Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Christmas and Chicago

12/27- Run 6 mi
Bike 10mi
Ab work
12/28 - Run 3 mi
Swim 1,100 m
Ab work
12/29 - Run 5.5 mi
Swim 1,450m
Bike 18 mi
Ab work


Ok you might be wondering how these two come together. For the past 18 or so years, my wife and I have spent Christmas in Chicago. This year we did something different. We spent Christmas in Knoxville and then headed off to Chicago to visit relatives. We let the children decide where they wanted to celebrate. Here are some pics from the morning.






Now for a couple crazy pics from Chicago. If you have nightmares from scary things, please do not look at the next couple of pics.


Two young goblins from the Grinch


Here are the new Home Owners! Jenn's brother and other.
Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Tips For The Holiday

12/20 Run 3mi
12/20 Cycle 20mi
12/22 Run 2mi
12/22 Cycle 15mi
12/22 Swim 100o yds

Indoor training, I have had a hard time putting in the miles. I need to bundle up and get outside to train. Next week will be worse, I am heading to Chicago for a week. I will spend a lot of time inside training.

Ok it has been two days of the holiday season and two Christmas dinners down. I weighed in 3 pounds heavier this morning. At this rate I will be 24 lbs heavier by Jan 2nd. last night we had a wonderful dinner with some great friends. Teddy and Karen seem to always be there for us on the holidays. Thanks




















I liked these so much I had to pass them on. These came from Kevin and Martin at Raceday Events

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. Like fine single-malt scotch, it's rare. In fact, it's even rarer than single-malt scotch. You can't find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy . Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention.

8. Same for pies. Apple. Pumpkin. Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by: "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!" Sphere: Related Content

Friday, December 19, 2008

Don't forget to donate

Remember I have two autographed books from Jill in Alaska waiting for two of you. Every $5.00 you donate to the LiveStrong Challenge using the link on the right of this page, gets you an entry.

If you do not follow Jill and her adventures, you can find her blog in the roll on the right. You thought I was crazy, check out this chicks mileage. She puts anyone in Knoxville to shame. Most of her miles are in the rain and below freezing.

Wow talk about discipline Sphere: Related Content

Xmas Training Break

12/19 - Swim 1750 m
12/19 - Run 3 mi

Yes, I said it a "BREAK"
I am planning to take a trip Dec 26 until the 2nd. During this time I vow only to work out every other day. I also have decided starting in January I am going to add two times per week core training to my schedule. How you might be wondering? I already am working out 9-10 times per week. I have finally decided to get up before 6:30. This means the 11pm bedtime is gone.

I am assuming 9:30 will have to be the hour. This will last for 90days. I can do anything for 90days.
The trouble I will face on my trip will be getting time on a bicycle. The one at the lodge I will be staying is very bad, the seat slopes forward like Santa used to work out on it daily. It however has an indoor pool and I will also have access to many cardio machines. I imagine I will also begin my core training while there.
Where you might be wondering, It is CHICAGO
yes, I pan on eating well. I put on 4 lbs last year while there. I will try to come home even.
I have signed up for the Pilot Challenge tri today AKA Trideltathon, and also signed up for the Atomic Man at the end of the year. I will wait and see if the other events are good for me and the family. Sphere: Related Content

Thursday, December 18, 2008

So Many Questions

Dec 15 - cycle 35 mi/swim 1550m
Dec 16 - run 3 mi
Dec 17 - swim 1700m
Dec 18 - run 5 mi cycle 20mi

When I began this adventure, I new I would face many questions along the way. I just didn't realize how many! Lately I have been struggling with the question of how much training is right for 4.5 months out? How fit should I be? Am I feeling too tired?

All of these start my mind wandering about this event. I thought I would list some of my questions. Any help with these from the open masses of readers would be great.

Am I training enough in the pool
Do I need a dedicated Tri coach
wet suit or no wet suit
if wet suit, full/half or sleeveless
if wet suit which brand/model
Am I eating enough
should I begin to throw in some strength training
if so, is two days a week enough
can I work out on my own or do I need a motivator
do I shave my legs or not
how am I going to get 500 road miles in January
yes 500 very hard, 50% will have to be on the trainer
400 in Feb tough due to short month weather and work
400 in march easy with the Knoxville weather
375 in April
How will my legs feel after riding the 56
can I run at a 8:45 pace for 13.1
can I run 8:15
two water bottles on the bike or one
what to eat on the bike
I have never had to run 13.1 after 56 mile ride
I am leaning toward 300 calories and water
100 at mile 10,18 and 35-40
How hot will it be for the run 85
Open water ocean swim oh my, I am in trouble

I can continue this for hours
As you can see, I am a mess and the event is 4.5 month away. Never mind I have to get to the US Virgin Islands with my wife and Bike! I need to focus on the Knoxville half marathon. It runs sometime in late March. It seems so little compared to the 70.3
Yesterday I found out a worker at River Sports is an Ironwoman. I may ask her to train with me, or at least share some experiences and learned lessons.

Sorry of the rant Sphere: Related Content

Monday, December 15, 2008

Big News / Tired Body

12-13 Bike 25 miles
Ran 5 mile
12-14 Bike 35 mile
Swim 1 mile
YTD Cycling mileage 4,317

Today, after working over my body for two days, I awoke to an email form Jill. Yes, I mean Jill from "Up In Alaska"

The same Jill, I tried to keep up mileage with over the summer. I failed miserably! She has signed the books and they are on the way to Knoxville. Remember, every $5 donation to Fight cancer in the name of Susan, gains an entry for the book raffles.

Click Here to enter

On a side note, the kids are all on basketball teams this year. Yes, three different teams and 4 games per weekend. Justin and Olivia are both in there first year and James is on a competitive team this year. They are all having a blast. Jennifer and i spend most of the weeknights running to practices and nearly the whole weekend at games. I can not believe I was able to fit 4 workouts in this weekend.
I have figured out something, I need to use a wet suit in the 70.3 any ideas on style or brand fro my loyal two readers? Sphere: Related Content

Friday, December 12, 2008

Great News!!!

I should have titled this as Great Idea. Because I have just stole an idea from Fatty. That is right, he is always having reffles to drum up blog activity. The latest, is to raise 1,000,000.00 in Susan , his wifes, name.

Most of the readers of this blog know about the Fat Cyclist For those who do not, please click here

Ok now you know why I have to raise money to fight this disease. I could not imagine going through years of torture this family has had to endure. The thought of losing Jennifer and the children's reactions to losing their mother would destroy my spirit. I am riding in Philly this year (Livestrong Challenge) and raising over 1,000 for the cause all in the name of SUSAN.

Now for the great idea. I have purchased, not yet received, two copies of the hottest book yet to be named to the Oprah's book club must reads.
Here is the books description;
Most sports become inspirational when extraordinary people excel at ordinary things. In ultra-endurance racing, ordinary people must excel at extraordinary things. "Ghost Trails" is the true story of an ordinary person - timid, nonathletic, raised in the suburbs of Salt Lake City - and her unlikely route to one of the most difficult winter bicycle races in the world, a 350-mile epic along Alaska's frozen Iditarod trail. Through her struggles and intimate confrontations with her fears and weaknesses, she discovers the surprising destination of her life's trails.

Its Title is Ghost Trails you can read more from the author by clicking on the title. Her name is Jill Homer, and I only wish I could have the mental edge she has.



Ok now for the extra special news, Jill is going to send signed copies. I have ask her to write something special about the fight for SUSAN.

So here it is, simple contest for the books every $5.00 you donate, you get an entry into the raffle. The drawing will be April 1st. I am so pumped up about this idea. I may even buy a Fatty Jersey to throw into the mix.

To donate and have a chance at the ever growing list of prizes, click here
Sphere: Related Content

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Love this site

If any of you compete in Fantasy Football, this site is a must. The guys here give you everything you need to be competative. the best part is you don't have to spend hours glued to a tv. They spoon feed you the facts. After 10 years of playing, the past three have been perfect with Footballguys.com Here is a little piece Joe puts out each week as random shots.

We do a lot of really insightful, thoughtful and serious features here at Footballguys with some very smart people thinking deeply for you. This is not one of those features.
This is a few pages of me downloading my goofy and dysfunctional mental hard drive that gets stuffed with way too many random items from 40 hours of watching and re-watching (God Bless TiVO) football every weekend. It's the only way I keep relatively sane. Here's hoping it has a tiny bit of value for you. Let's go.
Here's what happens when you sit an NFL Junkie down in front of multiple big screens with Sunday Ticket and fresh batteries in the remote.
Here's what happens when you sit an NFL Junkie down in front of multiple big screens with Sunday Ticket and fresh batteries in the remote.
I'm not a big fan of Warren Sapp off the field but I'm starting to like the Sunday pregame stuff he does with Marshall Faulk. They do a "buy / sell" stock market segment where they talk about "buying" the hot players they think are on the rise and "selling" the players that are falling. At one point, Faulk looked at Sapp and said, "Your portfolio is going to be TERRIBLE".
A few minutes later, Plaxico Burress was the topic and Faulk was quick to label him a "must sell" when he said, "Anytime you shoot yourself, I have to sell you.'
I thought ESPN couldn't get any cheesier with their player features than the "Ray Lewis as the boxer in the ring" thing from a few weeks ago. Watching Ben Roethlisberger humiliate himself with the IronMan Jr arm thing Sunday, I now realize I was wrong.
The look of surprise on Mike Ditka's face Sunday morning when Chris Berman asked him to pick a winner between the Lions and Vikings was priceless. He stammered around with "We're picking the Lions – Vikings game?"
The Rams scored an offensive touchdown. That's sadly big news.
Is Minnesota the shakiest 8-5 team in recent memory? Their coach is permanently on the hot seat, their star defensive players are waiting for the Suspension Hammer to fall, and now the quarterbacks are up in the air. If you're a Vikings fan, at least it's not boring.
A new car is apparently the key to blissful happiness. I've learned that watching television commercials this month.
Latest exhibit in the "Start Your Studs" case is DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Facing a very stout Tampa Bay defense, Williams posted 186 yards with two touchdowns while Stewart put up 115 yards with two scores.
Non Football shout out of the week (as if any of this is really all that much about football...) Caught one of the best live shows I've seen in a long time recently. Guy's name is Erick Baker and if he's ever playing close to you, do yourself a favor and drop everything to go see him. You can check out his myspace music page here for more info and to hear his songs for free. You can also purchase them there for download. "My Two Left Feet" is fantastic. No connection to him other than I was wowed by the show. Check it out.
If I'm Jerry Jones, there are lots of things I might talk about. Questioning Marion Barber's toughness is not on that list though. I love Jones but, Guy, c'mon. You don't have to say everything that comes into your head.
I think the Jets took the tunnel sign to heart.
Four weeks ago, Tatum Bell was selling phones at a kiosk in the Aurora Mall. Today he's the starting running back for the Denver Broncos. Things move fast. Don't complain to the Broncos about your injury woes. They're on their seventh string running back...
Hats off to the Cardinals and the Bidwell family. I've been hard on them here over the years but they clinched a playoff spot Sunday. And it's been a while.
Tackle Darnell Dockett was great. "My coach was like, 'Act like you've been there before, act like you've been there before.' I said, 'Coach, I ain't been there before. I don't know how to act right now."' You have to love that.
And I love how Kurt Warner's put this team on his back. People say you can't win in this league without running the ball. Don't tell the Cardinals as they're #32 in rushing.
Some of my staff guys were giving me a hard time Sunday morning for me saying people were underestimating the Cowboys at Pittsburgh. It was a game for a long while there. Terrell Owens didn't mince words after the game. "The defense played a hell of a ballgame. We stunk it up on offense."
Are television announcers physically capable of saying the name "Ed Reed" without saying "ball hawk" right afterwards? Watching TV, I think the answer is no.
Reed's some kind of player though. John Madden was right, when you saw that first Jason Campbell deflected pass go floating up in the air, without knowing where he was on the field, most people had the thought, "I bet Ed Reed catches that." I did. As did Ed Reed.
After the game, the safety was very cool. "That's just somebody else making the play and me doing my job," Reed said. Are you sure he's a Miami guy?
Clinton Portis watched much of the second half from the sidelines Sunday. He was less than thrilled afterwards. "We got a genius for a head coach," said Portis. "He's got everything figured out. Hey, that's up to him. All I can do is when he calls a play is go out and try to execute to the best of my ability." Portis later commented on the Redskins' season: "I don't know where it went wrong, all I know is it's going wrong. So, you know, maybe I'm the problem. Maybe I'm the problem since I don't practice, since I'm the only person that don't practice and come out and play and try to give it what I've got, maybe I'm the problem. So I might need to be on IR."
That's more like "The U" we know and love...
Carolina made no bones about what they intended to do against Tampa Bay. They effectively said, "We're going to run the ball right at you. Try to stop us." And they did. And Tampa couldn't.
Jacksonville's Matt Jones looks like he's finally suspended after being arrested for Cocaine. I'm not sure I'm following the priorities here. Jones was arrested and suspended back in October. And the league can't get the suspension enforced until the end of December? The Williams defensive guys in Minnesota and Deuce McAllister get pinched for a diuretic and the league does back flips to get them off field the next week?
Think you had a bad day last Sunday? Jacksonville WR Mike Walker was inactive for the team's Week 14 game as the result of his attending his best friend's funeral. Walker's father also died from a staph infection on the same day as the funeral. Footballguys condolences there.
Remember way back when the Packers could handle a powerhouse like the Texans at Lambeau?
Houston's Kris Brown nailed the game winner from 40 yards out and it would have been good if the uprights were four feet wide. "It came off my foot and I knew right away it was good," Brown said.
I know it's the "right" thing to talk about "team" and "chemistry" and all that when you lose players. And the Giants have done well with that this year. But when you lose Michael Strahan, Osi Umenyiora, Jeremy Shockey and Plaxico Burress, that's a pretty good bunch of players. At some point it does start to make a difference.
I've been a big Domenik Hixon fan but Sunday the Eagles treated him as if he were nothing special barely giving him respect. And he did nothing to prove they'd underestimated him. Hmmm.
After the game on Monday night, Stuart Scott, Steve Young and Emmitt Smith were doing the wrap up show on a sideline set. Young was talking then quickly dodged a Panther's cup thrown near his face. To his credit he barely missed a beat and kept rolling. The funniest part was Emmitt Smith eyeballing the guy the guy that threw it. You know he was thinking about going after him. Stay classy Carolina.
Was it just me or did ESPN seem just a little too chipper reporting that the NFL was laying people off? The cynic in me wonders if they weren't especially interested to see if any of those folks were with the NFL Network.
Footballguys All Name Team rookie Leodis McKelvin continues to shine. He's up to 1,233 return yards now which broke Eric Moulds record for most as a rookie.
Glitch in the Matrix: The Saints and Falcons each had 414 yards in total offense.
Coming off a terrible game, Peyton Manning needed a Marvin Lewis defense to make him feel better again. That just seems so wrong.
Don't look now but San Francisco has won three of their last four... Sphere: Related Content

Monday, December 8, 2008

One Big Step In Training

YTD 4,061 miles Biking

I have came to the realization, 5,200 miles is not happening this year. It seems like such an easy goal, only 100 miles per week. I am ok with this, since I have dedicated so much time to the other sports I am trying to master. I am also a weather weenie. Yes, it is true, I hate the rain. I can not pull myself onto a bike in the rain. Oh well on another note,

I had a large breakthrough today in swimming. To most, this is going to seem small. I mean really small, but to those who have been in my flippers, you know.

Today I swam 850 yds of the 2,550 yd workout with out the aid of flippers or paddles. Yes just my own two hands and feet.

Last month I swam 25,000 yds during 11 workouts. I would assume December to come in pretty close. We will be off from Dec. 20th - Jan. 4th. I want to put in 30,000 yds in January. If I can make that happen, I should be feeling pretty good. By then I hope to be swimming the workout with fins only when the workout demands.

By the way, I also ran 41 miles last month. Just the beginning, but at least my knees are not hurting anymore.

PS - Phelps missed a workout today. I hope it was too cold in ILL for him to run. Phil, Mike and I need all the help we can get. Sphere: Related Content

Mt Union Football

I had to give a shout out to the Raiders!!!

Another great season for the machine. Check out NCAA's most winning program. Yes, SEC boys, our coach is better.

http://www.mtunionfootball.com/main.htm Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Rails to Trails

This comes from a long lost cycling friend

To my cycling and Eco-preservation-minded entourage,Join me in signing this petition to support explicit funding for walking and biking trails in the upcoming economic recovery package if you support the propagation of green ways and safer alternative transportation routes. It will take all of 10 seconds. Yeah, maybe signing this online petition won't make a difference, but.... what if it does?Here's what you are supporting:I support explicit funding for trails, walking and biking in the upcoming economic recovery package. Funding active transportation is a cost-effective investment that creates jobs and leads to healthier people, stronger communities, decreased oil dependency, and reduced climate change emissions.

http://support.railstotrails.org/recovery Sphere: Related Content

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Perfect for Josh


I couldn't resist putting this up on the blog
http://www.ekusa.com/index.php?page=XTRAi

This is for all who have mede this costly mistake
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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Holidays are getting close

Holiday season is upon us and how am I expected to stay fit? Every month there seems to be distractions from the fitness goal I have set for myself.

Here is a list of a few of the distractions I seem to be challenged by every month:

Office birthday partys

baby showers - for men?

Wok Hay with the TS guys

Burritos - from Moes and Quedoba well from anywhere who sells them

20 pints of ben and jerrys in the common fridge only 15 big steps away from my office door

Pizza

Popcorn at the office -someone make it 2-3 times per week





By the way, here is a great place for cycle related holiday cards

http://www.skeese.com/ Sphere: Related Content

Monday, November 17, 2008

One Month Recap

11/12,14,16,17 Swim - 2,300/2,600/1,000/2,650
11/12,13,15 Run - 3/2/3.5
11/11,13,15 Bike - 18/5/16

It is hard to believe it has only been 1 month since I began to train for the ironman. It feels like 3 months have passed. Good news is my body is over the initial aches and pains. I have to be smart and make sure I do not over train.

Hard to believe you could over train for such a long event. I have to listen to my body on heavy work load days. This past Sat. I did a little brick work out for the first time. I ran 2 mi/biked 16/ran 1.5 mi.

I need to step up my run training over the next 4 weeks. Right now I am getting 9 work outs in per week. I need to put in 36 workouts by Dec 13th. this will be the end of my base miles training. Biking is fine, swimming with the masters program has me doing all the right workouts, now all I need is to get focused on my running. My goal the next 4 weeks running is to log 10mi/12mi/12mi/14mi. Then I would have 15 weeks until the Knoxville half marathon. they break down as follows;
week 1 - 3,3,4
week 2 - 3,3,6
week 3 - 4,4,4
week 4 - 3,3,8

I should be able to step up the days by 1 starting late December. I am praying for a mild winter in K-town Sphere: Related Content

Monday, November 10, 2008

How to stay on/motivated/in gear

11-7 swim 2750 yds
11-9 Run 2 mi
11-10 swim 2250 yds

training can be very boring! I am at a stage where in swimming, I feel very much like a beginner. In running, I feel very much like a beginner and in biking I feel like I am not getting enough seat time. Training for this Ironman is tougher than I thought. It drains you mentally and takes a toll on your body.

How do I stay on track with training for the next 5.5 months? Winter is approaching, thank goodness I live in a mild climate. I have a chance to train outdoors almost all year.
I am planning on splitting up the 5.5 months into a couple small events.

1st- The Turkey Day 8k, this run is a local favorite and have my brother-in-law and his wife joining me. It also sounds like Dawson, Humpback Phil and Who Killed Kenny will also run.

2nd- Reindeer run Dec. - 7 in Maryville. I am sure Dawson will run with me.

3rd - January begins and so does the training runs for the Knoxville Half marathon.

So as you can see, I have a lot of running planned. I need an event for cycling to come my way. last January I spent half of my miles inside in spinning classes.
I guess I have to count my blessings, great family-good friends-solid weather and awsome training facility's




Sphere: Related Content

Friday, November 7, 2008

Follow My Own Advice

Nov 5 - swim 2550 yds
Nov 6 - run 3 mi

Today, I left Jill a comment on her blog. Basically she is considering a coach for the Iditarod. I pushed her to draw on her own experiences and drive to get prepared. I can not imaging paying someone to coach me who has never gone the distance.

I do however think with the mental aspect of such a grueling race, she could stand to speak with a sports psychologist to make sure her mind is prepared.

Now this brings me to my challenge. Swim 1.25 mi, bike 56 mi and run 13.1 mi. I am very lucky to have training buddies like Big B, Dawsons Creek and Humpback Phil. I am only building a base in swimming and running right now and it is time consuming.

I will be leaning on many more training buddies to take me through April. So in advance I wanted to say THANK YOU for pushing me to my goal. Sphere: Related Content

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Now that makes sense





SRAM unveiled their new “R2C” (Return 2 Center) at Ironman World Championships in Hawaii this year. The bar-end shifters are intended for Time Trial and Triathlon aero bars and use a shifting method similar to normal road levers in that they snap back to the same position after each shift.
Rather than remaining bent up or down and ruining the aero profile of your carefully crafted bike position, the carbon levers automatically snap into position pointing straight forward. Weight is around 195g.
These are Coollio!!!
Sphere: Related Content

Obama is Prez





Check out cyclelicious's favroite book. Funny stuff!




Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

IT'S A BIRD! ITS A PLANE!

Nov 4 - run 3 miles


No, it is a humpback PHIL


The answer to what I saw yesterday at the state of the art, Univ Tenn., aquatic center was



Phil trying to stick his chest out of the water. this was on the last of three 500 yd swims. Notice he is slacking on his back. You will also notice I must be out of the water to have taken this Pic. I was also slacking only doing three 450 yd swims.
How do swimmers do it, back and forth/back and forth/back and forth. Oh after about 30 mins i am mentally spent. thank goodness Phil, David and Big B are there to keep me motivated. Sphere: Related Content

Monday, November 3, 2008

My Body Says

Oct 27 - swim 2,050 yds
Oct 30 - run 2 mi
Oct 31 - swim 2,250 yds
Nov 1 - bike 20 mi
Nov 2 - run 2 mi, bike 10 mi
Nov 3 - swim 2,250 yds

OK, so I haven't posted in a couple of days. I have been on the road for work. It couldn't have came at a better time for my body. My body was telling me it needed some rest. My knees were hurting from the 3 sports and my legs were feeling drained from the Cherohala on Oct, 25th.

This was my second time this year I have road the Cherohala and both times, it takes me a solid 2 weeks before my legs are back on. Fatty had a post about this on/off leg issue earlier in the year.

Read here - http://www.fatcyclist.com/2008/08/27/online-offline/

He does a much better job than I explaining the whole leg issue after a big event. Oh well, I am off to a much tougher task in this Ironman. Today while swimming, I spotted a surprise in the water. Can you guess what I saw????

I have a surprise gift for anyone with the correct answer. I will announce what I saw on Wednesday. Sphere: Related Content

Friday, October 24, 2008

Taking it easy

This week has been all about recovery. Two knee tweeks are feeling much better and I actually am starting to feel okish swimming. Today, I would like to go 1,800 yds we will see







It is also a big weekend for THE OHIO STATE BUCKEYES!!! We will be having a scarlet night at the shoe. I feel good about the game, OSU is is tough at home and really tough at home night games. If you were wondering ask Notre Dame!



Sat. will be the test with the reverse Cherohala! It should be a beautiful ride with the colors of the trees in the mountains. I will take the trusty camera and bring some shots back. It will not be hard to do while climbing at 7-8 mph




I have not rode it this direction before, the other way it averages about 12 degrees for about 10 miles. Climbing from mile 50 to mile 90



This way the climb is from mile 23 to 53 earlier in the ride and shorter. Plus we are doing only 100mi not the normal 114



Supposed to be a friendly ride. I have to take it easy so not to strain my mcl again



We will have a road angel at the top of the climb with hot soup. Velo friend Jeff's better half.




Here is Velo friend Jeff, he helped me prepare for the Atomic Ironman




Some Misc. Pictures I thought I would share today


Is that frame Ti oh by the way nice tan lines
My Current Road Bike


My other bike I don't ge enough time on


The Mountain bike I do not have
The dream MTB 20 lbs
The Dreamiest MTB 5.5" travel under 22lbs





























































Sphere: Related Content

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Good news and Bad

10-20 swim 1,500
10-22 swim 1,750

Today I have both, let me explain

1st, I aggravated both mcl running last week. Good news, it seems the left one was less injured and feels good. the right one, not so much. I need to stay off of it for about two weeks.

Here is the issue, it seems that swimming is ok on it. I work out and it feels good. Biking well, as long as I do not hammer, it feels ok.

Running, oh my it's out.

Better to heal now than to carry this into December. The issue is I am supposed to ride 114 miles and climb 10,000 feet this sat. on the bike.

A few of us are doing the Cherohala Challenge in reverse. I am going, unless it rains, temps at Hoopers bald will be in the low 40's. Mix in rain and this would not be a nice decent. Come to think about it, it wouldn't be a nice accent either. Please do not rain on our epic mountain ride.

Other good news is that I swam 1,750 yds today. I feel great, keep in mind I am wearing flippers most of the time. By January, I hope to be able to follow the workout the others are doing. Each time we swim, the water gets more comfortable.

Today I watched the UT swimmer workout. He is ranked 4th in the world behind Phelps in the 200 fly. He has some serious power. Sphere: Related Content

Monday, October 20, 2008

Sunday afternoon ride

10-19 Bike 40 miles

Let me start by saying I had not been on a bike for 4 straight days. This is the longest span of the year without riding. I felt lazy being off the bike. Truth is, I needed to rest. I may have strained my MCL in both knees. This of course is my diagnosis, supported by a R.N. at Minute Clinic. Treatment is Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory (Aleve) Ice and rest.

So today I agreed to meet Bill for a Sunday ride. We averaged somewhere in the 19-20 mph range with 3,000 ft climbing over 40 or so miles.

The weather was beautiful for riding and the traffic was non existent. East Tn has some real nice riding, we are very spoiled.

Today its back in the pool! Sphere: Related Content

Friday, October 17, 2008

The Day Of The Fin

11-14 Bike 18 mile
11- 15 swim 1300 yds
11- 16 run 3 miles

Wednesday was the last day I have been swimming. Today, class was cancelled for a meet. I am actually sad. This is because I stayed back at the office and ate 2 dogs, beans and bread pudding at a UT tailgate party.

I needed to be working out!

Let me tell you I have found a new best friend! My new swim fins!!!

Check these babys out. I can not explain how much easier it was working out with these magical appendages on my feet.

My knees are still killing me, but I only drank about 2 liters this time vs 2 gallons of H20 last time.
One thing is clear, I have a long steep hill to climb before I feel even remotely confident in the water. Sphere: Related Content

Monday, October 13, 2008

The day - I Almost Drowned

10-11 50 mile bike
10-13 800 meter swim


Today I officially begin training for the IM. This is my training location . The facility is amazing

Today, I found out/humbled , that I am not in shape. I think my heart rate was 170 the entire time. I can not believe how out of shape I felt today in the pool trying to swim 25 meters

Good news is, Dawson and Phil were there to make it fun. Of coarse Dawson was still trying to break our mental spirit. Bad news is Dawson has way too much experience in the water.

I did not realize or think I would swallow as much water as I did. I hope there is a skill I can learn to slow down this process. I am trying to survive and not swallow water and he is already looking semi smooth. The coach welcomed us to join and learn. He claims we are not the worst he has seen. I am betting we are close. Wednesday we will try again! This time, I will have a kickboard Sphere: Related Content

Friday, October 10, 2008

Swim Fish Swim

10-8 I also biked 17 mi

10-9 nothing

Today, I embark on a swimming mission. I am so excited for the day. Today i begin my swimming training. I realize it is going to be a long upwave battle, but I am ready.

On another note, I agree with The Fat Cyclist, his new jerseys are the most comfortable yet.

I need to somehow have last years Pink jersey made into a sleeveless triathlon shirt. I would love to wear this while doing the 70.3

I have to end today with a great video I saw on Cyclelicious today.

Tracy and Andy fighting on a bike!

Sphere: Related Content

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Eyebrows Gods Little Gift

10-7 Bike 18 mi

10-8 Run 3 mi


Today, I went to swim for the first time at lunch. I am so ready to begin my base miles in the pool. I go down over the hill from my office to the Gym. I am lucky it is so close.


Go up to the front desk and give them my name, and the attendant says, "ok got it." Now you have to understand I signed up at the gym two years ago and to my knowledge only signed up for a year. Something is fishy here.


Oh well I almost felt guilty until I walked up to the pool to take a look. Yards and yards of yellow caution tape surrounded the pool. OUT OF ORDER the sign read.


Great today was the day, I am so disappointed. Oh well, I decided I would run instead. Nice weather, 65 and light showers. I was just finishing up with my run, I had not seen another person the whole time. Normally in good weather I would pass 12-15 people on the boulevard.


Then up ahead I see a runner coming toward me. Damn, it is Dawson! I actually thought I would get a fitness day up on him.


Let me get to the epiphany I had while running in the rain. God really new what he was doing when he created eyebrows. Let me explain, you all know I cycle a lot. Nothing is worse or more dangerous that sweat dripping into your eye from under your glasses, stinging so bad you feel like a needle is in your eye. All this while following another cyclist 12" apart in a paceline going 24 mph.


Today I realized the little hairy things we take for granted and call eyebrows are the key to safety on a bike. I know this because during todays run, it rained the whole time. After about 2 miles I casually reached up and wiped one of my eyebrows.


I think 3 oz of water flew off. I was amazed at the water holding capacity of my eyebrow. Could you imaging how many ounces Andy Rooneys eyebrows hold. I think on rainy days he wouldn't even need to bring a water bottle along. I guessing he could hold 20 oz on those animals


I have to find a pool!
Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Dawson's Day of Fitness

Ok the boys and I have been duped. Today we find out Dawson, the big challenger from yesterday, has been running daily 5-6 miles. This is in addition to the lunch bike rides.

With this news, I call FOUL!!!!

besides he is like 10 years younger than all of us.

We want, deserve, need and demand time for these short sprint tri events. For Christ sake we don't even know if Phil can swim yet. Big B could sink and I could end up stuck in the pool drain.

So with this head start to multi sport training, he decided today to throw down the gaunt lent. We hammered out two laps on the trusty and beautiful boulevard. Only with an ave speed of 20+

He eventually dropped all contenders and as we climbed out to the pike, he seemed to have a strange, I have them where I want them, smurk on his face.

He is also able to train at the UT aquatic center because he is taking masters classes. Another big advantage. Right now, Phil, Big B and Myself are going to open up Phil's above ground pool to do some circles.
We will learn to swim!

This will teach him! Sphere: Related Content

Monday, October 6, 2008

Dawson's Day Of Challenge

Here it is, you must be a P@@$Y NOT TO ACCEPT.

From: David Dawson Sent: Monday, October 06, 2008 11:59 AMTo: Robert Orler; Phil Lawson; Andy Goode; Kenny Sherrod; Michael Moog; Tony Teasley; Josh BirdwellSubject: you're gonna tri huh?
Ok Robert,

I see where you’ve signed up for the St. Croix half-ironman. So, since you’ve decided to take this foray into my former sport of choice, I’m going to step up and lay out a challenge. I’m ready to get fit again, so I offer the following:

I’ll buy a fat cyclist jersey for anyone who beats me in any of the following races next year. However, if I am the first finisher of this group, you guys all pitch in and buy me one.

Trideltathon (400m swim, 5mi bike, 3mi run) - April
Foothills Sprint (350m swim, 10mi bike, 2.5mi run) – Late May
Tellico Sprint (800m swim, 17mi bike, 4mi run) - June
Springbrook Sprint (200yd swim, 9mi bike, 3mi run) – July
(none of these should conflict with St. Croix)

Disclaimers:
1) Any experiencing a mechanical problem that prevents them from finishing is exempt from paying out
2) I’ll pay out a maximum of 2 jerseys per person per year (so if you beat me in all four races, you’re only getting 2 jersey
3) Anyone who beats me who is not on this email, does not count Sphere: Related Content

Day 1

10-3 Run 3 miles
10-4 Bike 35 miles
10-5 MTB 6 miles
10-6 Run 3 miles
MTD Bike 57 , Run 6

Since beginning this transition back into shape over two years ago, I have noticed I always need to have an event to be training for. Most of this year I used small events/rides to convince myself I would be able to complete the Cherohala Challenge with a respectable time.

So off I go day 1 of training for the Ironman. Really this is day two, I ran on Friday. I went out early for a very cold 52 degree, for Knoxville, Sat. morning ride. I met JB on the boulevard and we rode downtown and then over to Ijams nature center.

I had planned on taking Sunday off, but Jb called and told me Trek and CBC were having a demo day at Haw Ridge.

I have been getting pressure to do some mtb lately. This is popular for winter road fitness. This is what Matt "The Beast" J. uses as his winter training. I didn't ride the hills on this trip however. I rode the Trek Fuel EX 9.9

Oh it was smooth and light. So much, that I found myself spinning out on some steep uphill shale sections. Loose rock sucks. The bike was fast, much faster that I wanted to ride it on the first spin around this single track. I found myself with an "Oh shit" reaction many times on the first loop.

When we arrived at the event, we spotted an old friend Marcy from the Tour De Cure. Turns out she was volunteering to guide riders around the Ridge. Lucky for us and she became our guide for the day.

The next bike I tried out was a more conservative trek 69er. Yes, 29" in the front and 26" in the back. Oh by the way, a single speed! This isn't the bike but close enough. The one I tested had an inverted front fork. This is the model JB tested.

The 69er was cool, I definitely liked the simplicity of not gears. I think this is what distracted me with the first test. the SRAM gears were much different that my Red SRam road gears. I spent a lot of time testing out different gear ratios to end up in the middle ring middle rear.

This is why from the start the single speed was feeling great. The big wheel in front seemed to go anywhere i ask it to. granted I was more comfortable with the track, but it just seemed to be easier to handle and hit precise lines. We did not do the hill of truth, so I did not have to walk any hills. Were they easy, no but isn't that why you ride? To continually challenge yourself.

I do have worries about mountain biking. I found the clip in pedals I used to be difficult to get into fast. I even pulled out of them a couple of times with hard effort. This is something I would have to do some research on.

After the SS, we realized JB was out of time. We took advantage of the generous CBC staff and ate a burger with them. Marcy even had brought her own keg? Yes, it was beyond belief! How cool is that? Well I will tell you it was about 34 degrees because she had it iced down down down.
I had two glasses.

JB and I owe her big for the guide and Grog. Sphere: Related Content

Sunday, October 5, 2008

Big News

Many of you have read about my relay adventure recently. It got my competitive blood boiling. I have made the decision to become a triathlete. Yes, you got it swim, bike and run all three.

I am not going into this small. The way I see it, the short events are called sprint and I have never been a sprinter in anything. So I have signed up to compete in the 2009 70.3 St Croix Ironman!

Yes, to answer your first question it is in the virgin islands.

http://www.stcroixtriathlon.com/home.html

Let me explain a little more
1. It is Jennifer and my 15 year wedding anniversary at the end of May 2009
2. If I am going to do this, I need 7 months to learn not to sink in water
3. How could it not be fun, two weeks in paradise

Now for the tough work, how do we get there? Where do we stay? and How do I get my bike there?

Luckily, I still have Delta points from all those years traveling for Pilot.

I will use CBC to pack my bike and I will check it like luggage. Thank goodness I have a direct flight.

But we still do not know where to stay yet. I am taking suggestions if anyone has ever been there.

I also choose this race due to the tough bike course. You see, they have a hill called the beast. The 7/10 of a mile at 6-21 percent grade. I would expect it to be 10-12 percent most of the way. I think it is only 21 in one place. This is nothing to what we climb around Knoxville weekly.
I found this video on you tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7mFvhNQbpQ

Here are the normal non pro riders
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd_c5obzMcI

Tell me what you think in the comment section
Crazy?
Mid Life crisis?
Stupido?
Stud? Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Atomic Men And Woman


9-23,24,25 18 miles each day
9-28 56 miles
9-30 18 miles
MTD milage 485
YTD milage 3729

Here we are the 2nd fastest Coed Relay team at this years Atomicman Half Ironman! This was my first competition since leaving college many years ago. It felt good to train and compete again. each one of us put in great efforts and were given great results. Let me break down the day for you;

We arrived bright and early, still dark outside and we had to check in. As I placed my bike in the transition area, I noticed some serious bike gear. It seemed as if every bike had 2k + Zipp wheel sets and deep dish rims of one make or another. Lots of Bling Bling. I even noticed some of those sperm looking bike helmets. I do not understand the use of those. What I decided, was this must be a serious race. Oh shit I am going to get crushed

I had spoke to Phil about his experience doing the hammer in the past and all he said was the bikers were fast and aerodynamic looking.

So now, I was starting to get a little performance anxiety.

The morning started out rather foggy, you could not see 5 feet. The swimmers all gathered on the beach and began to go through there individual routines. Phil and I stood and watched with amazement. Wondering how long it would take one of us to drown out in that water.

We then realized the competition for the relays and us were the only ones not heading for the water. We began to size up our competition. Trying to figure out who the other coed relays were.
After a while we went to the bike to get ready. Kathy, my cousin, came up from Texas to complete the swim. She was my ringer. You see, Kathy has been a swimmer her whole life. Through college and into her adult life. She spent time testing scuba equipment with the Navy Seals in Ca. then opened her own dive shop, Saba Reef Divers, on a remote island named Saba a short ferry from St martin. She was going to be fast, Phil and I could not judge how fast due to our own inability to float. Well, I can float

The issue is the swimmers went off in waves,

1st wave men under 40
3 mins later 2nd wave men over 40
3 mins later 3rd wave woman and relays

This gave the leaders a 6 min. head start. I figured I would have 75 or so bikers in front of me to use as bait for the 56 mile grind.

The first male exited the swim and was flying to his bike. It seemed like his transition was 30 sec or so, and he was off. One of those Zipp wheelsets with a full disc wheel. Wow he looked fast. I sat down and began to put on my shoes. I gave my legs a little stretch and Phil watched over the lake. the swimmers had about a 100 yard run after exiting the lake to get to the bikes. All by the way, it was all up a steep hill.

A couple more swimmers exited and I was caught up in watching them go through there transition. I had never seen anything like this before. There was an all male relay next to us, the biker looked very serious. (Sperm Helmet) and also had zipp wheels with a full disc. I watched him leave and suddenly Phil begins to get excited saying here she is. What, how could that be, I have only begun to watch these athletes exit. Kathy, has passed 141 swimmers and came out of the water 17 overall. She posted a time of 40:22. If not for the fog she would have been very close to 30 mins. Turns out the course was also longer than half.

I am pumped with excitement and nerves. I transfer the timing chip from her leg to mine and off I go. Thinking Oh shit this is going to hurt.

I head out and during the first six miles, all I could think about was the lack of bait I had to chase. I was riding with some very fast riders who were all business. I was expecting to start the ride with the average Joes and work my way up to the serious athletes. My mind just kept saying don't get passed!

The first 5 miles of the race is flat and I had to maintain 22-24 mph. Luckily, due to training on the course, I new the first lap would be without wind. I had to hold my own on the first flat section and hurt them on the next 2 miles of hills. I was passed early on the flat by a rider, but I was smart not to attempt any pace over 24 mph. I was feeling a little how could I put it, tight. Once again I had no warm up. This is just like a lunch ride I kept thinking to myself. I want to tell you about each rider who passed me and all the thoughts that I had. I just can't remember them.

We hit the hills and I hammered the first section. I remember thinking to myself, I am supposed to be dropping these triathletes like bad habits on these hills, and I was not. I was making ground on some and I passed a couple, but they were hanging like the new kids.

We crested the hills and headed out for the back half of the loop. I just kept the hammer down and we all rode rather consistent. I was happy to somehow keep up with these Sperm Heads and aero bars. By the way, they looked to be about 25-30 year old. Each time I passed one, I said, "I am just a relay and I will try not to get in your way see ya"

We hit the last straight section on Bear Creek rd. it is a 5 miles section of rollers. I continued to hammer and to my amazement, passed back a couple of riders who went by me earlier. I thought for sure they would come back by me once they ate or recovered. But to my amazement, that was the last time I would see them. All of a sudden I felt a breeze blow by me! I looked to my lrft and it was no other than VIRTUAL TONY! He had came to show his support of the slow rider.

I hit the hills to head back and kept the pace high. By this time, my average was over 22 mph for the ride. I Had hoped to complete the ride around 18.9 average. This would bring me in at the 3 hour mark.

The issue was, I saw my competition, the closest coed relay team early in this ride. The rider was wearing a bright red and yellow shirt.

By the way, I sported my WIN SUSAN PINK jersey in honor of Susan's fight against cancer.

FIGHT THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER!!!
Click on this link and enter this contest

Anyway, by my calculations he was not very far behind me. I had to keep up the pressure. I finished the first lap and saw Birdman, Big B, Kathy and Phil all there cheering me on. I made the turn and headed back out. This time feeling just a little more confident about the outcome. My legs felt good, I had only been passed by a couple of SH and I was way ahead of my planned pace.
I used the same strategy as the first lap, but to my amazement again, this time the tri boys legs could not climb with me. i began to pass a couple more. The back half of the ride was more of the same, I stayed with the riders for the first sections then as we turned back onto rt 95, with a big tail wind, I hammered all the way to Bear creek rd. I hurt the riders I was riding with. I just hope I did not hurt myself in the process. I turned onto bear creek and a rider passed me. This pissed me off. I new this section was long and full of rollers. This was the same route as the tour de cure earlier in the season. If I could hammer then with cramps all through my body, i told myself I could drop this Sperm head. He gave me a bad look as I went by, he should not have done that. It pissed me off, like I did not belong because I was a relay. Oh well that was the last time I saw him.

Out of the blue I was passed by a rider on a willier, He went by so fast I had to google the name for spelling. This bike was sleek and he was moving. I am betting he posted the fasted bike time. I never saw him again.

I now was approaching another rider who was looking strong, we turned onto the cry baby hills to return for the last time and he hammered the first hill. He stayed in his 53 tooth sprocket and looked strong. I really did not think I would make it around him. He had huge Calv's and was in good shape. I stayed, as close as I was allowed, and happy to follow. The second hill, I decided to attack. I made sure that as I went by, I went by fast. he sat up and hit the wall.

I never saw him again. He bonked, I did see him later running, looking like he hated life.

I finished the ride being passed by 3 but passing 8. This put us in 12th position after the bike portion. With a time of 2:49:11 good for 18 best bike time.




Here I am coming into the transition area. I almost fell on my a@# as I unclipped and ran toward Phil. Many thanks go out to virtual Tony who helped me maintain my balance. Phil grabbed the timing chip from around my ankle and he was off. 13.1 miles of running in front of him.

Phil, has been running for many years now. He also came from operations of Pilot. His path to fitness is similar to mine. We both left field ops looking like Pillsbury dough boys and now both of us are over 50lbs lighter and much better off.

Phil qualified and ran in the Boston this year. He posted a respectable time, I just can't remember the time.

I need to start by saying Phil, the night before in Walmart, dropped a 2 liter of pop on his little toe. I know I wasn't sure If I believed it either. the night before???

Later in the day I saw the toe, it looked bad. Real ugly, I mean nasty

Phil ran great he posted a 1:46:20 for 13.1 miles
Nice off road finish for Phil

When it was all said and done, I am a little torn. You see, we watched some amazing athletes run that race and we only did segments. I watched and as each competitor crossed the line, I was getting the urge to complete this race solo!

So today and now I formally announce my plans to race the 2009 Atomic Half Ironman solo!

I would like to say, If I sink in he water I reserve the right to do a relay again.

I also challenge all readers of this blog to join me and finish this race. Time for the 2009 race is not the challenge, finishing will be. If you don't step up well I will not get into name calling. I would like to see 5-6 of us out there next year cheering each other on to completion.

We can at least get 2-3 more relay teams built up.


Below is a picture of my cousin Kathy and me and It is strange to have an article that is about both items in the title of this blog. Love and Two Wheels is about the love and support of family and the love and passion of biking. Kathy is family and she came and supported me in this crazy idea.

Sphere: Related Content

Friday, September 26, 2008

The Classic

David wins, he gets the grip refresher. Just squeeze and twist!

Seriously,

Many thanks go out to velo friend David this week for inviting me to play in The Classic. This is a fund raiser for Blount Memorial Hospital. Of course I had to accept the challenge.




One issue, I have only played one time this year. I was worried about making a fool of myself. I do not know why I worry, I have never been good at golf. So I went to this outing with low expectations and played above what I expected. Wow this worked out great, I should try this with more of my daily duty's. Aim low and then you are almost guaranteed to overachieve.




Why has it taken me 38 years to find this philosophy? I have always aimed to be the best, and have frequently failed.




This is much better, even with this Blog, I want it to be great not just good.




But today all that changes, today I am ok with just being good. So here are some Pics I snapped at the event, we all had a blast. David, feel free to sign me up for next year.




Make sure and check out the videos,

Josh and the inside out strong draw


Josh, wanted everyone see that he could stop the ball. Nice shot

Jerry knows to Watch, Listen and Learn. Look at the form here Jerry!



Josh, just a bit outside right

Here us the video of Josh's best hit of the day, Just not in the right fairway! Pay close attention to the audio portion, Classic


Sphere: Related Content

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Lance Rides with Astana

Lance announces his plan Here. He also announces the team will be built around Taylor Phinney. Sphere: Related Content

Oh my here I go

9-22 18 miles
Mtd 357 mi

I am spending my time this week tapering my training for the AtomicMan this weekend.

As much as I try, I can not seem to get my mind off of buying a mountain bike. Even though I have never ridden around east Tenn.

I am open to all types of bikes, with the constant quality seeming to be lighter the better and 29" wheels. Now with 29ers I already gain weight with more tire and more front fork. Here is a version that is hot in the lead http://www.salsacycles.com/selma09.html

But then I could go full ridgid picture this frame with a rigid front fork http://www.moots.com/#/product/bicycles/29er_mtb/uno/

Now, both of these 29ers I have shown you are single speeds. My mind says I will be mountain biking to gain fitness for road biking. I somehow believe I will be riding with some of the same super strong riders I road bike with. If they are on full suspension carbon beasts, how do I keep up with a single speed? I go up hill faster and they go down hill and ride the flats faster. The area will will be riding in is Haw ridge. Lots of hills and some of the best single track in the southeast.

Do I need to be looking for a Full Beast? I am liking this Giant. I can not afford this bike, nor the Specialized I ran across the other day. One of my velo friends suggested this bike .
Still too much

What ever I end up with, it will be a used bike and a great deal.

craigslist awaits! Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Up Up The Hill

Date 15,17,18 and 21st

Milage 16,18,18 and 50

MTD Milage 339

One week from the Atomic man and I decide to go on a hill climbing Sunday ride. How could I turn it down, great weather, two wheels and the GSMP. It just doesn't get better than that.



Two friends of a Knox velo friend were in town for the Big game, you know the one, Florida vs. UT



Turns out they live in south Florida, they are also triathletes. What luck, two flatlanders who want to do some climbing. The plan was to take them on three ways to hill.



The problem was, on Friday, they climbed Butterfly gap and did not want to experience that pain again.



We decided to hit the wall and sweetie pie then regroup and figure out a finish to bring us around 50 or so miles. Here is the pictures I snapped on the start of sweetie pie, 24 degrees half mile bitch. It took me five attempts before I got snapped into my pedals after stopping for these pictures. I almost had to descend.

The camera does not do the grade of this hill justice. I will say, the flatlanders climbed like they were on fire. I do not think they would last on 3 ways to hill, they were too competitive. Each time one would begin to pull away, the other would jump up on his pedals and close down the gap. At the top, I stopped and snapped off a few pictures from the overlook. This is why they are called the Smoky Mountains!

Nothing like riding in this area, any day we choose. Here's a pic of the guys posing like a group that just ascended Alp De Huez

All in all, the ride was great. I got a chance to meet two new velo friends who I have a feeling will be back for some more.

Great job Smoky Mountain Cycling Tours! Sphere: Related Content

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Shout out to the Men of the Pilot Mailroom

Today is a special day, today I give my thanks to the men of the Pilot Mail room. You see, more than I would like to admit, I forget to take my key to the re-enter the office on my lunch rides. To my rescue come the MEN OF THE PILOT MAIL ROOM

You see without these guys, I would forever be locked out! Sphere: Related Content

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Velofriends unite for Knox County

Why can't knox county be more bike friendly

Bike industry generates $90 million in Portland, OR
By Yokota Fritz
From Portland, Oregon: a new report shows that the economic impact of the bicycle industry in Portland has grown significantly in recent years - to roughly $90 million. Read more at KATU, with much more discussion and analysis at the excellent Bike Portland.

The report shows:
Between 850 and 1,150 jobs are related to the bicycle economy in Portland
The city is home to nearly 4,000 annual races, rides, events and tours, which is equivalent to about one ride every 27 minutes. That is up from 2,100 in 2006.
The number of companies building bicycles by hand in the city has grown from 5 to 17.
In recent years, two international high-end cycling apparel companies have also chosen to make Portland their U.S. headquarters. London-based Rapha Racing Ltd. moved in February while Italian-based Castelli made the move in 2005.
The study said the fastest growing sector of the bike industry in the city is manufacturing and distribution.
The report only estimates direct bicycle-related business activity in Portland such as gross revenues. It does not, for example, factor in the increasing number of businesses turning to bikes as delivery vehicles, the report authors said.The report shows:
Between 850 and 1,150 jobs are related to the bicycle economy in Portland
The city is home to nearly 4,000 annual races, rides, events and tours, which is equivalent to about one ride every 27 minutes. That is up from 2,100 in 2006.
The number of companies building bicycles by hand in the city has grown from 5 to 17.
In recent years, two international high-end cycling apparel companies have also chosen to make Portland their U.S. headquarters. London-based Rapha Racing Ltd. moved in February while Italian-based Castelli made the move in 2005.
The study said the fastest growing sector of the bike industry in the city is manufacturing and distribution.
The report only estimates direct bicycle-related business activity in Portland such as gross revenues. It does not, for example, factor in the increasing number of businesses turning to bikes as delivery vehicles, the report authors said. Sphere: Related Content

Monday, September 15, 2008

Day Of Truth

9-13 mileage 56

MTD mileage 237


Today is the day I test my legs for the upcoming Atomic Man Half Ironman. This half ironman at this location is considered one of the hardest in the country. Lucky for me, I am on a team. Today I have planned on meeting up with a couple velofriends Lindsey and Jeff to ride the route. 56 miles of pulling my friends. I ate good the night before and felt solid at the start. I wanted to set a time to use during the race as a base time. The course is considered tough because it climbs over what the locals call the cry baby hills. Jeff reminded us they are also referred to as the three bitches. You see, they are not long or even very steep, only 6% at the max. They are just long enough and just steep enough and all three in a row, that make you want to hit them hard. I pushed over them in the first loop. This is where I believe I can make time during the race. I do not have tri bars and would not consider them this late in the game. I know I can climb harder than any part time biker. I also know they will go faster on the flats. OK, we travel out to where I believe the turn around point is and head back. This means over the hills again. I hit them hard again and return to the starting point in 1:24.


Second loop, I take the first 4 miles a little easier and climb a lot easier. I feel strong the rest of the loop and when it is time to come back over the hills, I hit them hard. I can not believe it, I have a chance to finish under 3:00. I push to the finish and wow 2:59 on a perfect day. Not too hot and hardly any wind for the area. I want to thank my velo friends who helped me push along. I also need to add a couple of qualifiers to this time. 1st, I have rode 5 of the last 6 days and my legs were not 100%, and I also took 30 mins in between loops due to a work conference call. So 2:59 comes with some baggage. Either way, I feel good about the race. Two weeks to taper and be ready.




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Friday, September 12, 2008

Ryans Playground

9-10 17mi


9-11 40 mi


9-12 14 mi





Mtd 165 mi





When we ride, we each have our little favorite parts of each ride. Today we rode in Ryan's playground! Let me describe Ryan, he rides with us everyday and never rides on the weekend. He has family commitments. I think he is afraid of riding longer than 1 hr. :)





Ryan is a really strong climber and I mean strong, I do not think he knows how strong he is and his playground is filled with ups and downs.





Ryan likes it steep! earlier in the year, we took him out to the foothills parkway and the first time there, he posts 58 min time. This with no one pushing him and no knowledge of the climb.



last night,

I rode the CBC (A/B) ride last night pretending to be a racer again. It had to be shortened due to lack of sunlight.

This ride runs about 21-22 mph average for 43 miles. It is a fast paceline with a couple of sprints. I could not imagine the (A) ride on Tuesdays.

There was a surprise last night, Spiderman returned! Yes, if you remember back from the Tour de Cure ride where I was allowed to ride with the ex Olympian for 85 miles. Well, spiderman was the first of the final four that day to cramp up. He fell off the pace at 65mi or so. He is a strong big man, I would say a solid 190. You would think I would out climb him on this ride, problem with the CBC ride, it is as flat as you will get in Knoxville. 1,700 measly ft of climbing. So spider man has the advantage. Next, our route is modified due to light. Once again, I am at a disadvantage. I will make this short, we approach the last hill, I take off on a sprint and pass spidy saying, "come on spiderman lets go". He replied, "I will go with you". We dropped the other 10 or so riders and raced to the top. Lets just say, the hill was too short for me to win. I felt good about the effort I gave and anyhow, I have already proved on a long ride, I can outlast Spiderman. By the way, his real name is Jeff. And he is a stronger rider than myself.

Peace

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