This might just kill me! I just got through running 3 miles! The hardest 3 miles of my life! I used to run, twenty years ago!
Really, it's been twenty years. Every bit of it!
Why was I running? Because the director of the unit at the hospital where Karen works talked me into doing a triathlon. I have all summer to prepare for it and I will need every bit of the summer to prepare!
September 9th is the day! That gives me a little over 4 months to get ready. I need it!
This one has a 500 yard swim, 12 mile bike ride and 5k run! I got the biking down pat no problem, the swim and the running are a different story.
What the hell am I thinking........
If running for the first time hurt this bad, what will the first swim feel like ???????
Monday, April 9, 2012
Ya Never Know ........
OK first off, Chase had a buddy over the other night. Nice little kid by the name of Aaron, along with Aaron came a gas mask! Yes a "gas mask"! He had found it at his grandpa's or something. Give two 12 year olds a gas mask and a couple of toy guns. They are set for all the fun they could stand!
They played all night and day! They only stopped for food and sleep. The rest of the time they had a ball. Yes that's my kid with the mask on! I even tried to put it on, my head must be to big, they had no trouble putting it on. It felt like I was gonna pull my hair out!
So anyhow Saturday AM I got out and rode 35 on the road bike and then came home and loaded up the wife. We went down to Cheraw SC to the State Park and did a hike on the mtn bike trails! She has never been there before and I love going down there so off we went!
When you walk a trail you usually ride you see a whole new side to it. Plus you see things you usually wouldn't! Like the picture below!
The section we found this on is downhill, so I am looking down through here. As we are walking along about 8ft up a tree I see this bra! What the hell?
Out in the middle of the woods you come across a bra hanging in a tree! How the hell did that get there? Made us laugh!
OK, we where still chuckling about the bra when we see another thing hanging on a. When we get closer I realize it's a skull..... A dear skull, out in the middle of nowhere!
Again about 8ft up somebody had hung a dear skull! In the back of the picture you can see a road. I guess somebody hit it and it ended up in the woods. Then someone finds it and puts it in a tree....
Now I am wanting to start walking all my local trails to see what I might find!!!!!!
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| he looks like an aardvark |
So anyhow Saturday AM I got out and rode 35 on the road bike and then came home and loaded up the wife. We went down to Cheraw SC to the State Park and did a hike on the mtn bike trails! She has never been there before and I love going down there so off we went!
When you walk a trail you usually ride you see a whole new side to it. Plus you see things you usually wouldn't! Like the picture below!
Out in the middle of the woods you come across a bra hanging in a tree! How the hell did that get there? Made us laugh!
OK, we where still chuckling about the bra when we see another thing hanging on a. When we get closer I realize it's a skull..... A dear skull, out in the middle of nowhere!
Now I am wanting to start walking all my local trails to see what I might find!!!!!!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Looking Good.............
Yep, thinks are looking good! It looks like I am gonna take my first short tour. Not this weekend but next! I believe the stars are all gonna line up and I am gonna head south.
I have had this route in my mind for awhile now. I plan to pedal out of the driveway take my time and head toward McBee, SC. Sugar Loaf MTN State Park. It sits between McBee and Cheraw SC.
From the house I think it's about 75 miles. My plan is to get up Saturday AM and just take my time getting there. Spend the night and take my time coming home. Kinda of a test, I want to see how my limited equipment selection works out and what I want to change.
Like I said the other day my list is a short list of what other people have taken and used. Some people take a lot more some take a lot less. I want to use my stove and see how that works out. It better work pretty good because where I am going there aren't any restaurants around!
I just want to see how it feels to travel with so much stuff on the bike. After riding such light weight stuff for so long and basing my purchases on weight it feels weird to pile so much stuff on a bike and plan to pedal it.
Right now if you try to pickup the bike with all the stuff on it, the thing ways a ton! It's still easy to pedal just because of the low gearing, you just have to get it in your mind that you are not in a hurry. Taking your time is a new mindset, I am still adjusting to it.
I do know the tent I have is a little big and heavier than what most people would use but it will work for the first few trips. I still need front bags for longer trips but I am at the starting line!
Yes I will be pedaling this weekend. Sunday will be with the family but Saturday I plan to take a nice ride. Still hooked on the road bike right now, the mtn bike is in the corner. I will get back to it sooner or later..
I have had this route in my mind for awhile now. I plan to pedal out of the driveway take my time and head toward McBee, SC. Sugar Loaf MTN State Park. It sits between McBee and Cheraw SC.
From the house I think it's about 75 miles. My plan is to get up Saturday AM and just take my time getting there. Spend the night and take my time coming home. Kinda of a test, I want to see how my limited equipment selection works out and what I want to change.
Like I said the other day my list is a short list of what other people have taken and used. Some people take a lot more some take a lot less. I want to use my stove and see how that works out. It better work pretty good because where I am going there aren't any restaurants around!
I just want to see how it feels to travel with so much stuff on the bike. After riding such light weight stuff for so long and basing my purchases on weight it feels weird to pile so much stuff on a bike and plan to pedal it.
Right now if you try to pickup the bike with all the stuff on it, the thing ways a ton! It's still easy to pedal just because of the low gearing, you just have to get it in your mind that you are not in a hurry. Taking your time is a new mindset, I am still adjusting to it.
So today will be a trip to the bike shop for one or two items, then I need to hit Dick's Sporting Goods and I will have just about everything I feel I need.
Yes I will be pedaling this weekend. Sunday will be with the family but Saturday I plan to take a nice ride. Still hooked on the road bike right now, the mtn bike is in the corner. I will get back to it sooner or later..
Thursday, April 5, 2012
What A Night !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I looked at the watch, it was 5:18. Good I have a couple of hours. Down the driveway I went, do I want to go right or left? The driveway is 800ft, I had a few minutes to think about it. It's gravel so I don't go that fast.
At the end I turned left, now what? After a little thought I decided to just do my 32 mile loop backwards, usually I end up coming through Monroe, this time I started by "going" through Monroe. South I went!
Past the "American Ark Horse Farm" on Medlin Rd. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Why-Not-an-American-Ark-Equsterian-Park-Two-by-Two-pony-and-petting-zoo/85884199718
It's really a neat place, I always like going by there. They have all kinda horse related things, arena's cross-country courses, show rings. If it's horse related it's there. Being from Kentucky I can appreciate the place!
Then after a few miles I cut over to mountain view off 601 south and then back towards Monroe. Looking at my mileage I was only 15 miles into the ride. I was feeling good and enjoying the perfect temps so it seemed way to early to head that way. Change of plans, lets turn right!
Marshville here I come, so after a short period of time I was in Marshville. I stop at the store, I look at my mileage and it says 21 so I figure "what the heck, lets do 40 tonight".
During the week I usually try to do around 20-25 miles just so I am not gone all evening. Last night was just to sweet. I went out of town and headed the long way around to the house. I went out to 5-points and then hung another right away from the house.
Down McIntyre and across lawyers all the way to New Salem Rd. Finally I turned left and headed home. One more left on Hwy200 and past the road I live on, I had 40 and knew I could add 3 more miles just by going around the block.
The bottom of the hill came and I made a right, time to take the helmet off and cool down. Up the hill and down the road taking my time in my smallest gear, two more rights and I was coming down the driveway.
Ride over, clock said it was 7:48. The light was fading and I knew it was around 7:30. Two and a half hours, 44 miles and 17.5 average speed! That was a good ride!
My first thought was I need to turn around and go the long way to the store. I should have gone for 50! Yes it would have been dark by the time I got home and no I didn't have my lights. But from the store down the back road to the house I might have seen 1 car.
Oh well you only get so many nights like last night. The weather was perfect, wind was minimal and I just had that rhythm. Can't wait for the next ride!!!!!!
At the end I turned left, now what? After a little thought I decided to just do my 32 mile loop backwards, usually I end up coming through Monroe, this time I started by "going" through Monroe. South I went!
Past the "American Ark Horse Farm" on Medlin Rd. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Why-Not-an-American-Ark-Equsterian-Park-Two-by-Two-pony-and-petting-zoo/85884199718
It's really a neat place, I always like going by there. They have all kinda horse related things, arena's cross-country courses, show rings. If it's horse related it's there. Being from Kentucky I can appreciate the place!
Then after a few miles I cut over to mountain view off 601 south and then back towards Monroe. Looking at my mileage I was only 15 miles into the ride. I was feeling good and enjoying the perfect temps so it seemed way to early to head that way. Change of plans, lets turn right!
Marshville here I come, so after a short period of time I was in Marshville. I stop at the store, I look at my mileage and it says 21 so I figure "what the heck, lets do 40 tonight".
During the week I usually try to do around 20-25 miles just so I am not gone all evening. Last night was just to sweet. I went out of town and headed the long way around to the house. I went out to 5-points and then hung another right away from the house.
Down McIntyre and across lawyers all the way to New Salem Rd. Finally I turned left and headed home. One more left on Hwy200 and past the road I live on, I had 40 and knew I could add 3 more miles just by going around the block.
The bottom of the hill came and I made a right, time to take the helmet off and cool down. Up the hill and down the road taking my time in my smallest gear, two more rights and I was coming down the driveway.
Ride over, clock said it was 7:48. The light was fading and I knew it was around 7:30. Two and a half hours, 44 miles and 17.5 average speed! That was a good ride!
My first thought was I need to turn around and go the long way to the store. I should have gone for 50! Yes it would have been dark by the time I got home and no I didn't have my lights. But from the store down the back road to the house I might have seen 1 car.
Oh well you only get so many nights like last night. The weather was perfect, wind was minimal and I just had that rhythm. Can't wait for the next ride!!!!!!
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Back To The Bike ...............
Yes we are still the National Champions for the 8th time ! I love being able to say that . It's been a long time coming .
But now it's time to get back to the bike , yes I have been riding a lot lately . No reason in particular , other than the fact I love to ride .
I seem to enjoy riding more when I am at this stage than I do when I am racing all the time .
So with that being said I have been slowly getting all my stuff together for a tour . If you read this regularly you have heard me mention this . I think the last time I mentioned anything was back at Christmas when I got a few things for this purpose .
I rode for 4 days straight over the weekend and the end of last week , so for the last 2 days I have taken time off , letting my legs recover . My last ride Sunday I was really dragging by the time I got home so rest was in order .
I have been taking this time to put together most of my stuff and see where I am ?
I loaded the bike with everything but clothes and even took it for a test ride last night ! I had a grin from ear to ear . I know people where looking at me like what the hell, but I was having fun !
I have already come to the conclusion my panniers suck , when I decided I wanted to tour I got on line and ordered the first bags I found . Mistake number one .
They will work for short tours but if I ever find the time for a multi day tour they ain't gonna work ! To small ! As you can see I have a new handlebar bag , Ortlieb the best they make from what I have read . I bought it from a guy used , found him through a touring website !
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/ This site is like the touring mecca for the touring enthusiast ! I still need front bags and a rack for the front , but right now I can at least get short rides in .
What you see here is basically everything but my clothes and food . Yes I still need another water bottle cage and a few odds and ends but I am almost there !
I have the bag on this side of the bike full and still have the other side empty , its for clothes and food .
This side has the following plus the stuff on top : My tent
Sleeping bag (in a dry bag)
Therma-rest (for sleeping on)
In the bag I have the following : Camp stove
Stove fuel
Rags
Zip ties (always need them)
Fork and spoon
Patch kit
Pots and pan (light weight)
Multi tool
Tire levers
Compass (wife felt I needed that)
Small first-aid kit
Air pillow
Where did I come up with this list ? Basically from reading what other people have taken . Trial and error will probably change it up , no doubt about that .
Front bar bag I have the following : Sunscreen
Chap stick
Camera
Sunglasses
I am hoping to get out next weekend , I would be in trouble if I tried to go this weekend ...........
But now it's time to get back to the bike , yes I have been riding a lot lately . No reason in particular , other than the fact I love to ride .
I seem to enjoy riding more when I am at this stage than I do when I am racing all the time .
So with that being said I have been slowly getting all my stuff together for a tour . If you read this regularly you have heard me mention this . I think the last time I mentioned anything was back at Christmas when I got a few things for this purpose .
I rode for 4 days straight over the weekend and the end of last week , so for the last 2 days I have taken time off , letting my legs recover . My last ride Sunday I was really dragging by the time I got home so rest was in order .
I have been taking this time to put together most of my stuff and see where I am ?
I have already come to the conclusion my panniers suck , when I decided I wanted to tour I got on line and ordered the first bags I found . Mistake number one .
They will work for short tours but if I ever find the time for a multi day tour they ain't gonna work ! To small ! As you can see I have a new handlebar bag , Ortlieb the best they make from what I have read . I bought it from a guy used , found him through a touring website !
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/ This site is like the touring mecca for the touring enthusiast ! I still need front bags and a rack for the front , but right now I can at least get short rides in .
What you see here is basically everything but my clothes and food . Yes I still need another water bottle cage and a few odds and ends but I am almost there !
I have the bag on this side of the bike full and still have the other side empty , its for clothes and food .
This side has the following plus the stuff on top : My tent
Sleeping bag (in a dry bag)
Therma-rest (for sleeping on)
In the bag I have the following : Camp stove
Stove fuel
Rags
Zip ties (always need them)
Fork and spoon
Patch kit
Pots and pan (light weight)
Multi tool
Tire levers
Compass (wife felt I needed that)
Small first-aid kit
Air pillow
Where did I come up with this list ? Basically from reading what other people have taken . Trial and error will probably change it up , no doubt about that .
Front bar bag I have the following : Sunscreen
Chap stick
Camera
Sunglasses
I am hoping to get out next weekend , I would be in trouble if I tried to go this weekend ...........
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
YESSSSSSSSS.................
14 LONG YEARS !!!!!!!!!! No bicycles today ! I was so pumped up when the game ended last night I couldn't go to bed till 1am !!
I LOVE Kentucky basketball and last night we finally got number 8 ! Our 8th national title !!! Lookout UCLA ..
I was jumping up and down , my heart was racing 150 beats a minute ! With a minute and half to go and Kansas cut the score to 5 points I was about to have a heart attack !!!!
Then time ticked by and we added a few free-throws , game over 8th title in the bag!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE Kentucky basketball and last night we finally got number 8 ! Our 8th national title !!! Lookout UCLA ..
I was jumping up and down , my heart was racing 150 beats a minute ! With a minute and half to go and Kansas cut the score to 5 points I was about to have a heart attack !!!!
 |
| the confetti came down...... |
 |
| the party was on !!!! |
 |
| the man and his prize !!!!!! |
 |
| then the nets came down.... |
 |
| the new banner!!!!!!! |
Monday, April 2, 2012
Once Again , Monday.........
I guess the highlight of the weekend would have to be the fact that my Kentucky Wildcats are still playing ! We have the National Championship tonight !
Of course my favorite team is the Kentucky Wildcats , and of all teams to end up in the championship with them would be the Kansas Jayhawks !
I grew up in Lexington and spent all my summers in Kansas !
So in a way , win or loss I am still coming out on top ! Go Kentucky !!!!
OK , I did ride my bike a lot ! I rode Saturday for about 40 miles and yesterday I went out for 35 . Between the 2 days my legs are tired !
I spent both days in the hills of Union County , by the time I crossed hwy 218 to come home yesterday I was really considering calling Cody to come get me !
Now that he has his license I have options ! Not good options , just options !
I hung in there and made it home but I was dragging !! I had nothing left , just the will to end the ride . I wanted to be done .
I kept telling myself just get home and take a few days of . You need a recovery day , you deserve it just get up this next hill and you will only have 5 more hills !
Yes I was counting them down !
So that makes today a rest day , a game day , a lazy day....
I do have one picture for you though , how many of these have you ever seen ?
Me ? One time on the road one time in a bike shop ! You gotta love the innovation , how it rides I have no ideal !!!!!!!!!!!!
Of course my favorite team is the Kentucky Wildcats , and of all teams to end up in the championship with them would be the Kansas Jayhawks !
I grew up in Lexington and spent all my summers in Kansas !
So in a way , win or loss I am still coming out on top ! Go Kentucky !!!!
OK , I did ride my bike a lot ! I rode Saturday for about 40 miles and yesterday I went out for 35 . Between the 2 days my legs are tired !
I spent both days in the hills of Union County , by the time I crossed hwy 218 to come home yesterday I was really considering calling Cody to come get me !
Now that he has his license I have options ! Not good options , just options !
I hung in there and made it home but I was dragging !! I had nothing left , just the will to end the ride . I wanted to be done .
I kept telling myself just get home and take a few days of . You need a recovery day , you deserve it just get up this next hill and you will only have 5 more hills !
Yes I was counting them down !
So that makes today a rest day , a game day , a lazy day....
I do have one picture for you though , how many of these have you ever seen ?
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