tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17149006601212336232024-03-13T11:45:31.581-06:00Pensive PerspirationThe trials, tribulations and trivialities of a triumphant triathlete in training.Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-50104463226026764462015-11-23T10:55:00.000-07:002015-11-23T10:55:00.187-07:00Fall like a kid again<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's that time of year, again. Time to start fitting booties to shoes, vests are starting to give way to thick baselayers and jackets, and my regular gloves just aren't quite cutting it.<br />
<br />
It's cold outside. <br />
<br />
It also doesn't get light until pretty late in the morning and I'm aching to be outside. <br />
<br />
Who flipped the switch?<br />
<br />
But all this confusing transition brings some spectacular shades of leaves and open fields of view through otherwise dense foliage. Now I can see through the bare thicket of trees to the open farmers plot or meadows of wild grass and flowers still clinging to the last vestiges of warmth from the sun. The vineyards are mostly barren, their fruit plucked and already well on its way to becoming a sweet fermented treat in the spring.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvests are in, nothing but wide open views.</td></tr>
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The crowds are changed too. Only the hardiest of the locals venture out into the cold morning air. Most are thickly bundled, the Nordic walkers in their snazzy tights and jackets, the cyclists sporting facemasks, neck gaiters, jackets and full length bibs. For some on the bike it's a chance to show off their full kit, sporting their favorite team's logos from beanie capped head to neoprene-bootied toes. For others it's just a nice break from the sweltering heat and humidity of summer. <br />
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And then there's that one unique pleasure that only comes once a year. <br />
<br />
Riding through the leaves.<br />
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There's nothing that can transform a grown adult back into an elementary school child quicker than a pile of dry leaves just waiting for a bounding leap. The sharp crackle of crushing foliage and the cushion of compressed leaves underfoot is incomparable. Add to it the speed of racing along in a human powered machine, the breeze rushing across your face and scenery whizzing by. Oh joyous, crisply crackling, crunching leaves!<br />
<br />
I am instantly a child on my bike, Mickey Mouse blue and tin bell singing as I pump my legs through the cold European fall. Stone sidewalks line the pavement partially obscured beneath the autumnal deluge. The stinging wind bites at my uncovered face, tears form in the corners of my eyes in the cold, but I'm smiling and laughing as I point my bike straight to the next pile of dry untouched leaves. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not the only out to enjoy this brief window before winter sets in.</td></tr>
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It's a brief respite from the imposed pressures of adulthood. Too often the days become one dogged march into another, responsibilities at work bleed into chores at home. Into the melee of an already busy schedule comes the challenge of finding time to ride. The single weekend ride, if that's all, suddenly becomes burdened with its own requirements. Enough hills for climbing, intervals for speed, distance for endurance. Which route will complement this week's training plan? The ride isn't fun anymore, it's another chore to be done on the checklist of life. <br />
<br />
But sometimes nature changes the game and brings moments of clarity to the overburdened. Driving through piles of leaves is a reminder of why I began riding again after so many years and why I continue to ride every weekend. The freedom of traveling farther than my feet can carry me using the power of my own body and all the things to see on the ride! The rolling hills covered with grapevines and cornfields, the rows of plowed earth, the quaint Italian villas and neighborhoods, and the random collection of walkers, runners, cyclists, and even roller-skiers and -bladers on the roads and paths all make the ride worth while. For a few hours every weekend I am transported away from work, away from home, away from the busy stores and congested highways to a place of solitude.<br />
<br />
Sure, sometimes it's important to ride for training, but it's important to enjoy what you do as well. Otherwise, what's the point? You can train as hard as you like, but if there's no enjoyment then there's no passion and the training becomes just a means to an end. Take a break from the burden of being grown up and remember the joy and fun that first inspired the running or riding.<br />
<br />
Soon enough, the leaves will all be swept up and carted off. The mornings will be harsher, the roads covered in ice and the fields in snow. My pursuits will turn indoors to avoid the slippery roads, and I'll wait impatiently for spring to lift the cold imposing shroud of winter from our shoulders.<br />
<br />
But this morning I'm just a kid on a bike, crashing through the leaves.<br />
<br />
</div>
Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-7756693767287911922015-10-04T00:36:00.000-06:002015-10-04T00:36:00.242-06:00I can breathe underwater, and that’s pretty cool! Part Three.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Part Three. (Part One is <a href="http://pensiveperspiration.blogspot.com/2015/10/i-can-breathe-underwater-and-thats.html" target="_blank">here</a>, Part Two is <a href="http://pensiveperspiration.blogspot.com/2015/10/i-can-breathe-underwater-and-thats_55.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u>Into the Deep Blue<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gearing up for adventure.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Turns out I worried for naught. There was an issue with his
passport and he couldn’t join us for the trip to Pula, Croatia, for the open
water dives that would lead to our certification. I spent the weekend paired
with either Ed or Popeye, meaning I had only myself to worry about and not a
buddy bolting for the surface whenever a bit of saltwater leaked through his
regulator.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We stayed in cabins at Camp Stoja along the edge of the
Adriatic Sea. There were dire-looking weather systems rolling in during the
first half of the weekend, so as soon as we arrived we dropped our bags off at
the cabins and drug our dive gear to the water to start the first of the four
required certification dives. The plan was to get at least two dives in that
afternoon, then hopefully squeeze two more in on Saturday so that Sunday was
free for a boat dive after we had been certified and could enjoy ourselves.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Next to the dive site was a natural rocky outcrop that the
German vacationers were using for sunbathing and swimming. We used the shallow
ramp shaped side to wade into the water and to exit, or the steep side for Giant-Stride
(walk right off the edge) and Croatian Twist (jump and twist mid-air to fall in
tank first) entries.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buddy checks before another dive.</td></tr>
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The dive site was hardly a stone’s throw from the shore, and
with the hard blade fins I’d bought for myself, a few kick strokes was all it
took. Ed swam to the site and tied our dive buoy and flag to a rock at the
bottom before each dive. Here we practiced buddy surface tows, descending and
ascending, mask replace and clearing, regulator recovery, shared air, and other
basic skills required for our certification. Everything we’d already done in
the pool we were now doing 7 meters under the water. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It doesn’t sound like much, but floating inches above the
bottom staring up at the surface, it sure looks like a long ways to go. The
pressure was a surprise, too. My first descent seemed to take ages. I had to
stop every few feet to slowly work my jaw, ears, and finally try to dry swallow
to clear my Eustachian tubes. Each dive was incrementally easier, but it was
sobering to think how much a single extra atmosphere of pressure could affect
the human body.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4rw8-IugDA/VhC_QfBkEHI/AAAAAAAADhc/9yJ2hhhx_Xs/s1600/IMG_4477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y4rw8-IugDA/VhC_QfBkEHI/AAAAAAAADhc/9yJ2hhhx_Xs/s320/IMG_4477.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I swam amongst them all day, time to see how they taste.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We completed the first two dives that afternoon, then headed
to downtown Pula for food, weary but excited at having our first open water
experience behind us.</div>
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The next day we found a break in the weather and knocked out
the last two required dives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The last dive of the day started uneventful. The water was
so calm that we waded out using the rocky ramp along the shore but were
surprised when we started to descend that the chop was already picking up. At
the bottom of the buoy line the current was tossing us back and forth like a
plastic bag in an eddy of wind. The visibility was less than 5 meters in any
direction and our compass navigation test was even more challenging when the
navigation markers laid by Ed earlier were drug away by the current. We
struggled to take a single group photo before calling it quits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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At the surface the conditions were much worse. There were
five-foot swells and our exit ramp was a nightmare of crashing and foaming
destruction. To the left was a small cove, slightly sheltered from the
onslaught and full of German vacation goers jumping into the maelstrom. Crazy
Germans. Popeye swam into the cove and enlisted the help of some of the
onlookers to help him out. He returned with a rope and we each took turns
swimming with the swells into the cove where we removed our equipment to be
hauled out and then followed on the rope.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Charla and I were the last two to go. We swam in together
just as the swells increased in energy and height. We looked straight up to the
towering crest and then slid down the backside into the trough. </div>
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Inside the cove
we struggled to slide out of our equipment and tanks. The waves crashed into
the cove, slamming us against the rough razor-edged rocks. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In that moment I remembered a story from a coworker about
married couples panicking in the water during SCUBA classes, placing each other
in danger when their self-preservation instincts took control. I also
remembered watching the Guardian, my go to inspirational flick for anything
swimming related, and the scene where the husband tries to push his wife out of
the rescue basket. I was determined not to be “that guy” but also knew that I
was not in a situation to act the hero. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For one, Charla didn’t need one. She’s always been stronger
and more confident in the water than I can even hope to aspire. Second, I was
wearing a 12lb aluminum tank on my back, strapped to it by a nylon vest, in a
water logged wetsuit with fins while greater than five foot swells smashed us against
the rocks. There wasn’t a whole lot I could do that wouldn’t make it all worse.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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So, I grabbed the rope in one hand and wrapped my arms
around Charla and became a human punching bag for the rocks and waves. At one
point I’m pretty sure we were upside down, lost in a white frothy world of
turbulent water, but with regulators still in our mouths there wasn’t much
cause to panic. We still had the rope, we had each other, and we had plenty of
air. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Eventually, our classmates helped us doff the gear and hauled
us out of the foaming mess, just as the swells died off and calm returned to
the bay.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Tired, bruised, and elated, we were certified SCUBA divers. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandatory class graduation photo taken the next morning. <br />Note the lack of 5-foot swells and crashing waves.</td></tr>
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<u>Underwater Sunshine <o:p></o:p></u></div>
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We scheduled two boat dives with the local dive shop for our
last full day in Croatia. We rode the rubber Zodiac-style speedboat out of the
bay and into the blue waters surrounding Croatia. It was all very exciting and
yet very relaxing. We weathered truly terrible weather during our certifying
dives and this day was nothing but warm blue clear skies and smooth waters. We
dropped off the side of the boat and descended almost 10 meters to the bottom.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And that’s when we lost Ed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The tagalong diver that had certified earlier in the summer
had some sort of equipment malfunction once on the bottom. It might have been a
bad regulator, and I don’t know if she tried her octopus back-up, but at some
point she headed for the surface with Ed in tow. They went up too fast and his
dive computer shut down, a built-in safety feature to let him know not to dive
anymore for at least 24 hours. What I’d failed to do to Ed in multiple attempts
to demonstrate surface tows and diver rescue, she accomplished with one break
for the surface.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The rest of us continued on, following the local dive
master, Micky, in a scene right out of Life Aquatic. I even had the whimsical
synthesizer beat playing in my head while we followed him along the sea floor.
He guided us down to a max depth of 17 meters and then through stone arches,
along coral, and then into a dark cave where we surfaced to watch bats flitter
along the ceiling. It was a unique and unparalleled experience, and no one
considered that we were floating in bat guano until much later.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photobombed! I have nitrogen narcossis, what's your excuse?</td></tr>
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I had been breathing heavy all weekend and both Popeye and
Ed were keeping a keen eye on my tank pressure during each dive. When we exited
the cave, Popeye even offered me his octopus to try prolonging my dive time
long enough to avoid the surface swim back to the boat. I tried it, got mostly
salt water and handed it back. He stuck it in his own mouth, and immediately
pulled it out. We each shrugged and he signaled for the surface. Safety is
safety, and not something to be toyed around with just for the sake of a few
extra minutes underwater.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Might have forgot the sunscreen again.</td></tr>
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Our second boat dive and last dive of the weekend was with a
much smaller group. We’d lost Ed and the tagalong, and two other divers were
not feeling recovered from the last dive. We dropped down alongside a coral
reef and easily cruised along spotting jellyfish, scorpion fish, a giant
starfish and sea cucumbers swaying in the gentle current. Once again I was
sucking down enough air for two people but we finished the entire dive without
having to surface early and rode back into the bay having just finished the
first six SCUBA dives of our lives.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Popeye took us to the Safari Bar, a local family friendly
restaurant and recreation area, to celebrate. </div>
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Some of the class jumped off the
cliff into the crystal blue waters, rode the giant wooden swings, climbed up a
wooden tower to watch the sunset on the Adriatic, and sampled the local Sangria
made with cheap red wine and canned fruit. It was easily the worst Sangria I’ve
ever had, but tasted like the finest champagne after the exploits of the last
three days.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As the sun finished setting behind the ocean waves, and the
stars and moon took over the sky, our adventure in Croatia came to a close but
our SCUBA adventures had only just begun. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Before, I trembled at the thought of what might be lurking
under the waves, but now I know what’s down there. <o:p></o:p></div>
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It’s Charla and me, and we can breathe underwater.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Na1UJnhDgLY/VhC_WIeRNwI/AAAAAAAADhg/28rtTs06Cbo/s1600/NAUI%2Bgrad%2Bphoto%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Na1UJnhDgLY/VhC_WIeRNwI/AAAAAAAADhg/28rtTs06Cbo/s320/NAUI%2Bgrad%2Bphoto%2Bedited.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-28472927292119946862015-10-04T00:35:00.000-06:002015-10-04T00:42:48.478-06:00I can breathe underwater, and that’s pretty cool! Part Two.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Part Two. (Part One is <a href="http://pensiveperspiration.blogspot.com/2015/10/i-can-breathe-underwater-and-thats.html" target="_blank">here</a>.)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<u><br /></u></div>
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<u>Academics<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<br /></div>
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When first registering for the SCUBA course, each student
was issued a textbook, accompanying workbook, cd, various stickers and swag,
and access to the online course of which completion was mandatory before the
first day of class. Char and I both managed to procrastinate much of the online
course until the day prior where we spent a majority of the day reading,
studying, quizzing and swearing. There were nine chapters, each with an online
quiz required before moving on to the next chapter and one of these chapters
was wholly dedicated to the functionality of dive tables.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Dive tables allow a diver to plan dives to safely off gas
the excess nitrogen in their blood accrued by spending time underwater at
various depths. The charts are supposedly designed to simplify these
calculations and to be intuitive in their use.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pride myself on my
ability to pick up new material, especially anything math or formula related.
My job demands that I be able to learn new things, not so much to master them
but at least to apply the concepts in new situations under duress. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I had assumed that SCUBA would be no different.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Somehow the dive tables eluded my comprehension for several
hours. The ensuing yelling, swearing, and throwing of objects across the room did
not bode well for my ability to figure out how to breathe underwater without
killing myself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So far, still not going well.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<u>Into the blue<o:p></o:p></u></div>
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<br /></div>
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The first day of class was spent reviewing the online course
and previewing the week’s academic and pool sessions. We learned about the
horrible ways to die by descending too quickly, ascending too quickly, playing with
the local wildlife and ignoring our dive tables. I paid close attention to the
all the horrible things that happen when you rise too quickly: reverse blocks,
burst sinus blood vessels, air embolisms, and decompression sickness.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fTEG6Dbo3g/Vg4ciFJ-6EI/AAAAAAAADgg/B3fzMFyGWoU/s1600/DSC05137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_fTEG6Dbo3g/Vg4ciFJ-6EI/AAAAAAAADgg/B3fzMFyGWoU/s320/DSC05137.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">JD explains dive tables to the class in the hopes that we<br />
won't accidentally explode underwater.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A true child of the 90s I was already familiar with
decompression sickness having recalled a particular Baywatch episode from my
youth when the Hof rescued a SCUBA diver and then spent a good portion of the
episode in a hyperbaric chamber watching flashbacks roll by. Everything I know
about saving lives I learned from Baywatch or Rescue 911.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We discussed the alcohol-like effects of nitrogen narcosis,
caused by being too deep for too long. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While this typically doesn’t happen
above 24 meters, and we weren’t planning on any dives deeper than 18 meters, it
still sounded like an easy way to put yourself in a bad situation very quickly.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were also assigned our dive buddies. For safety and
liability reasons most husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, groom/bride,
father/son, mother/daughter teams are banned. Apparently, being underwater with
minimal guidance makes for a great place to hide the body and previously hidden
subconscious desires or tendencies sometimes reveal themselves in “accidents.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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They also don’t allow students to wear a dive knife, bring
spear guns, or carry harpoons. Go figure.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were introduced to our cadre of instructors, who would
hold our hands through the process of learning to dive and help us survive our
first open water experiences in the coming weekend. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was JD, a retired military officer turned kept man
volunteering with ODR to teach SCUBA to first timers. He would be with us all
week through the classroom and pool sessions but miss the trip to Croatia for a
family obligation. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Popeye would be our main instructor, a former soldier and
current adventure sports guide for ODR. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As his nickname suggests, he’s
intimidating in the weight room at the local gym and seems right at home under
about 10 meters of water. I’m not sure about any actual affinity for spinach,
but he definitely has a penchant for smashing unguarded sandwiches. Whatever
you do, don’t leave your sandwich alone. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Finally, Ed was the assistant trainer, current soldier and
volunteer with ODR. He would suffer multiple failed attempts on his life by my
poor ability to wrangle another body through the water during rescue dive
training while burdened with a steel tank. Who knows how many gallons of
saltwater he must have swallowed while I foundered alongside during surface
tows. Good sport, really. Though, the final attempt on his life would come from
another diver tagging along with our small crew for the weekend during one of
our last dives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We finished off the first evening at a local dive shop,
procuring the personal gear to augment the gear issued to us by the Outdoor
Recreation MWR shop hosting the SCUBA course.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The second night of class was our first night in the pool,
and where we demonstrated our comfort in the water with basic swim skills. My
own history with swimming is long and sordid and not something I will delve too
deeply into here except to say, I was intimidated.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We settled our gear in buddy teams and got our first of many
safety briefs from the instructors. They demonstrated a few acceptable swim
strokes and lined us up alongside one end of the pool with a simple
instruction: swim to the other side and back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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No goggles, no noseplug.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I hesitated for several seconds before pushing off, thinking
about the water that was sure to shoot right up my nose, the fact that I could
barely see without my goggles under the water, and how embarrassing this whole
adventure was going to be after everyone saw me swim half the length of the
pool, diagonally, before sputtering and coughing until someone pulled me out to
sit soggy and crying on the sidelines for the rest of the evening.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Instead, I managed to keep most of the water out and could
even, though just barely, follow the black line along the bottom of the pool to
the other side. Once there I struggled to resist jumping out and doing a
victory dance before swimming back.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The rest of the skills testing passed relatively uneventful.
Even the 10 minutes of treading water was only approaching dramatic once the
Taco Bell I had unwisely consumed a couple hours before began an apparently
eventful journey through my digestive tract. Each prospective burp became a
roll of the dice as to just what was going to come out, and no one wants to be
the guy puking in the pool during SCUBA class.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spent the rest of the evening with fins and snorkel masks
learning to surface dive, swim with fins on, and basic rescue surface tows.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0l6WZrQ41CQ/Vg4cEgx6OiI/AAAAAAAADgc/vqX9LnwFkqg/s1600/IMG_4472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0l6WZrQ41CQ/Vg4cEgx6OiI/AAAAAAAADgc/vqX9LnwFkqg/s320/IMG_4472.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Shark Bait" ready to try breathing underwater<br />
for the first time.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The final two nights of class incorporated the tanks and
wetsuits and we spent a lot of time at the bottom of the pool. We took our
masks off and then put them back on and cleared them. We took our regulators
out then recovered them. We pretended to run out of air so our buddy could
share their alternate regulator (the “octopus”) with us. We did more rescue
training and learned how to control our buoyancy to keep from sinking too deep
or rocketing to the surface. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The basic skills training was simple and confidence
building. I began looking forward to the weekend of open water dives for the
first time. That is, until I my buddy started breaking for the surface every
time something didn’t go quite right. A little water leaked into his mask, poof,
he’s gone. Trouble putting his regulator back into his mouth, he’s up, up, and
away. Couldn’t equalize the pressure in his ears, at 12 feet in a swimming
pool, and the next thing I knew I was staring up at the bottoms of his fins. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Maybe the weekend was going to be more difficult than I
thought.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
To be <a href="http://pensiveperspiration.blogspot.com/2015/10/i-can-breathe-underwater-and-thats_4.html" target="_blank">continued</a>...</div>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-59132695629788705072015-10-04T00:33:00.000-06:002015-10-04T00:42:18.287-06:00I can breathe underwater, and that’s pretty cool! Part One.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
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A couple weeks ago, on a warm Labor day weekend afternoon, I
was floating a mere inches above the floor of the warm Adriatic Sea just off
the coast of Pula, Croatia. Sea cucumbers, urchins, and schools of tiny
colorful fish, all blissfully ignorant of my intruding presence, surrounded me.
I looked up and could see the distorted rays of sunlight filtering down through
several meters of clear, blue Mediterranean water. I took a deep breath and
exhaled, bubbles flowing across my mask as I breathed underwater for the first
time in my life and, also for the first time, with no sense of panic or fear of
being eaten alive.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46UqXlRTFO8/VhC9Vz2s5BI/AAAAAAAADhE/hDeH9V7RIh4/s1600/NAUI%2Bgrad%2Bphoto%2Bedited.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-46UqXlRTFO8/VhC9Vz2s5BI/AAAAAAAADhE/hDeH9V7RIh4/s320/NAUI%2Bgrad%2Bphoto%2Bedited.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just a preview and maybe spoiler for the end of this story.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How did I end up here?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Char and I made the leap a few weeks ago and signed up for a
NAUI basic open water SCUBA certification course. I don’t know what I was
thinking, but somehow, in the back of my mind, I was pretty sure it would never
happen. The course would be cancelled due to lack of participation or funding
or weather or natural disaster or alien invasion. I believed this because for
my whole life I never truly believed I would ever actually go SCUBA diving and
would never enjoy it or be able to do it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Part One.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Origins<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a kid I dreamed about growing up to be a marine
biologist. I gleefully watched Jacques Cousteau effortlessly swimming along the
bottom of the sea pointing out the impossibly colorful and varied life and
narrated by his calm yet enthusiastic and accented voice. I was glued to the
television weekly to experience the newest adventure of the crew of the
SeaQuest and Roy Scheider as they explored the deepest depths of the unexplored
oceans.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But as I grew older, my own relationship with water,
especially open water, turned sour. Maybe I watched Jaws one too many times. Somehow
Roy Scheider both motivated to get in the water, and terrified me of it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BysOrnaXpIc/VhC829g0MzI/AAAAAAAADg4/9SEkur7rwdk/s1600/shark%2Bgif.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BysOrnaXpIc/VhC829g0MzI/AAAAAAAADg4/9SEkur7rwdk/s1600/shark%2Bgif.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a big pile of nope for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
By the time I was an adult, I could barely swim across a
pool and had an irrational fear of the open water. What was swimming underneath
me? What just touched me? What was about to eat me?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over the last couple years I’ve worked hard to overcome that
fear. I’ve spent countless hours in the pool relearning how to swim and even
competed in a few sprint triathlons, but almost suffered a panic attack in my
first open water event. I’ve gone snorkeling several times, and almost always
have to quell the sudden urge to flee the water and make a break for shore at
the first shiver of anxiety.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Char informed me that we’d signed up for the SCUBA
class (we?) that same sense of panic that I usually experience when chest deep
in water that I can’t see through gripped me while I was safely ensconced
inside a hotel room on a work-related trip. Char ensured me that I’d agreed to
this plan some weeks before, however, in the moment of commitment I had no
recollection of making any such life-altering, and assuredly life-ending,
decision.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YsLDqFZBgQ/VhC82AhFmjI/AAAAAAAADg8/q6LnDaZcFe8/s1600/jaws%2Bgif.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0YsLDqFZBgQ/VhC82AhFmjI/AAAAAAAADg8/q6LnDaZcFe8/s400/jaws%2Bgif.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think you're right, Roy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u>Treading Water<o:p></o:p></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Less than two weeks before the class began, Char and I were
in the pool where I had just struggled to finish a solid mile of lap swimming.
In preparation for the upcoming SCUBA lessons she informed me that we’d need to
tread water in the class and that we should begin training now. Remembering my
swim training from Boy Scouts I assumed the requirement wouldn’t exceed more
than a minute or two, which was good because that’s probably all I could
manage. My body was built for sinking, not floating. Regardless, I side stroked
down the pool to the deep end, lolled along by Charla’s irresistible siren
call. With legs and lungs already exhausted from swimming I began treading,
watching the clock on the wall deliberately. When a full minute elapsed I
glanced over at where Charla sat perched, on top of the water, bobbing along
effortlessly, naturally buoyant and relaxed while I strained against the pull
of the deep, my pained face barely clearing the gently lapping waves of the
indoor pool.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another minute passed before I finally asked her, “so… how
long are we supposed to do this?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“For about ten minutes, babe.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fortunately for us both, I was too tired to reach out of the
water and shake her violently. Instead, it was all I could do to maintain the
motion of my cramping and burning and exhausted legs and arms and keep from
drowning only four feet from the edge of the pool.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I managed a full five minutes before I was too spent to keep
kicking and was tired of staring angrily in her direction. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This was not going well.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
To be <a href="http://pensiveperspiration.blogspot.com/2015/10/i-can-breathe-underwater-and-thats_55.html" target="_blank">continued</a>...<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-3476885077091770822015-09-27T13:39:00.002-06:002015-09-27T13:48:54.317-06:00When in Rome, transform your perspective<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Char and I have some crazy ideas when it comes to doing
stuff for fun, and the three days we spent in Rome with her parents were no
exception. (<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/398292007" target="_blank">Here it is.</a>)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Question: What do you get when you drop two aspiring
endurance athletes into the middle of ancient Rome?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2I0fUyl5oc/VggjM0Gh-JI/AAAAAAAADfY/vBUc4GI5KxI/s1600/IMG_4695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P2I0fUyl5oc/VggjM0Gh-JI/AAAAAAAADfY/vBUc4GI5KxI/s320/IMG_4695.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down the not-so-deserted streets of Rome we go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Answer: An uncontrollable urge to recreate Abebe Bikila’s
1960 marathon victory.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok, so that wasn’t going to happen, but we did go for a run.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’d spent the previous day walking some of the oldest and
most renowned historical sites in Rome. Everywhere we went the streets were
crowded with like-minded visitors and after a while it became routine to round
a corner and see something ancient, snap some photos, and move on to the next
one. The excitement waned, and boredom began to set in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe we were burned out, maybe we just needed to see the
city from a different perspective.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yjAXfBowkU/VggjEoVWOEI/AAAAAAAADfQ/9TPIPtGn7ag/s1600/IMG_4701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--yjAXfBowkU/VggjEoVWOEI/AAAAAAAADfQ/9TPIPtGn7ag/s320/IMG_4701.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheesy grins in front of the Roman Coliseum.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We woke up before sunrise, thinking that the streets would
be empty and quiet and perfect for a quick scavenger hunt run past some of the
most historic sites from the ancient, classic and renaissance world. Surprise!
Cars, taxis, buses, scooters and motorcycles were already zooming along the
streets, horns blaring and people bustling to get wherever they needed to be at
530 in the morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYydrmrwfy8/VggjP8p84eI/AAAAAAAADfg/Dc6dNuBbxWY/s1600/IMG_4727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XYydrmrwfy8/VggjP8p84eI/AAAAAAAADfg/Dc6dNuBbxWY/s320/IMG_4727.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double-checking directions on the map at Piazza Navona.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No worries, we padded off along the mixture of concrete and
stone paved roads and sidewalks to the sites on our list that included Santa
Maria Maggiore, the Coliseum, a huge memorial to Vittorio Emmanuelle II, Piazza
Navona, the Fiume Tevere (Tiber River), Castello Sant’Angelo. (Ok, it was in
the background when we got to the river, but come on! We were running out of
time for breakfast!) We finished off the run with a sprint (sort of) up the
Spanish Steps and drank in the view across the rooftops of Rome. In the
distance, Saint Peter’s Basilica barely reached into the early morning rays of
sunshine. (Later that day, we’d fully tour the Vatican museums, Sistine Chapel
and St. Peters, but it was a bit too far for our tight timeline that morning.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even with the early morning rush hour of traffic, the
historical sites usually crawling with tourists were almost entirely empty
leaving us free to appreciate them without the usual hectic multicultural fray.
And being up early enough to watch the sun slowly illuminate the city, to watch
the cloud of darkness peeled back to reveal aging stone, marble, and brick, was
worth it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Take the time, sacrifice a little comfort, and appreciate
what’s around you like you’ve never seen it before. What you see and what you
learn just might surprise you.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ab8x0yZbVVk/VggjSGBVwLI/AAAAAAAADfw/2t9qlnuZIMI/s1600/IMG_4733.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ab8x0yZbVVk/VggjSGBVwLI/AAAAAAAADfw/2t9qlnuZIMI/s320/IMG_4733.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Tiber River just before sunrise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This wasn’t our first scavenger hunt run through historical
sites. To read about our DC adventure, click <a href="http://pensiveperspiration.blogspot.it/2014/11/the-most-patriotic-scavenger-hunt-ever.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0V78xj0X3c/VggjRVPx31I/AAAAAAAADfs/g-pA7gA0G8k/s1600/IMG_4747.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t0V78xj0X3c/VggjRVPx31I/AAAAAAAADfs/g-pA7gA0G8k/s320/IMG_4747.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish steps and Rome skyline just after sunrise.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-36181124828919553852015-09-26T13:37:00.000-06:002015-09-26T13:37:33.173-06:00Cow poop and bike grease<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The story of how I got stuck in an Italian cattle drive and almost made
it home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I stood along the road, my bike in pieces at my feet, both
of us covered in bike grease and cow manure, waiting for Char to come rescue
me. I was two miles from home, and I quit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Five hours ago, I had a simple <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/400388270/overview" target="_blank">mission</a>. Ride to Turcio just
outside Asiago, where I could get a well-deserved cafe and pastry, then head
home in time to join Char and the in-laws for brunch. It had rained a little
when I started the ride, but stopped before I had covered the 20 miles to the
mountains. I stopped at the Chiesa della Madonna della Ciclista on the way up
the mountain to pay my respects and for a quick clean bathroom and snack break
and made great time up into the Dolomites. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsDbGZrlsMM/VgbyG1T_ZjI/AAAAAAAADeo/f8iPnPN9hnw/s1600/IMG_4793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsDbGZrlsMM/VgbyG1T_ZjI/AAAAAAAADeo/f8iPnPN9hnw/s400/IMG_4793.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Staring down at the town of Conco (Kunken in German) is always a great view. It's like a city up in the clouds on a rainy day, with the Veneto Po River Valley spread out far below it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was totally uneventful, and almost entirely devoid of
other cyclists, which should have been my first clue that I probably didn’t
want to be out on the road. When the birds in the forest stop chirping, you’re
probably in the wrong place at the wrong time.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Four miles from Turcio I came across an Italian cattle
drive. They had wagons, horses, an entire caravan of support vehicles, lots of
guys walking with sticks and Alpini feathered hats, and even a massage table
set up along the road where they were working over some of the cattle herders. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Italian cowboys!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But they were all off the road in the adjacent fields so I
took a few pics and carried on my merry way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the way home, well, that’s when things got interesting.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wk3167u9lcY/VgbyCi7thTI/AAAAAAAADek/9BtRTE3kl9A/s1600/IMG_4810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wk3167u9lcY/VgbyCi7thTI/AAAAAAAADek/9BtRTE3kl9A/s320/IMG_4810.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandatory selfie with Italian cowboys and cowgirls.<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A few miles down the road I ran smack into the back end of
the cattle drive that had taken over the entire road. Everything was covered in
manure, and I tried unsuccessfully to weave between the worst piles of muck,
passing cars and working my way along the convoy of cattle herding vehicles, polizia
cars, trucks, tractors, wagons and horses before I found myself stuck staring
at the butt end, literally, of a couple hundred head of cattle heading down the
mountain switchbacks.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8Wo2oTt_tk/VgbyJwYjtTI/AAAAAAAADe8/dWZgIJQ5Wjs/s1600/IMG_4812.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_8Wo2oTt_tk/VgbyJwYjtTI/AAAAAAAADe8/dWZgIJQ5Wjs/s400/IMG_4812.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A horse drawn wagon, why not?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I followed another Italian cyclist, one of the very few on the
road that morning, back up the mountain and he showed me a back road that
looped and carved down the mountain to get us ahead of the herd.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I followed him back onto the main road my
bike began rattling frighteningly and I looked down to see my bike bottle cage
rocking wildly against the frame. A few quick moments on the side of the road
with my mini-tool and I was once again rocketing towards home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I was really running late and pushing my already spent
legs and lungs hard to beat my best times on a familiar route home. I was
making good time and feeling great about the ride despite the persistent smell
of cow dung on everything when I felt and heard the pop. The evil hiss that
followed told me everything I needed to know, and my back tire even began to
fishtail precariously. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes, when things start to go wrong, they keep getting
worse.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Standing at the side of the road looking at the fibers
pushing out from the gaping maw in my tire, and all the euphoria of the ride
vanished. I started going through the familiar routine of removing the tire to
put in a dollar-bill shim and new tube while texting Char that I was running even
later when we both realized that I was only two miles from home. By the time
I’d fix the bike, she’d be there with the Jeep to give me a lift and we were
already so late for brunch that we were running the risk of missing it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I started to put the wheel back on the frame so it would fit
on the bike rack when my manual dexterity disappeared. I couldn’t get the wheel
back on, the chain slipped off the front chainring, the front fork turned
awkwardly and I very nearly found myself tumbling down into a ditch full of
stagnant farm runoff. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And that’s how Charla found me, standing alongside the road
in my disheveled kit, covered in cow manure and bike grease, reeking of dung and
sweat, furious and exhausted and ready to throw my bike into oncoming traffic
to end my misery.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_9LvehFNuA/VgbyIWhbMII/AAAAAAAADe0/oM4dKnIHLVI/s1600/IMG_4814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E_9LvehFNuA/VgbyIWhbMII/AAAAAAAADe0/oM4dKnIHLVI/s320/IMG_4814.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the face of someone who has given up hope of doing anything useful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m surprised she let me in the Jeep at all.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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And that’s how a simple ride turned into a – wait for it –
crappy adventure!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-860139812632389182015-09-19T09:18:00.000-06:002015-09-25T05:15:08.911-06:00The Climb<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a9bi10K-8Bg/Vf13fTp7IEI/AAAAAAAADdE/S92t8HpObrw/s1600/Fourth%2Bframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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There's nothing better than throwing your body against something daunting, something that doesn't seem doable at first. Maybe that's why I keep looking for really long and tough climbs on the bike. </div>
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Mt. Haleakala in Maui, the San Juan Scenic Skyway in Colorado, even the Stelvio Pass through the Italian and Swiss Alps. I'm afraid every time, but it's always worth it in the end.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bj15PXywCW8/Vf13d0ftHJI/AAAAAAAADdA/FYA5Xy0FuLc/s1600/Eighth%2Bframe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="278" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bj15PXywCW8/Vf13d0ftHJI/AAAAAAAADdA/FYA5Xy0FuLc/s320/Eighth%2Bframe.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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Seriously, what does it take to get a decent burrito after a hard climb?<br />
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-56281232764162129832015-08-30T06:33:00.002-06:002015-08-30T06:35:14.896-06:00STELVIO! Open day on the Stilfserjoch<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Stelvio Pass
is a monster. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ac-cM-zA-xo/VeLwZzEfQqI/AAAAAAAADa4/9D7E6_Gezlw/s1600/switchbacks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ac-cM-zA-xo/VeLwZzEfQqI/AAAAAAAADa4/9D7E6_Gezlw/s400/switchbacks.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The final 14 of 48 switchback hairpin turns to the summit.</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The second
highest paved road pass in the Alps, it towers above the nearby valleys. The
iconic switchbacks of the southern slope are layered on top of one another, a
bitter fondant of pitiless pavement spilling down the side of a cake of stone
and earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The pass has
been a grand feature of the annual Giro d’Italia more than 10 times since 1953,
and the first man to win a stage here is immortalized on every sign and every
building at the peak of the pass. Cima Coppi.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.stelviopark.bz.it/en/radtag/tourinfo/" target="_blank">Once a year</a> the
pass is closed to vehicles and thousands of cyclists take to the road to test
themselves against the almost 6,000 feet of vertical gain and 48 hairpin turns
in less than 15 miles. It’s a bucket list ride for any serious cyclist and this
August I decided it was <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/379846323/analysis" target="_blank">my turn</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Getting to the
town of Prato allo Stelvio (or Prad am Stilfserjoch) begins the narrative of
what it means to climb Stelvio. As Char and I drove north we left the Dolomites
behind and entered the Alps. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">They were silent,
sleeping giants dormant under a thick verdant blanket of forests, rising
straight up from the valley floor. Farms and vineyards clung to the side of the
sheer sides of the mountains. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But, when we
arrived in Prato, the mountains were awake. Stone soldiers stood upright, their
tops bear rock and ice, looming over travellers, menacingly beautiful and
terrifying. These imposing sentinels had torn free of their forested blankets,
ripping through the green fabric to reach skyward with helmets capped with snow
and ice. We could feel their presence everywhere, towering above the towns and
villages, almost as though at any moment a giant stone hand would come crashing
down from above.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmuhLXdAxAw/VeLzl59IQxI/AAAAAAAADbQ/GduAyB4TKBo/s1600/Solda%2Bview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MmuhLXdAxAw/VeLzl59IQxI/AAAAAAAADbQ/GduAyB4TKBo/s400/Solda%2Bview.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everywhere you look there's a snowy peak staring back at you.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Less
intimidating, but no less interesting, the farther we drove north the less
Italian everything became. Each town had both the Italian and German
translation of its name on every sign, and increasingly the German name was
printed first. The people we met spoke German, the radio stations were in
German, and German food and bier was the norm. The houses lost their colorful
Mediterranean flare, replaced with white washed walls, timber braces and steep
roofs. Even in mid-August, everything seemed poised for the onslaught of long
and hard winters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We spent the
night in a nearby town of Solda (Sulden) at a bed and breakfast tucked into the
back of a hidden valley. Dinner was bratwurst (of course!) with fried potatoes
and a bean salad that the cook claimed was a Mexican salad. Washed down with
some local Italian craft beer that was actually pretty good we crashed on the
double twin mattresses in our room before an early start. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The B&B had
prepped a cold breakfast for us, and we grabbed what we could carry and took
off on the road while the stars were still shining overhead. Twenty minutes
down oppressively dark hairpin turns and we began to see the first riders
already launching their rides to the summit. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The game plan
was simple. Ride to the summit of the pass, descend down the backside into
Switzerland to avoid the crowds, and ride back around to Prato after crossing
the border into Italy. I had enough Euro to cover food at any stops, and my
passport to keep from having to ride back up the mountain, just in case the
border was less than friendly. I would meet Char back in Prato, get cleaned up,
and head for home over three hours drive away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Char pulled into
a park just on the outside of Prato and kicked me out into the road to start my
climb. It was 0630, and still cold in the mountains, hovering around 50 degrees
Fahrenheit. The temperature was supposed to climb all day, peaking in the mid
80s with lots of sunshine so I gambled that my vest would be enough to survive
the early cold and later the descent down the backside of the pass into
Switzerland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwoM01FT4FM/VeL00acE8SI/AAAAAAAADbs/8jqIGzRLE38/s1600/Stelvio%2Bstart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwoM01FT4FM/VeL00acE8SI/AAAAAAAADbs/8jqIGzRLE38/s320/Stelvio%2Bstart.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A look of uncertainty or determination?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">The first half
hour was an easy warm up, getting my legs used to the constant pushing and
pulling of the pedals, warming my lungs up in the thin air and thinking out how
much thinner it would be in a couple hours. I stopped briefly in the town of
Gomagoi to pull off my vest and then kept going.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The road sloped
gently up farther into the valley, and I could just make out the stony and icy
peaks of the mountains we were all riding to cross. I rode six miles along a
rushing and bitterly cold looking river before the first switchback appeared.
Number 48, with 47 more to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The road cut
steeply up the side of the valley, walled in on either side by a dense forest
of tall pines. Whenever there was a break in the trees, the real majesty of the
alpine valley was exposed and it was hard not to stop every single time to take
a picture and just drink in the expansive views of pitched stone and ice rising
above the thick forests.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuVCCUFosVg/VeL04BERdZI/AAAAAAAADb0/fsEe3tzqPXw/s1600/moutain%2Bview.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CuVCCUFosVg/VeL04BERdZI/AAAAAAAADb0/fsEe3tzqPXw/s640/moutain%2Bview.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Switchbacks were
stacked on top of switchbacks, with no relief in the constantly uphill gradient
of pavement other than the strategically placed water stations and much
appreciated porta johns. Halfway up the mountain the road emerged from the
trees and turned into the upper valley of the Stelvio Pass. There was a gasthof
(tavern) situated right on the edge of the upper valley with a full view down
into the lower river valley. Several of the older riders were turning into the
drive way but I wasted no time and kept plugging upwards.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">By now, my legs
were aching and my lungs starting to burn with fatigue and deprivation. The sun
was fully out and the grass and shrub of the upper valley offered no
protection. I counted down the switchbacks as I climbed, the descending number
motivating my ascent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">34, over a
quarter of the way there.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">22, past the
halfway point.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">14, I’m on the
final stretch now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once I hit the
single digits, the real pain began. My lungs couldn’t get enough air to feel
adequate. My legs were burning furiously, and there was no easier gear to
switch into. My back ached, and even my arms struggled to grip the handlebars
and hold my upper body up. I dared not stop, even to take a picture, for fear
of never starting again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Reaching the top
is almost always hard to describe. There’s relief, joy, incredible euphoria,
and a great sense of accomplishment. But there’s also pain from the climb, the
hard ride, the great expenditure of energy and effort. And then there’s a sense
of loss, too. The climb is over, the challenge met and overcome and now it’s no
longer something I can look forward to, it’s something that I’ve already done.
It’s in the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hk7sOD6Qag0/VeL0zcT1o1I/AAAAAAAADbc/L3DFXa4jauo/s1600/At%2Bthe%2Btop.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hk7sOD6Qag0/VeL0zcT1o1I/AAAAAAAADbc/L3DFXa4jauo/s320/At%2Bthe%2Btop.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tired but very happy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Putting all the
emotional strife aside, there were lots of riders recovering, lots of vendors
hawking knickknacks and cycling apparel, and, most importantly, bratwurst and
beer everywhere. I made the decision to skip a bier after imagining what it
would be like to fall off the mountain and opted for a bratwurst on brown bread
with sauerkraut and mustard instead.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ublLAdiGJA/VeL0z4w4LpI/AAAAAAAADbg/c9X0vAmvoEE/s1600/Brats%2521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ublLAdiGJA/VeL0z4w4LpI/AAAAAAAADbg/c9X0vAmvoEE/s320/Brats%2521.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He claimed he had the finest sausages in the Alps, and they were very tasty.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">After refueling
and stretching my legs, it was time to start downhill.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I pulled my vest
back on, pulled my scarf up, dumped the rock out of my shoe that’d been
terrorizing me the last half hour (how it got there, I don’t know) and pointed
my bike downhill. This side of the pass was much more open, miles of brown
grass and shrub, before the valley dropped sharply into a thick forest of pine
amidst sharp switchbacks.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Very quickly I
left the noise of the summit behind, the music, the sound of brat vendors
calling to customers, riders shouting to friends and encouraging those just reaching
the summit. There was nothing but the rush of air and the clanging of cowbells
from the sparse herds grazing on the slopes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRUfNWldI2E/VeL07CFX3II/AAAAAAAADcA/FwCVNZz-e1w/s1600/the%2Bbackside%2Bof%2Bstelvio.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yRUfNWldI2E/VeL07CFX3II/AAAAAAAADcA/FwCVNZz-e1w/s400/the%2Bbackside%2Bof%2Bstelvio.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down the backside. To the right is Switzerland.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">There were very
few riders climbing this side and they mostly clung to the very edge as they
struggled slowly upward. With no cars to worry about, I could finally let go
and really enjoy the long breathtaking descent. I braked hard for the hairpin
turns and then let the bike run free downhill. Even when the edge of the road
wasn’t a steep dropoff into a rocky or pine abyss there was a sensation of
being very high up. It was exhilarating and, when combined with the speed of
flying down the mountain, left me laughing loudly. Not a creepy laugh, just one
of pure joy and fun. It was a laughter I hadn’t felt in a while, and the only
way to accurately express how if felt racing through the Alps.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Somewhere on the
road I crossed into Switzerland, but couldn’t tell any difference until I
reached Santa Maria Val Mustair and could see the road signs and businesses
labeled entirely in German. Here a local policeman stood with batons to direct
all riders onto a local trail to avoid the downtown area. We circumvented Santa
Maria but also navigated a half-mile of rough dirt and gravel trail. Not the
easiest thing on my skinny tires. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Soon afterward I
crossed back into Italy, a cursory wave of the hand from the border guard and
my passport remained buried deep in a jersey pocket.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The road
descended further into the valley, and I was joined (or caught up to) several
other riders racing down the mountain. Together, we flew along the road,
leaning through sweeping turns and tucking down into our bikes to scream along
the straightaways. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The final five
miles that led from Glorenza (Glurns) to Prato were mostly flat or slightly uphill.
I had thought my legs were too spent to do anything serious after climbing
Stelvio, but was surprised to find something left in the tank after all. I
pounded along the road, slowly dropping the group I had been descending with
and reeling in others that had left earlier. I kept up a blistering pace and my
lungs were heaving with the effort when I pulled into Prato. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The festa
scheduled for the riders climbing Stelvio was only just being put up, the tents
still empty and the beer kegs not yet tapped. It had taken almost three and a
half hours to climb the 15 miles to Stelvio, but only little more than an hour
to finish the 25 miles back to Prato. The temperature was well into the 80s and
I was grateful to be off the bike before it got much warmer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Char and I found
each other, and I changed out of my sweaty kit with a quick baby wipe bath
before the long drive back home. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Lessons learned:
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bratwurst mit
brot und sauerkraut und mustard is great riding fuel but a beer is dependent on
the total meters you might fall when crashing into the railing of a steep
switchback. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Also, fig
newtons help prevent bratwurst burps while riding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s ok to not
find the right words to describe something as majestic as the Alps. Words can
be powerful, pictures more so, but often nothing compares to the emotional
experience of witnessing true magnificence and beauty in person. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is
especially true when you’re 8 miles into a 15 mile, almost 6,000 foot ascent on
your bike and have to pee. How do you really describe that experience to
someone?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-29638507321512678582015-06-26T08:53:00.001-06:002015-06-26T08:53:48.526-06:00Well, that escalated quickly<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
Things have gotten really out of control.<br />
<br />
Thunder is echoing across the hills but hidden behind the black clouds rolling in behind me. It's so dark that it feels more like twilight, not late morning, and the fog is so thick I can't see more than a couple meters in any direction. The narrow potted road I'm on is pitching down into blackness, I think a car is coming towards me and I just dropped a chain.<br />
<br />
How did I end up here?<br />
<br />
Today was supposed to be a long but easy going <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/325939037/analysis" target="_blank">ride</a>. I'd checked the weather and didn't see anything more frightening than a slight chance of rain in the afternoon. I scanned a map and figured I could make it to Asiago and then follow a clockwise loop along the ridges and down into Valstagna, then home again in little more than four hours. Maybe I should have looked at the map a little closer and seen that the shortest distance between two points dives deep into hidden valleys and climbs up excruciatingly steep backroads past farms and churches to reach the hilltop villages scattered along the ridges. <br />
<br />
But I've never been a huge fan of too much thinking ahead.<br />
<br />
I slept in, then left the house late. Typical. The weather was almost perfect, sunny but not yet scorching or humid. I made my way up mostly familiar roads and found my turn towards Asiago, and began climbing into the front range of the Dolomites. The road looped back on itself as I wound upwards, the plains spilled out below, partially hidden by the clouds I was starting to climb into.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zg0hU6YCQEw/VYMU0MCrajI/AAAAAAAADX0/0oZQe5JriYk/s1600/IMG_4037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zg0hU6YCQEw/VYMU0MCrajI/AAAAAAAADX0/0oZQe5JriYk/s200/IMG_4037.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandatory cycling selfie!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It's important to remain flexible, to be open to adventure when you're exploring new routes and new roads. When I saw the sign for the Chiesetta del Ciclista, I couldn't say no. I took the detour about a half mile off the looping switchbacks to the Chapel of the Cyclist, refilled my waterbottle, ate some fig newtons, and said a small prayer of thanks for the beautiful ride. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D81AoS3aG9w/VYMU3oetjwI/AAAAAAAADX8/WIMwa83TgzY/s1600/IMG_4039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D81AoS3aG9w/VYMU3oetjwI/AAAAAAAADX8/WIMwa83TgzY/s320/IMG_4039.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the chapel are jersey's donated by pro-cyclists, posters,<br />
and other cycling memorabilia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Half an hour later my prayers were answered with a loud pop followed by hissing. My first blowout in 10 months is halfway up an Italian mountain.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sFsAjZ1DaQ/VYMVO6zZ8kI/AAAAAAAADYE/Gyv4iei3LP4/s1600/IMG_4041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0sFsAjZ1DaQ/VYMVO6zZ8kI/AAAAAAAADYE/Gyv4iei3LP4/s320/IMG_4041.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Haven't taken one of these pictures in a while. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I went through the old but familiar routine of pulling out the tube and inspecting the tire to find a single clean gash in my fancy Gatorskin tires. These things are supposed to be invincible and I couldn't imagine what would cause a huge gash right across the thickest part of the tire. Maybe it was the broken glass I couldn't avoid earlier that morning, or perhaps the dirt and sharp rocky bypass that I had to use to get to and from the chapel just a few minutes ago.<br />
<br />
A 5 Euro shim and one CO2 cartridge later and I was ready to head home. And that's when my decision making process failed me.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xULw73WyWTk/VYMWM1ybfQI/AAAAAAAADYo/_20H-mHeSiM/s1600/IMG_4042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xULw73WyWTk/VYMWM1ybfQI/AAAAAAAADYo/_20H-mHeSiM/s320/IMG_4042.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How can you decide to head for home with roads this<br />
beautiful to ride on?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was only 25 miles in, the weather seemed to be cooperating, and it couldn't possibly take me that long to at least get close to Asiago, right?<br />
<br />
An hour later and I was completely committed, there was thunder chasing me farther into the hills, and I was desparately searching for any shortcut that would take me to the Fiume (River) Brenta and back down to the plains and home.<br />
<br />
<br />
At one point, I even hid under an outdoor cafe's awning when a brief rain shower chased me off the slick road.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I rolled through one eerily quiet village then started to descend back into another valley. The trees closed in thick on both sides, the sky was completely hidden by fog, and I was riding in twilight. It was creepy, almost scary, and I started to scan the edges of fog for eyes or snarls or heavy breathing of any kind, but the thick curtains of moisture swallowed up every noise but the steady drip of the impending rain and my raspy breath.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A sweeping descent finally led me out of the fog and into a verdant, hidden valley. I crossed a very modern looking bridge that spanned a rocky ravine out of which a single church tower was peeking. My route, what I had decided was the quickest way to my destination, left the main road and turned upwards. By up, I mean it turned straight up the hillside, I rose out of the saddle for the next kilometer of nonstop climbing until my lungs burned and ribs ached. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZmbWTh58Is/VYMWK2qospI/AAAAAAAADYg/cyZfRJ8Atic/s1600/IMG_4044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UZmbWTh58Is/VYMWK2qospI/AAAAAAAADYg/cyZfRJ8Atic/s320/IMG_4044.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two roads diverged in the valley, and I took the one that went<br />
straight uphill.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When the road finally leveled off, I was rewarded with an amazing view back into the valley I'd just left behind.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H5jTnGC7to4/VYMWKHBtgrI/AAAAAAAADYY/ZeqrlBKO8uA/s1600/IMG_4045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H5jTnGC7to4/VYMWKHBtgrI/AAAAAAAADYY/ZeqrlBKO8uA/s320/IMG_4045.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back the way I'd come. The village across the valley<br />
was still hidden in fog, and cattle below meandered through<br />
fields, their bells the only sound breaking the still air.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few more miles along this final ridge and I reached the last town and finally began to descend in earnest, down into the Brenta river valley and my road home. The 10-mile descent began with long sweeping roads and the sky was opening up into patches of blue and puffy white clouds. I coasted along, no braking, just gently leaning into the turns and trying not to howl with joy at the free speed and open and lonely road. Of course, this couldn't last forever either. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Halfway down I hit the first of 18 numbered hairpin switchback turns that would go on for five more miles. When I finally eased around turn number one my hands were cramping and my back ached from the constant braking, acceleration and then almost immediate deceleration. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I rolled into Valstagna and turned left without hesitating and coasted to a stop at the first gelateria on the town's promenade. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPYUtbn1Xts/VYMWSHvuSgI/AAAAAAAADYw/ihA10q1n6gw/s1600/IMG_4047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPYUtbn1Xts/VYMWSHvuSgI/AAAAAAAADYw/ihA10q1n6gw/s320/IMG_4047.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My reward for making stupid decisions and ignoring every warning<br />
sign thrown at me: a bottle of aqua minerale, a cafe, and cookie gelato.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
After that the ride was mostly routine. I cruised, with aching and sore legs, the almost 30 miles to home, most of it slightly downhill or with a light tailwind. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I left in the cool morning and returned in the tepid afternoon heat. Looking around as I rode back through the same small towns and villages almost seven hours later I wondered what other riders and bystanders, people in shops and businesses along my route, thought of me pedaling past. Did they recognize that I'd been out all day, climbing and rocketing down mountain valleys and ridges, visiting cycling shrines and repairing blown tires, outrunning thunderstorms and keeping guard against fairy tale creatures lurking in the fog and forests? Or was I just another one of the many nameless and faceless cyclists that flies past on any given day in this land so prolific with bicycling culture?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I do know it meant a lot to me, to spend so long out on the bike, suffering and enjoying what the local roads had to offer. It's been a long time since I subjected my body to that many hours in the saddle. It's something I should do more often, but maybe with a little better route planning and without ignoring blown tires.<br />
<br />
Well, tomorrow's schedule looks open. Let's see what kind of trouble is waiting out there on the road.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-49083320659320278622015-05-15T12:59:00.000-06:002015-05-15T12:59:59.808-06:00The Double Decker Endurance Challenge or How Not to Drown and Die an Awful and Terribly Painful Death<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I’m staring upwards as I run, four solid floors of concrete
agony looming above. I’ve already ascended and descended these monsters twice
and now I have two more to go. My legs are screaming, my lungs burn, my ribs
feel like they’re going to crack with the heaving of my strained diaphragm and
I might pass out.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the Double Decker Endurance Challenge, and I’m
almost done.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As in done for, like, in the cowboy at high noon sense of
endings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOPJu5tqLHE/VVY8emfUxHI/AAAAAAAADVk/5e1vvYZ8Ap0/s1600/double%2Bdecker%2Bchallenge%2Bpromo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hOPJu5tqLHE/VVY8emfUxHI/AAAAAAAADVk/5e1vvYZ8Ap0/s400/double%2Bdecker%2Bchallenge%2Bpromo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, that pretty much sums it up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two weeks before this fatal moment I saw the ad for an
endurance event; something unique that appealed to the masochist in me. It
consisted of a five-kilometer run, then a 300-meter swim, and finished off with
another 1.5 kilometers of running that included four ascents of the nearby
parking garages. 540 steps in total. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It sounded simple enough, and I was craving something
triathlon-esque. I had not suffered through a triathlon in almost eight months
and Char hadn’t endured the misery and joy in over a year. Time to get our pain
and suffering on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was no time to train, but we’d faithfully kept up our
weekly swim sessions so I knew I probably wouldn’t drown. Probably.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FTHh_29-vw/VVY8ekV5h6I/AAAAAAAADVo/TFGkQOCcbgU/s1600/Double-Decker-Couch.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="232" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FTHh_29-vw/VVY8ekV5h6I/AAAAAAAADVo/TFGkQOCcbgU/s320/Double-Decker-Couch.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stole the picture, sorry.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Months ago I had been running a local route, almost weekly,
that included an incredible stair case climb on ancient stone steps, followed
immediately by more than a quarter mile up a steep 12% grade to a classic
church overlooking the city of Vicenza. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gorgeous, once you’re at the top.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Brutal, on your way up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It had been a couple months, but I thought I still had it in
me to face the unforgiving brutality of the stair climb. What I wasn’t sure
about, and truly intimidated by, was the 300-meter swim immediately following
the 5k.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m always a little afraid of the swim portion of a
triathlon. But always before I have time to prepare myself, to warm up
specifically and to prepare my gear for the swim. This time I would be
sprinting into the transition area, sweating, gasping, and trying to shed shoes
and glasses while pulling on goggles and nose plug. I would already be at least
a little out of breath when I started the swim. With my history of breathing
issues in the water (no gills on this guy) this did not bode well for my
survival.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Char just laughed, carelessly, flouting death with her
flippant, even dismissive, disdainful chuckle. That’s why she’s my hero.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYLUtTnCrbw/VVY-P3ioKaI/AAAAAAAADWA/ZJsjtHlnJMI/s1600/IMG_3838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYLUtTnCrbw/VVY-P3ioKaI/AAAAAAAADWA/ZJsjtHlnJMI/s320/IMG_3838.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Intimidating.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>The start zone alone was intimidating, Char and I gauging
the competition and trying to predict where we’d fall in the pack. Everyone
seemed to know each other, and talked about their training and expectations.
Char and I were the outsiders, and the only ones that seemed unfamiliar with
what was about to happen. There were only six women at the start, so Char
wasn’t too challenged to pick out her place. I had a much harder time. Every
dude there looked like he could eat me for breakfast and then run circles
around the leftovers. I’m not sure what that means, but it sounds intimidating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjjiMu-tb68/VVY-REdLD5I/AAAAAAAADWE/VsI4aNvjCaQ/s1600/IMG_3840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gjjiMu-tb68/VVY-REdLD5I/AAAAAAAADWE/VsI4aNvjCaQ/s320/IMG_3840.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Less intimidating.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once the gun went off, Char and I paced ourselves
deliberately for the first 5k. We thought we could save just enough energy to
make the swim less painful. Ripping off slightly sweaty shoes and pulling on
goggles was a disorienting experience, but the cool water felt great and my
body was already warmed up and ready to go. I had to fight a nasty leak in the
first length of the pool, but there wasn’t much to complain about after that.
Because of the training and previous experiences, I felt no panic in the pool,
even while some of the other swimmers decided to head the wrong way and I
narrowly avoided several head-on collisions. I had decided to wear my triathlon
top, based on the results of a brief social media poll that indicated it would
be more aerodynamic and less revolting if I kept a shirt on. Surprisingly, it
provided very little drag, and probably was more streamlined based on a brief
test I ran in the pool a week later.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DxiWZxeZTk/VVZAHvQlXBI/AAAAAAAADWc/8PQyQd2hNt0/s1600/DSC00831.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DxiWZxeZTk/VVZAHvQlXBI/AAAAAAAADWc/8PQyQd2hNt0/s320/DSC00831.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sprint to the finish, no mercy!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Coming out of the pool placed me back in my element. I had
lost only a little time in the pool and began running down the pack immediately
in front of me. I paced them on the first set up stairs, but gained
considerable ground on the descent. (I tried a risky but rewarding tactic of
skipping every other step, even on the way down which required strict focus
even while exhausted) By the second set of stairs I was passing other runners
and by the time I finished the fourth I was almost alone. There was a single
and final runner that I was able to pass sometime in the last half mile.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had just enough recovery time to pull on a dry shirt, and
pull off my now soaking shoes, before Char arrived at the finish line. My own
time was not enough to place in my age group but Char proudly stepped forward
in the awards ceremony to receive her second place award. Beast.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ih2z6a0mYY/VVY-PpXgKfI/AAAAAAAADV4/5LFHZkNaxT8/s1600/IMG_3848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ih2z6a0mYY/VVY-PpXgKfI/AAAAAAAADV4/5LFHZkNaxT8/s320/IMG_3848.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can't argue with awesome.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What had sounded like a good idea weeks before, then
transformed into a physical nightmare halfway through, ended with a definite
sense of accomplishment and triumph. We had both come to face the challenge
with different fears and goals and emerged with our own victories, Char with a
medal and me with my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Win.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And then we celebrated the only way we knew how. With food.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-my4eY2Zw3mY/VVY-Zyi8dkI/AAAAAAAADWQ/uK4P0kZPKTg/s1600/IMG_3852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-my4eY2Zw3mY/VVY-Zyi8dkI/AAAAAAAADWQ/uK4P0kZPKTg/s400/IMG_3852.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baked gnocchi from a local restaurant, Mexico '86, named after a fateful World Cup game.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-69256602819655404042015-03-13T11:19:00.001-06:002015-03-13T11:30:17.631-06:00Review of the Mountain Athletics Training Program and Mobile App or How to Get Beast in 6 Weeks!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
It's time to get down to business.<br />
<br />
After a year of new adventures that included leaving behind familiar stomping grounds and exploring new places while struggling to stay fit on the go, Char and I stopped moving around and settled down. We could finally try and answer one burning question: <br />
<br />
How are we going to stay motivated and get ourselves into prime shape to enjoy our favorite activities this summer?<br />
<br />
We needed a plan, something that would keep us on track to meet our goals, included simple metrics to judge our progress, was challenging enough to keep us interested, and simple enough that we wouldn't be too intimidated or confused to start something new. It had to hook us early on and keep us on track long enough to see results. And there had to be results. How else was I going to get my gorgeous beach bod ready in time for summer?<br />
<br />
There are plenty of workout plans to choose from in the wide world of the web (see what I did there?) and many that can be tailored to specific fitness goals. <br />
<br />
But what were our goals? I wanted to be a better cyclist, to maximize my score on the Army Physical Fitness Test, and to be an all around beast. Plus, I wanted to start training and preparing for a Half Ironman Triathlon in 2016. Char wanted to lose weight, build muscle strength and improve her endurance capacity. Our goals didn't seem to synch very well at first and I realized that we needed to start with a foundation before we moved on to something tailored to our individual goals. <br />
<br />
A cursory search of online plans led me to the <a href="http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/mountain-athletics/" target="_blank">Mountain Athletics app</a> available from North Face. <br />
<br />
It's basic plans seemed limited in scope; you're either a skier, climber or a runner, basically all the sports that North Face sells equipment for, but the interface was simple and straightforward. I wasn't ready to be one of those gym rats carrying a notebook with complicated charts and diagrams to follow while trying to get my swoll on. One of the six basic plans is titled "General Fitness" and we decided it was exactly what Char and I were looking for. Plus, the app was free so we weren't investing much capitol into the adventure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5970Scg_z0/VQL3H2qG-1I/AAAAAAAADTM/0A1gwkoOXlA/s1600/Mountain%2BAthletics%2Bhomepage.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5970Scg_z0/VQL3H2qG-1I/AAAAAAAADTM/0A1gwkoOXlA/s1600/Mountain%2BAthletics%2Bhomepage.tiff" height="147" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The program was fairly simple. Mondays and Fridays were heavy on weight training, Tuesdays and Thursdays are core strengthening and closely resemble a HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) or Crossfit workout. Wednesday is a moderate run and the weekends are for resting. Though, I usually sneak in a long distance run or bike ride. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxPwVoXDt-c/VQMC4AY7h0I/AAAAAAAADTc/0HXpTZUjVmk/s1600/MAfinish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uxPwVoXDt-c/VQMC4AY7h0I/AAAAAAAADTc/0HXpTZUjVmk/s1600/MAfinish.jpg" height="400" width="110" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first 6 weeks,<br />
all summed up.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The workouts themselves were not overly complex. Each consisted of a warm-up phase, usually three or four exercises repeated for four rounds, then two sessions dedicated to a specific capability, (i.e., lower body, unilateral, or upper body strength) with specified repetitions or time.<br />
<br />
The beauty of the program was the application interface and its ability to keep you on track. First, set up your profile, then choose the workout program. Each day you hit the start button and follow along with the basic instructions. There are video links if you need to see a workout before you perform it (very important in the beginning). Each week, after completing the daily workouts, you earn a new badge. It's a little motivation to not skip a workout and entices you to stay dedicated to the program.<br />
<br />
The workout plan was the same every week, with only certain exercises increasing in repetition or duration. I thought this would become monotonous after a couple weeks, instead, it lent some predictability and consistency to my workouts. I knew what to expect and, because the workouts didn't change from week to week, could actually measure my progress over a short amount of time. From week to week I could see my bench press reps becoming easier, even adding a little weight and needing less assistance from a spotter. Gradually, I chose a heavier dumbbell or kettle bell, and added a lot more weight to my box squats. The repetition also helped us both to improve our form and focus on doing the workouts properly to prevent injuring ourselves.<br />
<br />
We cheated occasionally, adding a swim workout in the evening, and we always ran farther and faster than the planned "moderate pace" during the Wednesday run. But what's life without a few broken rules? Otherwise, we stuck to the plan, which also gave us another added benefit. Since the workout program was consistent week to week, we used it as a control against another experiment involving diet and supplements. I'll save the results for another blog post, but we were able to try different pre-workout and recovery powders and actually notice a difference in how they affected our performance against the routine workouts.<br />
<br />
A constant struggle with Char and I is the delta between our fitness abilities. Too often, one of us is stronger than the other in an activity and we struggle to stay together. I ride circles around her on the bike and she laps me in the pool, literally. But with this program, we could do the same workout everyday, together, albeit with different weights or sizes of boxes. On days that we worked out separately we compared our sessions together later, keeping us both on track and motivated to keep going.<br />
<br />
Not everything was perfect, and there's always room for improvement. The beauty of the app was its simplicity, but sometimes it was a little too simple. As badges become unlocked they're viewable from the "Badges" page, but there's no interaction or ability to see what triggered them. The "Progress" page allows you to preview upcoming workouts, but not view past sessions at all. One minor glitch that I found annoying was the difficulty in controlling my music while running the app. Once I started a song and reopened the app, it paused the music. Luckily I can control my music using my headphones, but it was a minor nuisance. The last downside to the app is that once you have selected a program, you can't preview any of the other programs without quitting the current one. So, if you're three weeks into the program, and decide to check out what the other plans offer, you lose those three weeks of progress.<br />
<br />
There's also no link between the website and the app, so you can't go online and view your progress or preview upcoming workouts on a regular computer. The website itself changes constantly. When we first started, you could preview all the fitness programs to see what the workout plans consisted of. Maybe it's North Face's way of protecting proprietary information and driving folks to use their app, but there were a few times when I wanted to see what the other programs looked like and show them to some of my coworkers to entice them into it.<br />
<br />
Overall, the app was great, did exactly what it was designed to do, and my complaints are mostly nitpicking and personal preference. Neither Char nor I had difficulty in figuring out the controls, as they were simple and intuitive, and never experienced any strange glitches or technical problems other than my small and easily overcome music issue.<br />
<br />
A great and simple interface is nice. A good workout plan that kept us hooked and dedicated is also good. But what about results? Where's my beach-ready abs and swoll guns?<br />
<br />
As with any fitness goal, true results take time, and six weeks is a pretty short window to see a true transformation, but, since we started, I have increased the amount of weight I can bench press and squat, box jumps are much easier, and there is definite tone and development of the muscles in my arms, legs and core areas. I'm no professional body builder or weight lifter, and my focus is definitely more about endurance sports, but the muscle strength this program helped my develop is already paying off during laps in the pool and while climbing the local hills on my road bike.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivu95vYFnN8/VQMX0V5KcVI/AAAAAAAADTs/qihulB-DLm8/s1600/IMG_3424%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ivu95vYFnN8/VQMX0V5KcVI/AAAAAAAADTs/qihulB-DLm8/s1600/IMG_3424%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" height="330" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, that's what Beast Mode looks like!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Most importantly, Char and I are both already looking forward to starting the next program, this time with a running focus. It's an area that we both want to work on, and the Mountain Athletic program still maintains the strength training days so we don't have to worry about losing what we've gained.<br />
<br />
Check it out and decide for yourself: <a href="http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/mountain-athletics/">http://www.thenorthface.com/en_US/mountain-athletics/</a>.<br />
<br />
Watch their slick promo video on the website above or on <a href="https://youtu.be/BpV5GC8B7QI" target="_blank">YouTube</a>.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-8494716268599261512015-02-08T06:11:00.000-07:002015-02-08T06:11:05.204-07:00Back in the Saddle<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s been almost five whole months since I rode my bike.
Anyone that knows me understands how difficult it’s been to be without. Even
after I finally unpacked my bike, there was poor weather and a bout of the
plague (also known as the common cold) that kept me off the roads.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/251892803" target="_blank">morning</a>, I climbed back into the saddle.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was cold, below freezing, and the nebbia (fog) was thick
across the whole region. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cavsv48UmBU/VNdbO1gfgUI/AAAAAAAADSM/40MJGhxa2K8/s1600/IMG_3378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cavsv48UmBU/VNdbO1gfgUI/AAAAAAAADSM/40MJGhxa2K8/s1600/IMG_3378.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">The mandatory glamour pic of my bike with <br />the Rotonda obscured by fog in the background. </span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I took longer than usual to get ready, struggling to
remember how to layer my bib with leg warmers, base layer, vest, and so on.
Pulling on my shoe covers was a spectacle unto itself. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When I kicked away from the driveway, I wobbled along the
road, struggling to clip my feet into the pedals, and unsure if I even
remembered how to keep the bike upright.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, as they say, you never really forget how to ride a
bike, even when you’re a poorly coordinated, slow-witted squatch like me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I cruised along the Italian roads, narrowly missing cars and
obstacles, neatly curving through roundabouts and shouting Ciao! at passing
cyclists. My spirits soared when the old man smoking a cigarette outside a Bar
(where they serve coffee, not booze) shouted “
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<!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Alè</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">, </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">alè</span>!” at me. I assume it
meant something good, ‘cause I was really moving right then and he had a huge
grin spread across his leathery face.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everything was going so well. Despite the nebbia and
freezing air I was making good time and enjoying myself thoroughly. So, I did
what I do best. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got lost. On purpose.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFo1i3cBFkc/VNdbOxXCgSI/AAAAAAAADSI/t1isEy11Jxw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KFo1i3cBFkc/VNdbOxXCgSI/AAAAAAAADSI/t1isEy11Jxw/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="249" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Smoke rose from chimneys, steam from vents. Chickens huddled silent in their pens. At the edges of town, hills rose out of the fog, covered with ghostly rows of slumbering grape vines barren of fruit and standing sentinel on the rolling hills, memories of soldiers and ancient walls defending the town. Somewhere, church bells tolled, the echoes struggling through the thick walls of gloom.</span></td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I found an awesome switchback road leading away from the
main road through narrow, tightly curving streets that, according to the map,
should connect up with another road over the small mountain that could take me
back around and home via the scenic route. I stopped part way up to take a
quick photo of the town and countryside spread out below. The grade averaged
somewhere around 14 percent and I could actually feel my heart beating inside
my skull. My lungs were burning and legs protesting when the road turned from
asphalt into dirt, rocks, and mud. I kept it up for a quarter mile before I
stopped to inspect the map a little closer. That’s when I realized I had almost
25 more kilometers to go of this muddy switchback. The mountain bikers riding
up behind me were apparently impressed with what I had so far accomplished with
my skinny tires. They laughed and called me “corraggioso.” When they weren’t
looking, I turned back and slowly wobbled back downhill.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Instead, I crossed over a river completely covered in nebbia
(that’s fog, remember) and headed east to find my way home. My hands were completely
frozen and I had struggled to use my brakes on my way back down the mountain.
It was time for a hot shower and coffee.</div>
<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-gPvowjv_4/VNdbNtmfTVI/AAAAAAAADSA/f74nsIX_5WM/s1600/IMG_3382.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s-gPvowjv_4/VNdbNtmfTVI/AAAAAAAADSA/f74nsIX_5WM/s1600/IMG_3382.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">Everywhere the fog pushed the world away from reality and into a vision where nothing was truly real and nothing appeared for very long. Anything that came into focus only stayed long enough to be noticed, briefly, before dissolving back into the dream surrounding me.</span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Several mostly uneventful but confusing miles (or
kilometers) later I was cruising back into my neighborhood. The feeling of
elation and accomplishment that I usually have at the end of a bike ride was
there. It’s a sensation that I’ve been missing out on for almost half a year.
It’s euphoric but inspiring. I feel calm and excited, enthusiastic about what
my day holds, and usually (if I’m not completely exhausted) get a lot of work
done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I find bike rides to be perfect tools for brainstorming and
meditating, and often have great ideas or discover solutions to problems while
riding. And, of course, they give me the excuse to eat whatever I want
afterwards. Buon Appetito!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URqQ6ZwVOyM/VNdbU0qj54I/AAAAAAAADSY/y6-K9Bx7MF4/s1600/IMG_3383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-URqQ6ZwVOyM/VNdbU0qj54I/AAAAAAAADSY/y6-K9Bx7MF4/s1600/IMG_3383.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">My face was frozen that way, and my hands were so red and swollen that I could barely unclip my helmet afterwards. Why do I do this to myself? Partly, because I’m an idiot, and partly, because it’s fun.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-75682107625432163802015-01-31T05:49:00.000-07:002015-01-31T05:49:29.624-07:00Fitness in a Suitcase<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Char and I
have been traveling a lot this past year. And we learned the hard way some
important lessons about maintaining fitness while living out of a suitcase. Here
are the main lessons:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. Establish a
routine whenever possible<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">2. Be
dedicated to making fitness a priority<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. Try to eat
healthy while on the move (stay away from fast/junk food when possible)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. Be creative<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">To summarize
our journey from Texas/New Mexico to Italy:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">4 homes, 5
military installations, 9 hotels, 2 weeklong stays with family while traveling
between homes, totaling to 8 states, 2 countries and approximately 11 different
gyms or fitness centers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNpvLROnxJc/VMzMrOJiBGI/AAAAAAAADRE/DuJoyuSU0BY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VNpvLROnxJc/VMzMrOJiBGI/AAAAAAAADRE/DuJoyuSU0BY/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" height="343" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What do you mean my carry-on is too big?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over the last
year, between the two of us, we ran marathons, cycled centuries, finished
triathlons, lifted lots of weights, swam in oceans, lakes and pools, ran on
beautiful beaches, trails and through historical landmarks, and faced searing
heat, freezing cold, pouring rain and pummeling winds. We saw whales breaching,
dogs barking, deer leaping, squirrels chattering, rabbits frolicking, roosters
strutting and sea turtles waving goodbye.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj4r12I7NoE/VMzO-1eCRmI/AAAAAAAADRo/8fI9YEWxfq4/s1600/suitcase%2Bvolcano.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cj4r12I7NoE/VMzO-1eCRmI/AAAAAAAADRo/8fI9YEWxfq4/s1600/suitcase%2Bvolcano.JPG" height="210" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding up and out of the clouds at 10,000 feet on top of a volcano. One more for the bucket list.</td></tr>
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</o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was quite a
year, but not without challenges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So much travel
required us to explore different facilities and different routes. It was both
an adventure to learn and experience something new and a quest for safety in a
new and different land. We learned to use Strava to see where the locals liked
to run or ride. Hopefully, we wouldn’t stand out if we were also running or
riding those same routes which meant we were less likely to be molested,
robbed, beaten or run over. It also helped to ask family or friends where they
liked to run or ride. Usually they knew of a route or path that would show us a
different side of the town or city. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Exploring new
facilities presented another challenge. Not all fitness centers and gyms are
created equal. And when you’re bouncing from one place to another, not all
hotels even have workout equipment, and what is available can be very limited
and not necessarily in the best shape. In one gym we would find a plethora of
weights but not much in the way of cardio or “Crossfit” toys. In another, there
might be plenty of kettlebells and medicine balls, but very little space to use
them. One gym had a room full of spin bikes, but it was chained off until the
budget could afford to rehire instructors. Pools were the most difficult, as
the hours never seemed to fit our fitness routine or work schedule, and there
always seemed to be a youth swim team practice or lesson taking place right
when we were trying to do some lap swim.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oA6oyTwL_Dg/VMzMxHeH_eI/AAAAAAAADRQ/lEvtfTl8qfg/s1600/IMG_2623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oA6oyTwL_Dg/VMzMxHeH_eI/AAAAAAAADRQ/lEvtfTl8qfg/s1600/IMG_2623.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the many priceless views we found.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Flexibility
and creativity were very important when adapting to a new place. Our workout
routines changed to match what was available, and to take advantage of new
trails or routes. We swam very little in Oklahoma, but took advantage of over
70 miles of nearly empty pavement roads on the fort. No bicycles in Maryland
(they were shipped ahead to meet us overseas) so we found some incredible
trails in local parks that let us run through beautiful fall colors.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">We replaced
kettlebells with dumbbells, box jumps with jumping lunges and ran everywhere we
could in every kind of weather.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The lack of
space was not just at the gym. Choosing what to pack and what to ship ahead was
a very difficult decision. One of the hardest things I personally chose was to
ship my bike with our household goods, leaving me bike-less for almost five
months. That saved a lot of space in my suitcase that’s usually taken up by
bike tools, pump, spare tires, shorts, jerseys, gloves, helmet, etc. Our
personal gym collection of yoga mats, dumbbells, medicine and Swiss balls, was
also shipped ahead. Instead, we packed more cold weather running gear,
nutritional supplements (pre- and post-workout powders and energy gels) and a
Tiger Tail to roll out those post-workout kinks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eH3gCErrrVA/VMzMv4tuHbI/AAAAAAAADRM/HC-qb5O-rfo/s1600/suitcase%2Bmessy%2Bgym.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eH3gCErrrVA/VMzMv4tuHbI/AAAAAAAADRM/HC-qb5O-rfo/s1600/suitcase%2Bmessy%2Bgym.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sometimes our warm-up consisted of picking up after other people in the gym.</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The biggest
challenge of all was figuring out how to maintain our focus on our physical
fitness. When traveling across the country, and beyond, how do we not only keep
from eating poorly at every fast food, greasy diner, but also keep working
towards our fitness goals when our routines are completely disrupted? What gets
lost in all the confusion of moving from place to place? Which workouts get
dropped, which goals are sacrificed to make room for others?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwLpcaWnLu0/VMzKnzU1XoI/AAAAAAAADQs/fu3kSO4v8pE/s1600/IMG_1851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UwLpcaWnLu0/VMzKnzU1XoI/AAAAAAAADQs/fu3kSO4v8pE/s1600/IMG_1851.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post-run fuel at a Denver bagel shop. We earned it, right?</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The answer for
us was to reevaluate our goals with every new location and to establish a
routine to support the new goals. In Oklahoma, we set our sights on some major
bike rides in the last summer, and I took the plunge on my first open-water
triathlon. Char chose a half-marathon in Kansas that gave her something to work
towards and keep focused on while in-between homes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Focusing on
these goals helped us to keep from falling off the wagon too far or too often.
Of course, there were mornings when it just wasn’t happening, when one of us
was up too late the night before with homework or a late shift. There were
evenings when it was just too easy to grab a junk food meal on the go or order in
some local pizza.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">But, in the
end, we were able to maintain most of our fitness and even to keep working
towards the ever-elusive goal of physical improvement. Most of all, we learned
to be flexible and creative in our workouts, even when we don’t have all the
toys available that we’re used to.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-22856732882439521722015-01-02T13:10:00.001-07:002015-01-02T13:10:26.318-07:00When the Big Guy at the Gym Says You’re Doing it Right<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In other words, how not to look like a hot mess in front of strangers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Introverts that we are, Char and I can be pretty shy around
strangers, especially when working out. It isn’t the lack of clothing or
tightness of our outfits. We can wear as much or as little as we want. I’ve
been cycling long enough that I can sport a pair of short shorts with the best
of them. But every weight we lift, every lap we swim or run, is a form of evaluation
in a very public setting. We are constantly comparing ourselves to others, or
thinking that they are judging us, by our performance, by our fitness or physique,
even by the cut of our workout gear.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, once we’ve been going to a gym for a while, we’re
both pretty comfortable with our routines and self-image. Even when strangers
show up, we’re not intimidated ‘cause we’re the regulars.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Last week, we found ourselves at a new gym in Charla’s hometown
that’s in the city recreation center (with a swimming pool and ice skating
rink). She’d been many times as a kid growing up, but never to the gym side of
the building. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were working our way through the weights and machines,
finding some things we were familiar with and some we weren’t. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had just started a set of <a href="http://youtu.be/plCzO45g9nc" target="_blank">clusters</a>, a combination of
cleans, jerks, and thrusters. It’s something I’ve never been really good at and
am still learning how to do properly. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was in mid exercise when he appeared. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Most gyms have at least one, like him. Some have several.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’s huge, shaped like an upside down triangle. He looks
like the beasts that barely resemble human genetic projects that you see on
magazines or bottles of protein shakes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFRpCfntQ-8/VKb4rGZfthI/AAAAAAAADPc/AgKq-kgF4HI/s1600/IMG_1849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AFRpCfntQ-8/VKb4rGZfthI/AAAAAAAADPc/AgKq-kgF4HI/s1600/IMG_1849.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, she's a beast.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And he knows what he’s doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, we’re in his world, his universe, and he’s the
king. He lifts everyday, several times a day, and has been lifting heavy
objects since before we could lift a milk bottle to our lips. He’s tried every
supplement, been to that shady dealer in Mexico, and laughs when you talk about
the benefits of Crossfit and Paleo as he contemplates his steak and bourbon
dinner waiting for him in his Viking-esque cabin of a home that’s really a
shrine to his weight-lifting career.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He’d snuck up behind me, mid squat. I tried not to notice,
play it cool, like I was a pro. Like I knew what I was doing. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I told myself to ignore the paltry excuse for weight I had
on the bar, to focus on my form and just try really hard not to embarrass
myself in front of the inverted mountain of iron standing behind me,
contemplating breaking my body in half for violating his temple of steel. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He watched for a while. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pHT9tWGqMY/VKb4t6I4pjI/AAAAAAAADPk/GI_lk3cq884/s1600/IMG_2688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2pHT9tWGqMY/VKb4t6I4pjI/AAAAAAAADPk/GI_lk3cq884/s1600/IMG_2688.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As a former workout companion once told<br />me, "We do bicep curls for the ladies!"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
His eyes felt like the fires of the forge of Valhalla, and I
was sure that at any moment a deep rumble would emanate from his chest, and I
would hear those dreaded words, “You’re doing it wrong.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A single bead of sweat trickled down my face, maybe it was a
tear, I don’t remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He watched me
for about three or four repetitions, but it felt like much longer.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then he nodded his head slowly, approvingly, and walked on.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Elation, pure excitement and satisfaction filled my chest. I
had gained approval from the walking human anvil. My dignity and gym privileges
intact and sanctified.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Twenty minutes later he was showing Char and I some new
moves on a lateral pull-down machine, like we were part of the “in-crowd.” Not
bad for a couple of scrawny out-of-towners.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-40596655901031080622014-12-25T22:32:00.000-07:002014-12-25T22:32:05.330-07:00All I Want for Christmas is a Little Snow<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A white Christmas is not just a line from a song or a
Hollywood-esque, commercial vision for me. It’s something that I grew up with. My
family would spend the holiday vacation on the farm with our grandparents and
relatives, feeding cattle and building snow forts. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One winter vacation, when I was running on the high school
cross country and track team, I went for a run in the freshly fallen snow. I
ran several miles up the road and past the neighboring farm. By the time I
turned to come back my tracks had vanished beneath a fresh carpet of powder.
When I finished the run, my hair was covered in a layer of white dust and my
proud, teenage goatee was coated in my own frozen breath.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was an amazing experience, running alone in completely baffled
silence through the thickly falling flakes. It was also an experience that I
would not repeat for many years. Through several moves, and Army dictated
adventures, I would not enjoy very many white Christmases for more than a
decade. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Char and I flew to Wyoming for the Christmas holiday to see
her family before we left the states for a three-year extended vacation
overseas. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ok, pretty much everything I do is one form of a vacation or
other.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The weather reports looked pretty solid to bring us some new
snow on Christmas Day. When we woke up, sure enough, it was snowing. There was
a solid two inches already sticking on the ground. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBJ6vXfeeTU/VJzu_91IZOI/AAAAAAAADPA/IV6KpqufnGA/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZBJ6vXfeeTU/VJzu_91IZOI/AAAAAAAADPA/IV6KpqufnGA/s1600/IMG_0006.jpg" height="255" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, that's a white Christmas, alright.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I got what I wanted for Christmas, so I decided to
unwrap my gift the best way I know <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/232732600" target="_blank">how</a>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Char and I slipped on some winter gear, prepped for the
mid-20-degree temperature waiting for us, and took off down the road.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The road out of town led up into the hills out of the
valley. My lungs were burning from the extra 6,000 feet of elevation and the steady climbing of the lonely, snow-covered road. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q93PPK_0ls/VJzu8M-q7dI/AAAAAAAADOk/MsZ1KbYOWd4/s1600/IMG_0002_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8Q93PPK_0ls/VJzu8M-q7dI/AAAAAAAADOk/MsZ1KbYOWd4/s1600/IMG_0002_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That is a long and lonesome road when you're on foot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>A mile into the run I stopped at the <a href="http://www.blm.gov/wy/st/en/field_offices/Rock_Springs.html" target="_blank">wild horse holding facility</a> to see the horses and burros milling about in corrals, thick and fuzzy
with their winter coats. The neigh of a wild horse is like nothing I’ve heard
before. Imagine a horse whinny and a pig squeal mashed together and you’ve just
about got it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The road continued to wind slowly up into the hills and the
silence grew more profound, more complete. The sounds of the city behind us, of
people waking up to a wintery Christmas morning, were obscured behind thick
curtains of falling flakes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnAk4QCBsm4/VJzu7DWbWKI/AAAAAAAADOg/tXAXCcO9yUY/s1600/IMG_0003%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WnAk4QCBsm4/VJzu7DWbWKI/AAAAAAAADOg/tXAXCcO9yUY/s1600/IMG_0003%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="101" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I must admit, I find supreme joy in the solitary enterprise
of running. The solitude brought on by the snowstorm, along with the physical
challenge of running through snowdrifts, left me ecstatic. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There’s something special and moving about leaving tracks in
freshly fallen snow where no one else has yet tread.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Close to my turnaround time I came to what looked like a
mountain rising up from the road. I just had to climb it. Slowly, I trotted
carefully up the slick trail towards the peak, picking my way carefully across
the snowdrifts and subtly hidden rocks. Twice I stopped to catch my breath and
enjoy the view back into the valley, my lungs were on fire and my legs were
starting to give out. At the top, I realized my mountain was only the edge of
the prairie that sits above the town nestled in the river valley. The view was pretty
awesome, even though the snow was now falling much heavier and quickly
swallowing up the surrounding landscape. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catching up to Charla, we could barely <br />see each other from a distance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During most of the run, I had felt quite warm and even a
little sweaty. Now, the wind was picking up and the flakes were falling hard and
fast. It was time to go home. I started to pick my way down the hill back to
the road when I realized that I might be in serious trouble.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the most important rules about running in the snow:
Don’t lose your own tracks, or you won’t know how to get home. And I came real
close to doing just that. For a minute or two I wandered across the face of the
hill, searching the snowdrifts before I found my own trail that led me back to
my road home. Getting lost in a snowstorm would have been pretty embarrassing.
And a little cold.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The run home was only slightly less peaceful with wind and
snow blowing into my face and clogging up my glasses with ice. But, it was all
downhill, and I made good time following footprints left by Charla, trotting
along in the snow somewhere ahead of me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0z6f6CDBII/VJzvAiajGNI/AAAAAAAADPQ/lB6AhZXIdTk/s1600/IMG_0007_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E0z6f6CDBII/VJzvAiajGNI/AAAAAAAADPQ/lB6AhZXIdTk/s1600/IMG_0007_2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her hair is completely frozen.<br />I couldn't help but laugh.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We came together just a few blocks from the end, and jogged
slowly together, savoring this silent winter wonderland that we had been given.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It really did feel like the empty road and falling snow was
a Christmas gift, just for us. And we made sure to unwrap it right away. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZzQCbojzxg/VJzu_gyD0tI/AAAAAAAADPE/N0GDmlCiUBA/s1600/IMG_0005_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NZzQCbojzxg/VJzu_gyD0tI/AAAAAAAADPE/N0GDmlCiUBA/s1600/IMG_0005_2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How else do you finish a run this awesome?</td></tr>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
</div>
Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-45062805465991770902014-12-14T15:17:00.001-07:002014-12-14T15:30:27.517-07:00Autumn is all about Transformation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">The first rule of trail running is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Don’t fall down, roll your ankle, fall off the
cliff, get hit by descending mountain bikers, crash into the random Japanese
tourist doing <a href="http://www.shinrin-yoku.org/"><span style="color: #0000e9;">shinrin-yoku</span></a> or forest bathing, get eaten by a
bear, molested by bees, or run face first into that tree branch that you
should have seen coming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Sounds easy enough.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> I've run in the deserts of the Southwestern States
and the Middle East. I've run on pavement and dirt trails all across the world.
I've run marathons in Texas, D.C., New Mexico, and Hawaii. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> I've never run on trails like these: East Coast
forests in the coastal plain, right at the height of autumn, with soft dirt
paths surrounded by endless trees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">We had planned to explore a new trail every
weekend, but quickly subsumed to our three favorites.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">And, as we ran deeper into autumn, we watched the
world change around us.</span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KhMB6w1pms/VI4LOsfGyII/AAAAAAAABJk/h6BpQDOsNAU/s1600/IMG_2787.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4KhMB6w1pms/VI4LOsfGyII/AAAAAAAABJk/h6BpQDOsNAU/s1600/IMG_2787.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Everywhere we looked, the leaves were aflame with vibrant
oranges and yellows; many had already fallen and cushioned the ground in a
blanket of wet, brown tetrahedrons of dead leaves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"> They also hid the ankle breaking rocks and roots.
But, in the end, we both survived.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Trail running in these forested paths has been a
lesson in life and change. As the autumn wore on, the forest transformed before
our eyes. Our first runs were through a forest aflame with the early days of
fall, the leaves under our feet still wet and cushioning every footfall. The
walls of trees were still thick with their vibrant garb, hanging thickly and
obscuring both vision and sound from carrying far. Squirrels rustling through
the leaves moved unseen and nearly silent apart from their intermittent chatter
or light crunch in a pile of dead and dried debris. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">As the months wore away, the air cooled and the
land drifted towards its long sleep. We exchanged shorts, t-shirts, and hats
for warm caps, tights, and jackets. The ground hardened, and the leaves that
had wetly cushioned our footfalls before now crackled loudly with every step.
The acrid smell of sawdust permeated each breath; thousands of leaves ground to
powder under the feet of passersby. Each carefully placed step of a squirrel
now echoed through the brush, sharp staccatos rebounding off the bark and
magnified through the forest. Bird cries shrieked through the treetops. Intermittent
wafts of wood smoke drifted from barely hidden homes fighting off the morning
chill.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84kIrhMY-TM/VI4LiPjf8UI/AAAAAAAABJs/pnExvDTiJO0/s1600/IMG_2872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-84kIrhMY-TM/VI4LiPjf8UI/AAAAAAAABJs/pnExvDTiJO0/s1600/IMG_2872.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Soon the first freeze came and the forest became
both silent and louder simultaneously. The denuded trees loomed silently over
the path, their palette of splendor stripped but revealing other wonders
previously hidden. Behind their exposed façade lay quiet homes, tucked into the
hillsides; a meandering, icy stream, occasionally crashing over frost covered
rocks; and dashing squirrels, their leaping and bounding through the woods now
laid bare for the passing eye. Birds, previously hidden, now flaunted their
colors through the treetops. Woodpeckers, brightly adorned, flitted from tree
to tree. Scarlet cardinals darted between branches. The ground became hard, the
leaves crunched sickly underfoot, everything coated in a thin layer of ice.
Formerly trustworthy ground became slick and treacherous with ice. Sucking
patches of mud became uneven patches of frozen earth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Change happened swiftly even during a single run.
As the sun rose, the ground changed, ice thawed and became slick,
wooden footbridges dried out. The air became less harsh, snowflakes giving way
to sunshine and warmth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">As with life, change is constant. Before, I had
thought upon winter as a time of dying trees and bare, forbidding woods. Now, I
understand a little better just how a forest can fall asleep, while also coming
to life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Winter isn’t about things ending; it’s about life
transforming and changing. All it took was a little trip to the East Coast to
watch autumn fall to teach me a little about life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-46322524807803311422014-11-13T17:18:00.001-07:002014-11-13T17:18:22.148-07:00The Most Patriotic Scavenger Hunt Ever!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How long does it take to run all the way from historic Fort
McNair to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial, from there all the way around the
National Park Mall in DC, hitting every national monument along the way, with
stops at Lincoln, the White House, and the State Capitol, and then back to Fort
McNair?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cvoeNBdkmw/VGVHiihby8I/AAAAAAAABEI/zDvcryIjj14/s1600/IMG_2541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2cvoeNBdkmw/VGVHiihby8I/AAAAAAAABEI/zDvcryIjj14/s400/IMG_2541.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
About two hours, that's how long. (Check it out <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/209278331" target="_blank">here</a>.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Char and I thought this one up a few weeks ago and chose a
beautiful and sunny weekend to try it out. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The plan was to do a modified scavenger hunt in the National
Park, stopping at every major national monument around the mall to take a
selfie for proof that we’d been there, and circle around the entire park before
returning to our start point. It was something I'd been wanting to try since I ran the <a href="http://www.marinemarathon.com/" target="_blank">Marine Corps Marathon</a> back in 2010. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The problem was, who wants to ride home on the Metro with
two sweaty, smelly runners?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu28M52YrE4/VGVHIWZfTqI/AAAAAAAABEA/hLBh3SQh2WM/s1600/IMG_2506%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lu28M52YrE4/VGVHIWZfTqI/AAAAAAAABEA/hLBh3SQh2WM/s320/IMG_2506%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" width="240" /></a>Luckily, one of the perks of being in the military
is having access to fitness facilities located on any American military base in
the world. That includes historic Fort McNair, less than two miles from the
Thomas Jefferson Memorial.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We hopped an early morning Metro, left a change of clean
clothes and shower stuff in lockers at the post’s fitness facility, and took
off on our grand scavenger hunt. There were enough other runners, joggers, cyclists, and ... um... unique and free-spirited souls (some very strange people wander about the National Park), that we didn't feel at all out of place. There's even a Strava segment for a sprint up the stairs at the Lincoln Memorial that would be more fun without the crowds.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We capped off the last stop with a pause and photo op at the foot of the Capitol building before finishing the two mile run back to Fort McNair and the waiting showers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Patriotism+Fitness=Awesomeness!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was a great way to visit almost every monument around the mall without taking all day and combine that with our fitness goals of pushing our distance running. We did cover almost nine and a half miles that morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the best way to finish off bucket-list run around our nation's capital?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytaYQBJiNCg/VGVHwxdCzRI/AAAAAAAABEU/j98MTaObYi0/s1600/IMG_2550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ytaYQBJiNCg/VGVHwxdCzRI/AAAAAAAABEU/j98MTaObYi0/s320/IMG_2550.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Char's go to choice at Capitol City Brewing Co.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yup, you guessed it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Seafood gumbo and fish 'n chips!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBzBcAqArqQ/VGVHwUJWa5I/AAAAAAAABEQ/cZklZg2zieE/s1600/IMG_2549.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eBzBcAqArqQ/VGVHwUJWa5I/AAAAAAAABEQ/cZklZg2zieE/s200/IMG_2549.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yes, we had to look up on Youtube how to eat crawfish.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-25283963297347576312014-10-13T17:05:00.001-06:002014-10-13T17:05:25.727-06:00Time to Get Our Workout On<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, if only I could remember where I put my pants.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A typical day in the gym for Char and I goes something like
this:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Char – So, what do you want to do today?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me – I don’t know, what do you want to do?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Char – I don’t know, maybe some cardio and some weights…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me – Yeah, I suppose. Here grab these kettle bell things and
swing them around a bit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Char - Ok. What's this giant box thing for?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Me - I think you're supposed to jump on and off it. But
first, walk around the weight room with this heavy medicine ball, and make sure
you’re sweating and breathing heavy when you do.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Char – Why?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Me – ‘Cause that’s how people know you’re serious. And while
you do that, I’ll grunt and slam this giant bean bag into the floor so everyone
knows we’re not messing around over here.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8SGmEY-TMA/VDxMzA6k7xI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/p32dR6CCrWs/s1600/IMG_2462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e8SGmEY-TMA/VDxMzA6k7xI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/p32dR6CCrWs/s1600/IMG_2462.jpg" height="316" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too Much Weight?</td></tr>
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30-90 minutes later we’ve stumbled through a hodgepodge
workout of CrossFit-ish moves, weight training, and some other made up stuff.
We’re not really focused and no closer to our personal fitness goals than we
were before we started.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Used to be, we could just walk in and dream up a dozen or so
things to do to get a decent smoke session out of ourselves, but the last month
has had us in so many different places and with gyms that don’t have the
equipment we’ve come to expect (talking about you Fort Meade, where are all the
medicine balls?) and we’re running into the gym rat version of writer’s block.
Our workouts are becoming mediocre and boring. Oh, there’s some sweating and
some grunting going on, but if we really want to pursue our physical goals
seriously, it’s time to come up with a plan.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s time to get serious. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, we’ve come up with a menu of options for inflicting pain
and suffering on our bodies in pursuit of physical progress (or prowess;
depends on how I feel when I wake up). Each day has a specific focus, with
different options that we put together for each focus. For example, choose Weight Training
for Tuesday and then pick the Dumbbell Destruction plan from the list; get
ripped. Should be simple enough and yet satisfy the Choose Your Own Adventure
Book desire embedded in both of us from growing up in the late ‘80s and early
‘90s.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mondays (Endurance Cardio): <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Trail Runs (Fort Meade and Maryland are covered with short
and medium trails for running)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lap Swim<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spinning (The apartment complex has two awesome spin bikes
with selectable workout videos)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesdays (Strength):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CrossFit<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Weight Training<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yoga (as a recovery or second workout option)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesdays (Speed Cardio):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Track Intervals<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Swim Intervals<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Spin Intervals<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, um, basically it’s an interval kind of day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday (Strength):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
CrossFit<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Weight Training<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yoga<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday has the same focus as Tuesday but a different
workout.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So, whatever we do on Tuesday,
we can’t do on Thursday.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday (Makeup Day):<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fill in the blank with whatever you feel you need.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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Each day was chosen and built around our plan to build a fantastic fitness foundation (alliteration!) while in Maryland. The intervals help build
the speed that we both struggle with in cycling and running. The CrossFit helps
Char learn how to jump onto something taller than a toaster oven. The swimming
satisfies my innate desire to become the world’s hairiest triathlete. All of
this while avoiding the distraction of actual races and organized events and
building the foundation in the three core areas of fitness that I often use to
judge my health: strength, endurance, and flexibility.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Weekends are adventure days where we choose something fun
and exciting. This is a huge change for us. Before now, the weekends were
filled with long cycling or running sessions, but we don’t have our bikes here
in Maryland and chose not to commit to any specific long distance events in the
near future. We can finally use the weekends to explore the local sights,
history, culture, and even make up some crazy adventures to combine our fitness
with what’s available. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Stay tuned for the National Mall Scavenger Hunt
Adventure that we’re currently working on.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-6163357916442050482014-10-06T15:20:00.000-06:002014-10-06T15:35:21.134-06:00Bicycle Detox/Withdrawal Day 22<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Yesterday I caved in and went to a <a href="http://www.twenty20cycling.com/" target="_blank">bike store</a>. I couldn’t
help myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Char and I were already
shopping in the area and saw the signs pointing to the store. They looked so
innocent at first, colorful and inviting. Before I knew it I was knee deep in
embrocation and chamois butter shelves, surrounded by the smell of rubber tires
and the feel of moisture wicking spandex. The friendly proprietor invited us to
their weekly rides and their upcoming indoor trainer sessions for the winter
months.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CynFdiyTFuk/VDMGF-nAVEI/AAAAAAAAA9o/RY2F-Erv89U/s1600/IMG_2508%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CynFdiyTFuk/VDMGF-nAVEI/AAAAAAAAA9o/RY2F-Erv89U/s1600/IMG_2508%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" height="320" width="132" /></a>I cried inside a little thinking of my bike, disassembled
and packed into a wooden crate somewhere across the Atlantic Ocean.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And the withdrawal symptoms are starting to surface. This is
what I get for becoming addicted/obsessed/hooked on cycling while trying to
become a well-rounded athlete.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But alas, it will be another 4 months before I can unwrap my
carbon fiber steed and unleash the monster upon the romantic countryside. There
was only so much stuff I was allowed to pack into the Jeep for the trip to
Maryland, and that was limited to what I absolutely had to have for the school
here, what Char and I needed to survive, and what the pets needed to be taken
care of. Everything else was shipped ahead of us to Italy, where it will
hopefully be waiting in one piece once we arrive.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Until then, I will have to make the most of the spin bikes
in the neighborhood gym room. Also, I suppose this is the time to focus on
other areas of my fitness health, to build a foundation of strength, endurance
and flexibility without the distraction of trying to get in enough miles to
feel accomplished. There are plenty of beautiful woods around the area and must
be a few trails to explore.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So, expect the next few months to be full of other fitness
related topics, whining about not being able to bike, and anything else loosely
related to my pursuit of terrific triathlon training. Though, Char and I might be making some special trips back to the Twenty 20 bike store to satisfy my itch, just a little bit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-40898341229649041622014-09-24T06:07:00.001-06:002014-09-24T06:07:27.178-06:00So Long, and Thanks for the Memories...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Goodbye Oklahoma. It's been interesting.<br />
<br />
Lots of studying, lots of cycling, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, some falling down, a few allegedly violent encounters with indigenous wildlife. Thankfully, no sharks or bears, and only a couple skunks to contend with.<br />
<br />
Armadillos are hilarious. I still don't swim very well.<br />
<br />
Now it's off to new adventures and new lands.<br />
<br />
So long, and thanks for the memories.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dAxGHCcqqyk/VCKzKoTeqMI/AAAAAAAAA9E/GWzVI3Tbxl4/s1600/photo%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dAxGHCcqqyk/VCKzKoTeqMI/AAAAAAAAA9E/GWzVI3Tbxl4/s1600/photo%2B3.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-81055415412349060642014-09-14T18:14:00.001-06:002014-09-14T18:16:19.979-06:00A (Biased) Review of the Denver B-Cycle Bike Share Program<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
I need a basket for my bike.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Char and I have been chatting up bike shares and bike
advocacy for years and finally got the chance to put our money (and lives)
where our big mouths were.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With her cousin’s wedding in Denver over Labor Day weekend
we contrived a scheme that would allow us to: try out the bike share program,
get some saddle time in over the long weekend, scare the living snot out of her
parents, experience Denver biking at its finest, and arrive late to the wedding
in true hipster style.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the end, we were both successful and survived all of the
above.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Denver B-Cycle bike share <a href="https://denver.bcycle.com/WhatisDenverBcycle.aspx" target="_blank">program</a> is fairly straightforward
and mirrors most other bike share programs. Stations are located across the
city, with many clustered in high usage areas. Kiosks can take a membership
card or credit card to check out a bike if you are a first time user or already
possess a membership account. For a one-time use it’s $8 for a 24-hour period.
The first half hour of every ride is free with a $1 charge for the next half
hour, and $4 for every half hour after that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plan Number 1: Grab some bikes from the B-Cycle station just
across from our hotel and take one of the streets with dedicated bike lanes the
three and a half miles to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. Leave at 5pm
and it would put us at the wedding a half hour early with plenty of time to
spare. But the B-Cycle NOW mobile app showed that station was out of bikes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plan Number 2: We headed over two blocks to another station
along our route to pull two bikes from that station, head down another street,
hopefully with enough bike lanes to protect us from the heavy afternoon traffic
leaving the Taste of Colorado festival downtown. We managed to pull one bike
from the station before the kiosk froze and we spent almost 15 minutes trying
to get someone on the customer service line to help us. The exasperated and
helpless voice on the other end of the line tried to explain how the kiosks
were all wirelessly connected to the cell towers and there was nothing he could
do to fix any particular station if it wasn’t connecting on its own.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Plan Number 3: We hightailed it three blocks down the street
to another B-Cycle station, this one hidden behind metal barricades inside the
Taste of Colorado festival. Thankfully, Char and I each now had a shiny red
behemoth in hand, it was only half past five, and we were on our way.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, it was too late to circle back around to the
beautifully painted and protected bike lanes, so we hightailed it up the hill
and turned onto 17<sup>th</sup> street. No bike lanes, heavy traffic and we’re
decked out in our best hipster/wedding finery. For the most part the cars gave
us enough space to avoid riding in the gutter, though at times the traffic flow
was a little quicker than I would have liked. However, the drivers reacted to
our hand signals, let us merge or switch lanes as necessary, and those alone were
new experiences for me. There weren’t very many strange looks from passersby,
something that I’m quite used to when riding a bike unless I’m in the middle of
an organized race/ride or in a bicycle hub like Durango.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mostly, we just cruised along as fast as
possible, worried that we’d be late to the wedding, and had almost no problems
along the route. The B-Cycle station at the Museum was easy to find and there
was plenty of room to turn our bikes in. We arrived just in time to find our
seats, a little out of breath and a-glow with a layer of perspiration. Not too
disheveled, but definitely rocking a semi-hipster look for the wedding.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A quick review of the bikes is in order. They were very
heavy, but not nearly as heavy as I had read about in other reviews of other
cities’ programs. Pedaling up hill was no problem and the two lowest gears (out
of three total) were more than enough to get moving and to conquer most decent grades.
The highest gear was enough to cruise along comfortably, but once we got moving
into heavier traffic I was spinning as fast as I could and praying for another
couple rings to slide into. The handlebars were pretty wide and each start felt
wobbly until the momentum steadied everything out. I regretted not bringing any
straps to blouse my pants and worried they would get caught in something, but
managed to keep everything unstuck the entire ride. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LeFEfL3atlM/VBYsT_WYjGI/AAAAAAAAA8c/fvMvTQaQdjs/s1600/IMG_1895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LeFEfL3atlM/VBYsT_WYjGI/AAAAAAAAA8c/fvMvTQaQdjs/s1600/IMG_1895.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Even the Squatch approves!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But most important of all was the basket! Just the right
size to throw my jacket in for later with room left over for a briefcase, bag
of groceries and a six-pack if needed. Never before had the lack of a bike
basket in my own life ever been more apparent, nor the need to immediately find
a way to have one installed on my commuter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The ride home was fairly quiet. After we dried off the seats from the late evening rain we pedaled away to applause from other departing wedding revelers. The streets were mostly empty and we were free to comfortably spin along. There’s just not much traffic
at 11pm on a Sunday night, even in downtown Denver. We started with our jackets
on but soon warmed up enough to remove them and, you guessed it, toss them into
the waiting basket! I must have one of my very own!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The station by the hotel had empty slots and we cruised the
last few blocks along a protected bike lane, masters of our own little bike-sized
road. Along the way to and from the museum there were plenty of other bikes of
all shapes and sizes, with a similar variety of riders, heading in every direction.
Along some streets we saw blatant dangerous and unlawful behavior from some
cyclists (salmoning against traffic, ignoring street signs and lights, no
helmets, etc.) but for the most part they seemed to blend right into the flow
of pedestrian and vehicular traffic. The signs of both locals and tourists
using the bike share were everywhere, and we passed many riders heading in
opposite directions on similar bright red machines, waving and laughing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While the delay and frustration in dealing with the broken
kiosk was extremely annoying, in the end it didn’t take much time to find
another working station and retrieve a bike. We were also charged a second $8
fee during the kiosk confusion (and offered a refund by the confused and
harried customer service rep) and a single $1 charge while we were dragging one
bike around while looking for one for Char to ride. Unless you’re already
running late, careful planning and preparation would seem enough mitigation
against most unforeseen issues. However, I must caveat that we only rented
bikes one day, on a Sunday afternoon/evening, and rode them twice, to and from
one destination. There’s plenty of room to delve more deeply into the world of
bike commuting in Denver, but for a single holiday weekend the Denver B-Cycle
bike share program made for quite an adventure for two amateur cyclist
out-of-towners.<o:p></o:p></div>
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And now I must go shopping for a basket for my own bike
(and, of course, one for Charla).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c836fL3AtT0/VBYsVLRw1BI/AAAAAAAAA8o/hg8FnVc1SFo/s1600/IMG_1902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c836fL3AtT0/VBYsVLRw1BI/AAAAAAAAA8o/hg8FnVc1SFo/s1600/IMG_1902.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making Denver B-Cycle look good!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxUsaEwN5Ys/VBYsUxauhnI/AAAAAAAAA8k/4ONdglugVw0/s1600/IMG_2451.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxUsaEwN5Ys/VBYsUxauhnI/AAAAAAAAA8k/4ONdglugVw0/s1600/IMG_2451.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is serious business.</td></tr>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-26066347669357291582014-09-13T11:52:00.000-06:002014-09-13T11:52:14.074-06:00No Rest for the Weary (or Wicked)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the first time in over 6 months I have no future!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sounds depressing, but it’s actually quite a relief.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me explain. I always have a project to work towards;
some bike ride, a road race, a specific PT test, triathlon, marathon, you name
it. It shapes all my workouts, meal plans, and stress levels for the months
leading up to it. I eat, sleep, and train for it. After I survived the Body vs.
Earth sprint <a href="http://onlineraceresults.com/event/view_event.php?event_id=14196" target="_blank">triathlon</a> last week I had nothing else planned to follow
it. For the first time in months, I’m free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And it feels great!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My body was ready to quit at the end. The last week saw my
final CCC APFT (a final physical fitness assessment as part of the Army course
I’m in Oklahoma to take), a double workout the next day that included Cross-Fit
torture and an intense soccer game, a hard 5km run on Friday, and the cold and
rainy triathlon on Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was
less than two weeks since the Hotter ‘n Hell 100 mile bike ride that I had also
been building up to all summer. Once it was all said and done I fell into a
deep coma on both Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning. It also didn’t help
that I had finally completed all the academic requirements for both my Army
school and grad course of the last half a year.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sports trainers and coaches tell you all the time to get
enough rest. But sometimes it’s hard for those of us that need something to
work towards to keep us motivated. There are just so many exciting things to do
that keep me going that I always have to have something on my calendar. And
that keeps me from ever truly taking the time off to recover and reset my whole
system.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">I also have my annual personal requirement: 1 marathon + 1 triathlon + 1 standard century ride. I checked off the marathon twice at the beginning of the year, and then the last two over the last few weeks. So I also don't feel the personal obligation to myself for the rest of the year.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, here goes my first break in a long time with nothing on
the horizon that will drive my training (also might be without my road bike for
four months while traveling, so that won’t help much). Will I be able to keep
motivated, will I get fat and lazy? Or will I have the time to fine tune my
overall health, build a solid foundation of strength and cardio during the
wintertime, and posture myself for more adventures in the spring and summer of
next year?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No clue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guess we’ll
just have to see.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ2dxB1_gqs/VBSDN-rCAHI/AAAAAAAAA8M/7cewYsQTXDI/s1600/SCAN0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BQ2dxB1_gqs/VBSDN-rCAHI/AAAAAAAAA8M/7cewYsQTXDI/s1600/SCAN0005.JPG" height="206" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yup, time to take a break.</td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-49457833777535438832014-09-06T17:30:00.000-06:002014-09-06T17:30:43.923-06:00Body vs Earth Sprint Triathlon, Earth Wins.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It should have been called the Swim with Bare Feet, Swim with Two Wheels, Swim with Shoes.<br />
<br />
We woke up to pouring rain, we swam in it, biked in it, ran in it, and cheered everyone else on in it.<br />
<br />
Char and I arrived early, in the pouring rain and pitch black sky, to prep. I was cold and soaked before it was even time to don my first ever swim cap (it came in the race packet) and head down to the beach for the mass start. My teeth were chattering, either from the cold or nerves, or both. Thankfully, Char had to work early, so she was there as my coach and support team.<br />
<br />
For my first open water swim, this one was a doozy. The first 50 meters or so were fine. A little bumping, a little frothy, watching the kelp wave along under the water. As soon as we got into the deep stuff, the 30 mile an hour gusts kicked up the chop and it was all I could do to keep my head above water. I could feel tiny water gremlins pulling at my legs and singing songs that in ages past lulled unsuspecting sailors to their deaths. I might have finished with three or four folks behind me. But I didn't ever have to ask for help from the lifeguards in the kayaks and I will count this one as a success.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGV3zq1BrpM/VAuW7ax5GBI/AAAAAAAAA7w/LqF-EoHr0TU/s1600/SCAN0001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GGV3zq1BrpM/VAuW7ax5GBI/AAAAAAAAA7w/LqF-EoHr0TU/s1600/SCAN0001.JPG" height="320" width="190" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stuff of my nightmares.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were, thankfully, no sharks. That I could see, anyways.<br />
<br />
The bike started out well. The roads were slick as ice, but the tailwind was incredible on the way out. Which means, well, you know, the way back was not so nice. After I just managed to not kill myself on any tight turns, bumpy low-water crossings, and puddle covered potholes, it was time to fight for my life against an arctic wind replete with tiny gremlin snipers hiding in the trees firing ice bullets at my lips. Seriously, it hurt, a lot!<br />
<br />
I managed to fly past just about everyone that came into view, including a large number of people on fancy road bikes with aero bars. Just because your bike and kit make you look fast, doesn't mean you are fast. There's always some homely, hairy 'squatch like me ready to fly past you like you're standing still. Just not in the water.<br />
<br />
My second transition was as smooth as the first, with Charla's amazing support and coaching, and I was off into the run portion. <br />
<br />
About a quarter mile down the road the course turned up into a rolling grassy knoll. Over the top and the course became a nightmare of rocks, slick and sucking mud, grass covering mud and rocks, and more tiny gremlins with little sticks trying to poke you off balance. Seriously, what's with the gremlins everywhere?<br />
<br />
The course was definitely not a fast one, it was straight verticals up the sides of rocky, muddy slopes, then back down the other side before climbing again. I passed more people than I can count again, each one cursing my name under their breath. Maybe they brought forth the gremlins, I don't know.<br />
<br />
At one of the 10,000 hilltops the course summited, each about the height of Base Camp One on Mt. Everest, there was a water point. The kind gentlemen in the soaked t-shirt asked me politely if I would like some water as he held out a styrofoam cup. I looked up and down and all around. I was the meat in a water sandwich and had been for almost 90 minutes. I declined.<br />
<br />
When the trail finally tumbled back out on the road for the final sprint to the finish line, I was alone and cruised into the finish line one hour and forty-seven minutes after it had all started. I didn't even feel tired right then but about four hours later would collapse into a coma on my warm, soft couch with a cat sleeping on my chest and a dog huffing into my arm.<br />
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My first open water, trail run, windy, freezing, soaked, sprint triathlon? Done.<br />
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-79560719872429863212014-09-04T18:26:00.002-06:002014-09-04T18:26:54.210-06:00Do Sasquatch Float?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
(and what's the plural of Sasquatch anyways?)<br />
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My constant struggle to survive being fully immersed in a body of water that's trying to kill me is legendary, and I always find myself coming back to the same story origin.<br />
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A few years back I decided to teach myself to swim. Well, at least to drown with a little more dignity while crossing a small body of water no more than 50 meters across. (50 yards for you that are still stuck in the stone age and eat bugs off each other)<br />
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Then, two years ago, I signed up for my <a href="http://pensiveperspiration.blogspot.com/2013/01/lessons-learned.html" target="_blank">first triathlon</a>, spent all summer training, and finished second to last in the swim portion. <br />
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In the year that followed, I spent countless hours in the pool, to the sincere resentment of those that have to fish out all the animal hair, refining my technique and desperately trying not to actually kill myself.<br />
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Using an annual sprint triathlon as a measuring tool, I managed to finish in the middle of the slow pack <a href="http://pensiveperspiration.blogspot.com/2013/10/one-tough-weekend-chapter-one.html" target="_blank">last year</a>. Then something terrible happened. I moved to Oklahoma for a professional course, started working on a graduate program in addition to the daily class load, and forgot completely about trying to swim. For the last six months my furry paws have not touched the inside of a pool.<br />
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With my annual self-imposed sprint triathlon coming up this weekend I was in a panic to know if I would even survive. It doesn't help that it's my first open water swim. Are there sharks in Oklahoma?<br />
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To the rescue--the four day weekend trip to the wife's cousin's wedding in Denver. <br />
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We splurged, booked a room in the Hyatt Regency in downtown, and made full use of the saltwater lap pool in the fitness lounge. So awesome!<br />
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The first dip in the pool, other than the initial, excruciating shock of cold water, was devoid of the panic and sense of certain doom that used to accompany a dip in the pool after extended absence. I slowly did my full workout, roughly 600 meters (~600 yards, neanderthals!), with plenty of stopping to check my pulse and make sure I didn't need CPR.<br />
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The second dip, I took off with my stopwatch running. 10 minutes and 57 seconds later, head throbbing, lungs burning, I finished a cool 500 meters. (~500 yards, picking up what I'm putting down, yet?) Faster than I used to swim the 400 meter. (~400 yards, cretans!) And I was swimming over a mile above sea level after 6 months down on the plains.<br />
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I suppose I should thank the school house instructors that have been dragging us out for a weekly "this is not Cross Fit" Cross Fit session they dub the Filthy Fifty. And I should also thank the sadistic classmates that thought the <a href="http://mountainathlete.com/subpage_details.php?subpage_ID=110" target="_blank">Mountain Athlete</a> program, and the requisite million leg blasters that go with it, would be a "nice little break from the routine." Apparently, along with my own tortuous cycling program, my full body strength and cardio are making up for a lack of water time and I'm feeling pretty confident about the <a href="http://www.sillmwr.com/2014/body-vs-earth-triathlon/" target="_blank">Body vs. Earth Triathlon</a> this weekend.<br />
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So, to answer the question, do Sasquatch float? No, definitely not. But, when there are sharks in the water, don't get in our way!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're gonna need a bigger boat!</td></tr>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1714900660121233623.post-49665946639874932912014-08-24T16:39:00.000-06:002014-08-24T16:39:01.603-06:00Well, that was... wait for it... Hotter 'n Hell!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We spent the first evening at the HH100 Expo. I've never seen so many bike vendors in one place before. Lots of neat stuff, some of it really cheap, and it was just exciting to be surrounded by so much cycling culture.<br />
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Outside we found some dinner, Carribean chicken with veggies and rice, and sat down to watch the criterium race zoom past. Those men and women are fast! We were sitting a few meters from a really sharp 90 degree turn and so there were lots of crashes too! I needed some more food so we got some home cooked potato chips with a kimchi/bacon/mayo sauce from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGypsyKit" target="_blank">Gypsy Kit</a>. Awesome!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPT1Zj75krw/U_pPBaKSDDI/AAAAAAAAA6I/Dsj_1ycdjV0/s1600/IMG_2340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qPT1Zj75krw/U_pPBaKSDDI/AAAAAAAAA6I/Dsj_1ycdjV0/s1600/IMG_2340.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, I'm feeding my face while the crit racers are riding in 100+ degree heat.</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEIxDQnM3-0/U_pO9duwNDI/AAAAAAAAA5o/_Bh1yVyliRc/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eEIxDQnM3-0/U_pO9duwNDI/AAAAAAAAA5o/_Bh1yVyliRc/s1600/IMG_1766.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a>The next morning we were up at 4am and on the road for the hour long drive to Wichita Falls. For the first time all summer I made it to the start line with plenty of time to spare. There were thousands of riders and I tried to place myself near the back of my start gate. That should have put me with riders that expected to finish in about 6 hours.<br />
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A local high school choir sang the National Anthem, a gun went off and there was a flyover by some small stunt planes. It was another couple minutes before I made it to the start line and then things got interesting.<br />
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You never know what's going to happen with such a motley collection of riders, some with plenty of experience and some that look like they just bought their bike and kit from the expo the night before.<br />
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Here it goes:<br />
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Mile 5 - Someone crashed, again. A few riders bumped together deep inside a group, and one lady started ping-ponging around before going down hard, with two or three riders behind her also eating pavement. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2gpoZItaGE/U_pO-0b_n6I/AAAAAAAAA50/axB5uwMXqGU/s1600/IMG_1768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2gpoZItaGE/U_pO-0b_n6I/AAAAAAAAA50/axB5uwMXqGU/s1600/IMG_1768.jpg" height="320" width="162" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smartest thing I've ever done, each <br />water point listed on my top tube.</td></tr>
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In the first few miles I saw more flats and wrecks than in my entire last year of riding. I didn't know what was going on but it seemed like everyone was crashing or flatting out everywhere I looked. Lots of dropped water bottles for everyone to dodge or run over didn't help.<br />
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Mile 10 - There's a big turn to the left, across the railroad tracks. Just before I got there I could hear bells ringing and saw a police officer waving his arms to stop riders but I was already too far into the tracks. I looked up and saw the arm dropping and I ducked my head just in time to slide under. I'm pretty sure someone behind me hit the arm. Someone next to me breathed a sigh of relief, loudly, and started talking about how long the trains are down here and how lucky we were to have made it through.<br />
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Mile 15-ish - Someone just crashed right in front of me. There was a group of riders that decided it was a good place to answer the call of nature and had stopped off to the side. So a bunch of riders decided to join them, throwing everybody behind them into panic. And of course, a couple went down.<br />
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Mile 17 - I saw a wicked three-person tandem bike. Dad in front, mom is second, with a little girl in third spinning away. <br />
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Mile 20 - First water break! I hit the latrine, then grabbed a cupful of watermelon and pineapple. A shot of pickle juice? Why not?<br />
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Somewhere in the next ten miles the course turns out of the wind and I started flying along, relaxed, just cruising at about 20 mph. I kept trying to remember my promise to Char, not to break myself and to enjoy the ride so I held a little back but still kept passing people left and right. I started to realize that I should have started much closer to the front of the pack to avoid some of the riders in front of me.<br />
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Mile 40 - Another stop. I didn't have to pee again, which worried me. Some wonderfully nice lady held my bike while I snagged some watermelon and a handful of baked goods. Someone was teaching line dancing on a stage next to the water point and I found the whole thing hilarious.<br />
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Mile 50 - My heart rate monitor read my pulse as 30 bpm. I'm pretty sure that either it was broken or that I was having a heart attack. <br />
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Mile 58 - Riding through the town of Burk Burnett was like being in a real race. People were lining the streets cheering and I was flying along feeling quite full of myself. Unfortunately, just outside of town, the course finally turned back into the wind and the pain really began.<br />
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Mile 60 - Gut check. There's a shortcut towards the finish (75 miles total) or a turn left to Hell's Gate and the full 100 miles. I was feeling horrible and stopped to stock up on anything I thought I could get into my stomach without throwing up. Then I turned left.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">False motivation all over my face.</td></tr>
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Mile 69 - Hell's Gate. I was really starting to feel awful but the occasional tailwind (or at least lack of headwind) was helping me along. More pickle juice shots, some oranges, and a pee break. Definitely not hydrated but I was drinking non-stop and emptying my bottles quickly.<br />
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Mile 78 and 79 - Back into the wind with a vengeance. Horrible. Everything hurt and I could barely keep moving. I was passing other riders, but it hurt to keep my cadence up.<br />
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Mile 84 - Last water point for me. I could hardly walk, and the scorching sun was blazing hot. I forced some orange slices into my mouth, finished an entire bottle of water and grabbed a cup of some green gatorade with ice. Unfortunately, some jerk replaced the gatorade with pickle juice and I forced it down with a horrible twisted look on my face. It tasted terrible but probably saved my life. I followed it up with a cup of Fritos that was surprisingly awesome.<br />
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With no respite from the headwind, I picked up another rider and we managed to take turns pulling each other through the scorching blast of hot air for about ten miles. Misery mounted in both my legs and seat. SAG wagons and pickup trucks were passing me with riders sitting in the back. I told myself that I wasn't going to be one of them.<br />
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Mile 96 - My riding partner (I never got his name, we were both too out of breath to talk) pulled off at the last water point before the finish and I decided that I needed to keep going. Acid was pumping through my veins and my head was a little iffy, but it was such a short hop to the finish that I had to chance it.<br />
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Mile 98.5 - Heading down into town, the wind was starting to be blocked by buildings and trees offered some shade when I heard the telltale <i>wump wump wump</i> of a flat tire. I had just put a new tire on my back wheel earlier in the week but this time it was my front tire. There was still some pressure and I couldn't hear the leak so I hit it with a CO2 cartridge and took off to try and make the finish line before it deflated again.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c47Yv4EPM2I/U_pSW5jRmsI/AAAAAAAAA6g/LlbLoLqrI9Y/s1600/IMG_2359%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c47Yv4EPM2I/U_pSW5jRmsI/AAAAAAAAA6g/LlbLoLqrI9Y/s1600/IMG_2359%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.JPG" height="183" width="320" /></a>Mile 102 - After curving through town I finally reached the finish line. I had hoped to finish with a grin and super victory pose, arms raised high in exultation of a wonderful ride, but there was a group of riders from the 100km in my way, the chip timing mats made me nervous, and I just wanted to find Char in the crowd. I coasted across the line, barely unclipped before almost falling over and was done. Physically and mentally done.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Smiling before I collapse on the ground in a sweaty, crying heap.</td></tr>
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I'm not sure if I've ever felt so bad after a ride. I have had long rides, hard rides, and hard long rides. But today, the heat and wind together was enough to completely zap me of any remaining sense of humanity. Char could barely keep me moving and force a little food in me. I couldn't drink enough, and some Gypsy Kit chips (with no sauce this time) are the only thing I could stomach without wanting to heave. (3,907 calories burned and no appetite, go figure)<br />
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My <a href="http://www.strava.com/activities/184325367/overview" target="_blank">final</a> time was just over six and a half hours with a moving time of 5 hours and 44 minutes. Not my fastest 100 miles ever, but I'll take it.<br />
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It was, after all, <a href="http://www.hh100.org/" target="_blank">Hotter 'n Hell</a> out there!</div>
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Pensive Perspirationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05662445429714044283noreply@blogger.com0