I don't know the eastern part of our great country well at all. this will be an awesome opportunity to see the back roads of the eastern US, where the real people live, where history happened, where nature is the star. So, why am i going to be out there? Fellowship, Fitness, to finish, and i think most importantly: " to have a chance to see, a chance to pry at the mystery....an opportunity to poke at the unseen and a hoping the unseen will poke back."
I now have the map of the eastern mountains route tacked to the wall in the basement right next to where my bike-trainer is set up. Each time i get on the bike, the big ol long map stares back at me. Each nights rest stop circled in red. This week for the first time i thought..."Yes Way"
Craig
"The important point is to set a goal just beyond your reach
So If you do meet it, you'll feel really good about the fact that you did your best
Considering the circumstances
As opposed to just like cruising in and then two days later,
you start thinking back, "Gee we could have done better""
-Pete Penseyres
So If you do meet it, you'll feel really good about the fact that you did your best
Considering the circumstances
As opposed to just like cruising in and then two days later,
you start thinking back, "Gee we could have done better""
-Pete Penseyres
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Key to Success
Sunday February 8, 2009
" I don't fail to finish because i am not physically up to it, but because i am mentally tired"
Mario Cipollini
" I don't fail to finish because i am not physically up to it, but because i am mentally tired"
Mario Cipollini
I am mentally tired this week. Work got the best of me. I was in Rochester NY, where there are no signs of global warming. The ground is covered with snow. As a cyclist, i am glad i don't have to deal with that kind of winter. Traveling took its toll on me, and i didn't cycle very much cause of that. Resting now and looking forward to a better week.
I read Lon Haldemans Blog. (you can find it on the PAC Tour Website, www.pactour.com, then click on "Lon's Blog" This week he Introduces David Rowe in his blog. I quote from Lon's blog
The most interesting passage in the interview Lon has with David is this
Yes, i plan to buy and read the book. What is really exciting to me is that David Rowe is going to be at PAC Tour Coaching Week when i am there! Whoooo Hooo!. If you have been following my blog at all, you know i am most concerned about mental preparation. I see this as an amazing opportunity....
Till next week...
Craig
Tip 1: Crashing is better than eating right. Eating right makes you feel good about yourself. This is the last dang thing you want. You want to feel absolutely shitbag about yourself. Your self-esteem should be lower than a snake's belly at the bottom of a Deep South penitentiary septic tank.
When you have the appropriate base level of self-esteem, you'll want to inflict the grinding horror of your mind upon all around you. Appeasing the torments of your mind by ripping people's legs off in a bike race so you can be seen kissing the podium dolls is the best path. Eating right is bettor suited to actresses who've guzzled so many lies getting movie roles that their digestive enzymes have been vaporized.
Now, crashing, on the other hand, gives you scar tissue, and scar tissue tells a story no idiotic tribal barbwire tattoos ever will. And as the stories of your scars are retold, you'll get hungry for sour mash and pork rinds. It is almost impossible to eat a macrobiotic salad while picking at your scabs and describing your ass-over-tits, auger-into-the-gravel-pile-moving-into-sprint-position in the last corner. Self-hate propels the bicycle faster than all the 30/30/40 ratio flim-flam, phin-phen scam artists combined. Let retired generals, Enron satanists, Juan Exxon Valdez, and Guantanamo bay-detained Islamic Jihadists eat right. It is way better to crash hard and eat wrong.
I read Lon Haldemans Blog. (you can find it on the PAC Tour Website, www.pactour.com, then click on "Lon's Blog" This week he Introduces David Rowe in his blog. I quote from Lon's blog
"Lots of riders dream about what it would be like to “go long.” Most will attempt a century and stop there. Those that want to ride through the 100-mile barrier learn that physical conditioning can only prepare you to a point. The challenge of a multi-day, ultra-endurance event is mostly mental."
A few weeks ago, author and road cyclist David Rowe released a new book called “The Ride of Your Life.” His goal in writing the book, he says, is to help others achieve great things on the bicycle and in life."
The most interesting passage in the interview Lon has with David is this
"The key to success in long distance cycling is knowing why are you out there in the first place. If you have that squared away, then you're going to be prepared for the mental challenges. You will just keep on searching for a way to get your head and your heart pulling in the same direction, toward that finish line of the ride of your dreams."
Yes, i plan to buy and read the book. What is really exciting to me is that David Rowe is going to be at PAC Tour Coaching Week when i am there! Whoooo Hooo!. If you have been following my blog at all, you know i am most concerned about mental preparation. I see this as an amazing opportunity....
Till next week...
Craig
Training Tips from Bob Roll....The Bobke.....(i give credit here to the blog www.soquoted.blogspot.com for this wisdom. Sorry for the length but i found this hysterical and had to share it...don't take it too seriously!)
Tip 1: Crashing is better than eating right. Eating right makes you feel good about yourself. This is the last dang thing you want. You want to feel absolutely shitbag about yourself. Your self-esteem should be lower than a snake's belly at the bottom of a Deep South penitentiary septic tank.
When you have the appropriate base level of self-esteem, you'll want to inflict the grinding horror of your mind upon all around you. Appeasing the torments of your mind by ripping people's legs off in a bike race so you can be seen kissing the podium dolls is the best path. Eating right is bettor suited to actresses who've guzzled so many lies getting movie roles that their digestive enzymes have been vaporized.
Now, crashing, on the other hand, gives you scar tissue, and scar tissue tells a story no idiotic tribal barbwire tattoos ever will. And as the stories of your scars are retold, you'll get hungry for sour mash and pork rinds. It is almost impossible to eat a macrobiotic salad while picking at your scabs and describing your ass-over-tits, auger-into-the-gravel-pile-moving-into-sprint-position in the last corner. Self-hate propels the bicycle faster than all the 30/30/40 ratio flim-flam, phin-phen scam artists combined. Let retired generals, Enron satanists, Juan Exxon Valdez, and Guantanamo bay-detained Islamic Jihadists eat right. It is way better to crash hard and eat wrong.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Motivation
January 31, 2009
"Motivation can't take you very far if you don't have the legs"
- Lance Armstrong
"Machines don't break records. Muscles do"
- Lon Haldeman
There you have it. Two quotes by two people i admire. You know who Lance is. If you don't know who Lon is, you should.
"Motivation can't take you very far if you don't have the legs"
- Lance Armstrong
"Machines don't break records. Muscles do"
- Lon Haldeman
There you have it. Two quotes by two people i admire. You know who Lance is. If you don't know who Lon is, you should.
I seem to have plenty of motivation...that's not a problem. I have a great cycling machine, that's not a problem. I am lacking legs, and a proper cycling base in my muscles. I have work to do!
This past week was a bit of a challenge for me. First, i had a cold. I am a big whiner when i get a cold, so i am begging for forgiveness from those around me for my whiny ways. The good news about the cold was that it coincided with a prescribed rest week. about all the riding i did was some easy spins on Monday and Friday. To a guy who has been obsessed with being on the bike since last summer, it felt strange. The good people at the University who put me on this new program promised results from rest...i hope they are right. It is interesting how your mind thinks killing yourself day in and day out on a training program is the best thing, but your body requires rest and a change up in training plans to grow. Interesting.
I was back in the lab this past Wednesday, this time i did a 7k time trial to determine my "base" What ya do is warm up for 30 minutes, then get on your bike that is hooked to a computer testing thing, and once you get your HR up to you LA threshold, ride a 7k tt! The idea is to see how long it takes you to ride the 7k with your heart at LA. (you spin with your heart at LA, if you go above LA, you slow down, if you go below, you speed up) The time recorded sets my "base" Now with all of this information, i begin a new training program, now that i am all rested and tested. I go back in mid-April to check and see how my fitness is comming along. Looking forward to that! The object of all this is to have fun on my ride in August!
January in Review: I will end the month with about 350 miles under my belt. This is short by about 50 miles my goal i had set at the beginning of the month, but i had not anticipated the over training and the prescribed rest. So, its all good. Each month i will grow from here.
February's goal: increase my VO2 Base and LA threshold by following the training as prescribed for me. Going to the Tucson Area for Desert Camp on the 28th of the month, and yes, that week is included in my plan! ( see at www.pactour.com then "coaching week" I am sure its not to late for YOU to sign up! )
I am pumped! (see motivation quote, above)
I was back in the lab this past Wednesday, this time i did a 7k time trial to determine my "base" What ya do is warm up for 30 minutes, then get on your bike that is hooked to a computer testing thing, and once you get your HR up to you LA threshold, ride a 7k tt! The idea is to see how long it takes you to ride the 7k with your heart at LA. (you spin with your heart at LA, if you go above LA, you slow down, if you go below, you speed up) The time recorded sets my "base" Now with all of this information, i begin a new training program, now that i am all rested and tested. I go back in mid-April to check and see how my fitness is comming along. Looking forward to that! The object of all this is to have fun on my ride in August!
January in Review: I will end the month with about 350 miles under my belt. This is short by about 50 miles my goal i had set at the beginning of the month, but i had not anticipated the over training and the prescribed rest. So, its all good. Each month i will grow from here.
February's goal: increase my VO2 Base and LA threshold by following the training as prescribed for me. Going to the Tucson Area for Desert Camp on the 28th of the month, and yes, that week is included in my plan! ( see at www.pactour.com then "coaching week" I am sure its not to late for YOU to sign up! )
I am pumped! (see motivation quote, above)
"The will to win is important, but the will to prepare to win is vital"
-Joe Paterno
"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail"
-Wayne Gretzky
-Joe Paterno
"Failing to prepare is preparing to fail"
-Wayne Gretzky
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Insane?
Important Notice!
PAC Tour is rated by BICYCLING Magazine as "the toughest tour in the world". PAC Tour does not follow the flattest, smoothest or easiest route across the country. PAC Tour routes are designed to offer the best cycling routes each day between motels and points of interest. If you are looking for an easy, flat, tail wind tour across America do not sign up for PAC Tour.
"This is our most challenging PAC Tour Event..."
PAC Tour is rated by BICYCLING Magazine as "the toughest tour in the world". PAC Tour does not follow the flattest, smoothest or easiest route across the country. PAC Tour routes are designed to offer the best cycling routes each day between motels and points of interest. If you are looking for an easy, flat, tail wind tour across America do not sign up for PAC Tour.
That's a quote taken directly from the PAC tour website www.pactour.com
I received my travel credentials today from PAC Tour for the Eastern Mountains. Keeping the above quote in mind, this is what they say in the cover letter about Eastern Mountains:
I received my travel credentials today from PAC Tour for the Eastern Mountains. Keeping the above quote in mind, this is what they say in the cover letter about Eastern Mountains:
"This is our most challenging PAC Tour Event..."
So, by my estimation, i have signed up for the most challenging tour with the toughest tour company. Am I nuts or what?
This past week I had my VO2 and Lactic Acid Threshold tested at WSU. The test quickly revealed that i was over training. Apparently my LA spiked at a relatively low Heart Rate. When your LA peaks, your blood can no longer absorb oxygen efficiently. Wow. I had NO idea. The PhD Dr. Guy who is following me ordered me to back off my cycling for a couple of weeks. I need to keep my heart rate below my LA Threshold and pick up my cadence, and ride no more than 3-4 times per week. He promises me that this recovery period will lead to a stronger and better cyclist in the long run.
This coming week i am going back to the lab for a controlled Time Trial test and again check the VO2 and LA. Since this study is being conducted as part of a Graduate Student class at the University, they are going to come up with a suggested training plan for me based on my goal of "riding the most challenging tour with the toughest tour company".
Oh, i have ridden with PAC tour before, so its not all scary...i highly recommend them!
This past week I had my VO2 and Lactic Acid Threshold tested at WSU. The test quickly revealed that i was over training. Apparently my LA spiked at a relatively low Heart Rate. When your LA peaks, your blood can no longer absorb oxygen efficiently. Wow. I had NO idea. The PhD Dr. Guy who is following me ordered me to back off my cycling for a couple of weeks. I need to keep my heart rate below my LA Threshold and pick up my cadence, and ride no more than 3-4 times per week. He promises me that this recovery period will lead to a stronger and better cyclist in the long run.
This coming week i am going back to the lab for a controlled Time Trial test and again check the VO2 and LA. Since this study is being conducted as part of a Graduate Student class at the University, they are going to come up with a suggested training plan for me based on my goal of "riding the most challenging tour with the toughest tour company".
Oh, i have ridden with PAC tour before, so its not all scary...i highly recommend them!
"Believing in yourself is paramount to success"
-Ben Crenshaw, Pro Golfer
-Ben Crenshaw, Pro Golfer
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
A Healthy Fear
January 20, 2009
"At times you're on top of the world. Other times you feel you can't turn the pedals even once more. You've lost energy and you're not going to get it back. Then comes perseverance and going beyond what the physical body can do"
-Ed Pavelka
Ahhh, Arizona in January. We were met by perfect weather for riding. by 9 am, the temperatures were in the mid 50's and rising. Light east winds. We rode 3 days in and around Cave Creek and Carefree. Beautiful. Though we didn't log alot of miles, we did manage alot of climbing. Totalling just at 70 miles for 3 days, we climbed 5, 100 feet in total, or an average of 72 feet per mile. The good news is that is comparable to the Eastern Mountains tour, which averages 65 climbing feet per mile. It felt good! and i have 7 months of training to go! Yea!
No riding for me yesterday or today, as tomorrow i am getting my VO2 and LA threshold tested, and they want me "fully rested" They promise to put me through the paces. The interesting part of this is that it is part of a graduate school study at Wichita State University: I will be tested in front of a crowd! Sounds scary, huh?
That's the big deal this week, hope for some longer rides later in the week, but its Kansas, and its January, so the only scenery i will probably get will be the basement walls... ah well.
Nothing is ever born afraid...young things- human and animal, boy or black lamb- have no experience with fear. They rely implicitly on parents- on someone bigger and stronger than themselves, to assure safety....on God as they grow older and threats to security multiply.
-Walt Disney
"At times you're on top of the world. Other times you feel you can't turn the pedals even once more. You've lost energy and you're not going to get it back. Then comes perseverance and going beyond what the physical body can do"
-Ed Pavelka
Ahhh, Arizona in January. We were met by perfect weather for riding. by 9 am, the temperatures were in the mid 50's and rising. Light east winds. We rode 3 days in and around Cave Creek and Carefree. Beautiful. Though we didn't log alot of miles, we did manage alot of climbing. Totalling just at 70 miles for 3 days, we climbed 5, 100 feet in total, or an average of 72 feet per mile. The good news is that is comparable to the Eastern Mountains tour, which averages 65 climbing feet per mile. It felt good! and i have 7 months of training to go! Yea!
No riding for me yesterday or today, as tomorrow i am getting my VO2 and LA threshold tested, and they want me "fully rested" They promise to put me through the paces. The interesting part of this is that it is part of a graduate school study at Wichita State University: I will be tested in front of a crowd! Sounds scary, huh?
That's the big deal this week, hope for some longer rides later in the week, but its Kansas, and its January, so the only scenery i will probably get will be the basement walls... ah well.
Nothing is ever born afraid...young things- human and animal, boy or black lamb- have no experience with fear. They rely implicitly on parents- on someone bigger and stronger than themselves, to assure safety....on God as they grow older and threats to security multiply.
-Walt Disney
Sunday, January 11, 2009
On Training
"There have been many studies of Elite performers - (in groups as diverse as) concert violinists, chess grandmasters, professional ice-skaters, mathematicians, and so forth- and the biggest difference researchers find between them and lesser performers is the amount of deliberate practice they've accumulated.
Indeed, the most important talent may be the talent for practice itself.
K. Anders Ericsson, a cognitive psychologist and expert on performance, notes that the most important role that innate factors play may be in a person's willingness to engage in sustained training.
He has also found, for example, that top performers dislike practicing just as much as others do. (That's why, for example, athletes and musicians usually quit practicing when they retire.) But, more than others, (during their careers) they have the will to keep at it anyway."
From "The Learning Curve" by Atul Gawande. Quoted from "High Intensity Training (HIT) for Cyclists" by Arnie Baker, MD roadbikerider.com
Yogi Berra is quoted as saying "Baseball is 90 percent mental, the other half is physical" When applied to Cycling, I couldn't agree more. Not only am i training my body, but i have started spending alot more time thinking about the mental aspects. I am currently reading "Mind Gym..An Athletes Guide to Inner Excellence" by Gary Mack.
The book is divided into 5 parts. Welcome to the Inner Game, Living the Dream, Mind Set for Success, and In The Zone. So far, so good. I know that going into my journey up the Eastern Mountains, i have to overcome all the negative thoughts that are soooo easy to come by, and win the mind game. I will keep you posted
This week Laurie and I will be in Arizona for some winter rides. The first of 2 trips this winter to ride in Arizona. We are really looking forward to going somewhere a bit warmer to ride, even if it is just for a few days.
As for last weeks training? It went good. Goal set: Goal Achieved. I find that rest days are the biggest challenge, but essential to proper training. I probably feel this way because now, in early January, i am all psyched up to ride. I hope my positive attitude stays with me for 7 more months! (mind games, you know...)
"Cyclists who train smart always beat athletes who train hard"
-Joe Friel "The Cyclists Training Bible"
-Joe Friel "The Cyclists Training Bible"
Monday, January 5, 2009
In The Begining...
" No matter how one may think himself accomplished,
when he sets out to learn a new language, science, or the
bicycle, he has entered a new realm as truly as if he were a
child newly born into the world."
- Frances Willard, How I Learned to Ride the Bicycle
when he sets out to learn a new language, science, or the
bicycle, he has entered a new realm as truly as if he were a
child newly born into the world."
- Frances Willard, How I Learned to Ride the Bicycle
Monday.
Frances Willard is onto something. Yea, i know how to ride a bike, but do I? Lon and Lance make it look easy, i make it look, well, like work. I think it is time to re-learn. I heard once that John Wooden, of basketball coaching fame, used to start the first practice of the season by teaching his players how to tie their shoes. Learning from that, i tied my shoes correctly for the first time today. Perhaps tomorrow i will re-learn how to straddle the bike..?
Craig
Frances Willard is onto something. Yea, i know how to ride a bike, but do I? Lon and Lance make it look easy, i make it look, well, like work. I think it is time to re-learn. I heard once that John Wooden, of basketball coaching fame, used to start the first practice of the season by teaching his players how to tie their shoes. Learning from that, i tied my shoes correctly for the first time today. Perhaps tomorrow i will re-learn how to straddle the bike..?
Craig
Sunday, January 4, 2009
State of the Mind Address
"People write and call me and ask me to describe a general
training week. But they don't need my general training
week, they need their general training week. They need to
figure their own situation"
-Ned Overend
training week. But they don't need my general training
week, they need their general training week. They need to
figure their own situation"
-Ned Overend
Sunday.
Okay, this is it. Sunday. Not just any Sunday, this is THE Sunday. After today, the bike get priority. Does that mean ill i am going to do for the next 8 months is bike? No, what that means is for the next 8 months my day will revolve around my training schedule. Each month will get progressivly more intense between now and August 1st. The big ride starts August 8.
A bit more about ME>>>
My opening blog reads a bit like i have very little experience on the bike. Well, compared to Lon Haldeman or Lance i am very inexperienced. Compared to the average American walking around the shopping mall, i am, well, better than they are.
I have ridden across Kansas 3 Times ( 550 miles from West to East) Attended 3 PAC tour camps in Arizona, Cycled around the Big Island of Hawaii, Attended Lance's "Ride for the Roses" in Austin Texas -3 times, and traveled with my bike to places like Florida, California, and Pennsylvania. Every Summer we spend a few weeks in the Ozark Mountains and I take my bike there as well. (The Ozark Mountains are killers to ride on. after about 15 miles in the 90 degree heat and 90% humidity, you know you have done something)
So that's my experience base.
Oh, I'm not a great cyclist by any stretch. Put me in a pack and I'm not the fast one, I'm not the first one up the hill,and I'm not the most obnoxious one either ( i think a lot of racers are obnoxious....for whatever reason) My riding in the past has been sporadic. Sporadic leads to little improvement. Sporadic will not be allowed this year. Sporadic is not my friend. This year is about the bike.
I logged about 3,000 miles in 2008, with 900 coming in the last 3 months of the year. I have contemplated my goal a long while, and i am as ready to dive in as i ever will be. January and February will be working on base endurance, cadence and power. On February 28 I leave for Desert Training Camp with PAC Tour. (www.pactour.com) Fred M. from Roadbikerider.com will be one of the featured speakers and coaches. After this camp, I plan to re-asses my training for the remaining 5 months, based on what i have learned.
Okay, this is it. Sunday. Not just any Sunday, this is THE Sunday. After today, the bike get priority. Does that mean ill i am going to do for the next 8 months is bike? No, what that means is for the next 8 months my day will revolve around my training schedule. Each month will get progressivly more intense between now and August 1st. The big ride starts August 8.
A bit more about ME>>>
My opening blog reads a bit like i have very little experience on the bike. Well, compared to Lon Haldeman or Lance i am very inexperienced. Compared to the average American walking around the shopping mall, i am, well, better than they are.
I have ridden across Kansas 3 Times ( 550 miles from West to East) Attended 3 PAC tour camps in Arizona, Cycled around the Big Island of Hawaii, Attended Lance's "Ride for the Roses" in Austin Texas -3 times, and traveled with my bike to places like Florida, California, and Pennsylvania. Every Summer we spend a few weeks in the Ozark Mountains and I take my bike there as well. (The Ozark Mountains are killers to ride on. after about 15 miles in the 90 degree heat and 90% humidity, you know you have done something)
So that's my experience base.
Oh, I'm not a great cyclist by any stretch. Put me in a pack and I'm not the fast one, I'm not the first one up the hill,and I'm not the most obnoxious one either ( i think a lot of racers are obnoxious....for whatever reason) My riding in the past has been sporadic. Sporadic leads to little improvement. Sporadic will not be allowed this year. Sporadic is not my friend. This year is about the bike.
I logged about 3,000 miles in 2008, with 900 coming in the last 3 months of the year. I have contemplated my goal a long while, and i am as ready to dive in as i ever will be. January and February will be working on base endurance, cadence and power. On February 28 I leave for Desert Training Camp with PAC Tour. (www.pactour.com) Fred M. from Roadbikerider.com will be one of the featured speakers and coaches. After this camp, I plan to re-asses my training for the remaining 5 months, based on what i have learned.
There we are, my state of mind on this day.
"The way to get started is to stop talking and begin doing"
-Walt Disney
-Walt Disney
Friday, January 2, 2009
What am i thinking?
Friday
Just got off my bike. Rode 32 miles today, and according to the Garmin, i ave 15.9 mph. i was within 30 seconds of averaging 16 mph. In my first mile, I was thinking "what am i doing, why did i sign up for the PACTour? by mile 10 I was thinking,...."Oh yea...this is fun...and its only January and you have until August to get in shape..." I will be fine. Off to Kansas City to see family, so i wont ride tomorrow. Have a great Friday........
Craig
Just got off my bike. Rode 32 miles today, and according to the Garmin, i ave 15.9 mph. i was within 30 seconds of averaging 16 mph. In my first mile, I was thinking "what am i doing, why did i sign up for the PACTour? by mile 10 I was thinking,...."Oh yea...this is fun...and its only January and you have until August to get in shape..." I will be fine. Off to Kansas City to see family, so i wont ride tomorrow. Have a great Friday........
Craig
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Goals for 2009
Here we are. January 1, 2009. I have set a lofty goal for myself for 2009. I am going to ride a PACTOUR www.pactour.com in August in the Eastern Mountains of the United States. Untill now i have just fooled around with Cycling, I have never raced, competed, or anything else, and untill now cycling was something i did when all else was done. But now, for the next 8 months it will be my priority.
The Eastern Mountains ride starts in Atlanta, Ga in and ends in Portland Maine 17 days later. 112,000 feet of climbing and 100 plus miles a day. I have a healty fear of this, but i am guessing i will come out on the other end a different person. A better person, i hope.
I have no excuses. My kids are teenagers, my wife says "do it" and my partners at work think that they can do without me for awhile. I am my only stumbling block..........
So, i have decided to blog about this....if for no other reason than to have a diary of how i get from here to there. Wish me luck....
Craig
The Eastern Mountains ride starts in Atlanta, Ga in and ends in Portland Maine 17 days later. 112,000 feet of climbing and 100 plus miles a day. I have a healty fear of this, but i am guessing i will come out on the other end a different person. A better person, i hope.
I have no excuses. My kids are teenagers, my wife says "do it" and my partners at work think that they can do without me for awhile. I am my only stumbling block..........
So, i have decided to blog about this....if for no other reason than to have a diary of how i get from here to there. Wish me luck....
Craig
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