There are only a couple more days until I have my first race. Although a 6.5 mile loop through single track may not seem like a major feat, I am looking at it as a way for me to test the waters in the worldful world of XC mountain bike racing. My girlfriend seems to be very excited for me also and is being very supportive which is amazing and I sometimes tend to neglect. I've also read a library of books over the last few months about training and nutrition that I feel like I may explode with information. I luckily had a great group of people (Drexel Cycling Team) who helped me figure out what was important and where I would benefit the most being the inexperienced rider/racer that I was. The last time I felt this way was during my first road race. I kept thinking about my warm-up and if I was going too hard, did I hydrate enough, and I also thought about certain training rides I wish I didn't skip out on. I am feeling like that right now and hopefully all of the butterflies will leave once I cross the start line so I can focus on having a good race.
I went to the gym last night and again this morning so that I can go for a road ride this afternoon with a co-worker. This guy is pretty much reaping the benefits of his hardwork from years of working as an RF technician. He is old and little out of shape and he wants to go bike riding with me to get out and enjoy the weather. I told him that today would be the perfect time to go for a ride since I am tapering my training. He has an 07 Orbea Orca. This bike is fully carbon with super aero frame tubing and he decked it out with a Dura Ace/Ultegra drivetrain and controls. He also got carbon fiber accessories such as handlebar, stem, seatpost, fork, and all other goodies. He has it pretty set and I am excited to be riding with him. Many people tend to get intimidated by me when I tell them they can run, ride, or even workout with me. I have no idea why because I am not that hardcore or in amazing shape. Sometimes I just like to be with someone else enjoying some outdoor activity. This certainly not true for everyone but most people I do come across.
In other events, tomorrow will be one of my friend's birthday. Happy Birthday to her as she will go off and spend it in the woods while it rains this weekend. I feel really bad for her as she has quite a tolerance for things like this happening to her. Hopefully she keeps her spirits up as she knows that once we get a chance the party will be wild, the alcohol will overflow, and the memories will last a lifetime.
Just a quick recap of this week's training log:
Monday: (AM) Miranda's Strong Man-APFT Improvement
(PM) Nothing
Tuesday: (AM) Nothing
(PM) Spin Class and Core - Cycling and APFT Improvement
Wenesday: (AM) PT and Core - APFT Improvement
(PM) Miranda's Strong Man - APFT Improvement
Thursday: (AM) Light Core - APFT Improvement
(PM) Planned Easy Road Ride - Cycling Improvement
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
What To Do??
I am not sure why I end up in akward situations but sometimes people just need someone to talk to. Yesterday one of my co-workers invited me to his office and then began a normal conversation asking me about my workload and pretty much making small talk. After a few minutes he then began to tell me how difficult it is for him to focus on his job because he recently finished going through a 2 year settlement for his divorce. Based on his facial expression and body language it was apparent that he was still very much in love with his wife but she was not taking any of it. He then began to tell me all of his attempts to save his marriage but again his wife was not going to let him stop her. Now I completely understand that everyone needs to talk through their problems even if you already know the answer.
I am sure everyone has had their friends come up to them when they have a problem but I feel like it is a little different for someone to ask for my advice concerning a divorce when I haven't been married. Although I do feel his pain because he's been married to this woman for 16 years. It is also unusual because knowing my co-workerhe puts his family before anything and he works hard to provide a good life for them. His experience has shaken me up a little on the inside. How do you know, as a couple, if your signifcant other is really the one? Whats the point in getting married if you will end up getting divorced 16 years down the road. First off its one hell of an expensive mistake. Secondly that time wasted from actually finding someone who would be a better match. Yes I am 21 and thinking about these things because I am not the type of guy who looks to the future and likes to have a plan. There are plenty of people who like to live life day by day and all that good stuff. Everyone is different and I respect that.
Someone else told me a similar story that I related to what happened yesterday and maybe everyone needs to slow things down. Relationships these days are far from traditional and are a part of why people are so confused. My relationship did not start off traditionally and it is far from being one. Most of the people I know are the same way but all of us seem to be doing fine. I guess I am just feeling a little mixed up after yesterday. I would go drinking this weekend but I have a race to get preped for, anyway maybe next weekend.
I am sure everyone has had their friends come up to them when they have a problem but I feel like it is a little different for someone to ask for my advice concerning a divorce when I haven't been married. Although I do feel his pain because he's been married to this woman for 16 years. It is also unusual because knowing my co-workerhe puts his family before anything and he works hard to provide a good life for them. His experience has shaken me up a little on the inside. How do you know, as a couple, if your signifcant other is really the one? Whats the point in getting married if you will end up getting divorced 16 years down the road. First off its one hell of an expensive mistake. Secondly that time wasted from actually finding someone who would be a better match. Yes I am 21 and thinking about these things because I am not the type of guy who looks to the future and likes to have a plan. There are plenty of people who like to live life day by day and all that good stuff. Everyone is different and I respect that.
Someone else told me a similar story that I related to what happened yesterday and maybe everyone needs to slow things down. Relationships these days are far from traditional and are a part of why people are so confused. My relationship did not start off traditionally and it is far from being one. Most of the people I know are the same way but all of us seem to be doing fine. I guess I am just feeling a little mixed up after yesterday. I would go drinking this weekend but I have a race to get preped for, anyway maybe next weekend.
Monday, April 28, 2008
Miranda's Strong Man Competition
Today is Monday and I am in quite a good mood and being very productive. In fact I am so productive that I've decided to slow down the pace at which I am working at to write a little something for all of you. I went to the gym at 4 Dark thirty this morning to do my workout. I decided that I should have a workout that best resembles the World's Stongest Man competitions. So there I was on a four lane indoor track. The lanes are 30m long and are color coated for easy identification. Then I saw the tires which I used last week. I saw a cool looking weight that represented a shot put with a handle. I then figured I would use the pull sled stacked with a whooping 140 lbs. I roll the tire to one end, place the sled next to it, and the shot puts next to the sled. My intentions were to first flip the tire the 30m and back. Soon to be followed by a sled pull for 30m and back. Then it would be a shot put run 30m and back. The final exercise would be a sprint and back with pushups at the end. Most people would be sweating and out of breath after reading all that but for you fitness enthuasits you may have a "woody" for a lack of a better word. After completeing one set I could feel my heart pounding like it want to burst out of my chest but to my disappointment it did not. So I completed two more sets and very angrily walked towards the water fountain to replenish my long lost fluids. Afterwards I did some core exercises that my friend showed me and added a few extra I saw online. I am sitting here feeling rather sore from a difficult exercise. I was going to go for a run this afternoon to continue my 1/2 Marathon training but the weather is not cooperating so I am going to wing it.
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Passion: The pursuit of one's inner fire
Yeah I know the title sounds like I am about to write something deep and spiritual but I am not drunk enough to pour out my inner feelings. So just bear with me; maybe you may find some peace by relating my experience with something you are struggling with.
The word passion, to me, has many interpretations. The two biggest things are the passions in your life that motivate you to better yourself and then there is the passion that push you towards bettering your relationships with your other half. So the next thing I ask myself is what is driving me to better myself, what are my passions?
There are four things currently going on that make me the person I am. All of the decisions I make I base around these four things. First there is school, then Army ROTC (HOOAH!!), then there is mountain biking, and finally family and friends. These are not in any particular order because if you know me ROTC can sometimes be last and mountain biking can be put above all else. This past Friday, after work, I went mountain biking. I know its nothing new but for me hitting the trails and riding for hours help me find myself. People are always telling me that I ride too much and that I spend too much time with my bike. Well its my outlet from life. Its were I can get away and figure out how to better myself. So not only is it getting me better physically but emotionally too. Sometimes I want to punch people in the face so I just go for a ride and cool off. If you ever have built up aggression trying climbing a section of technical single track and tell me how you feel afterwards. Well I was in a good mood this Friday and the ride was amazing. Feeling the sweat drip down your back and the heat coming from your legs as you try and get up the climb just put the biggest smile on my face. After getting through all that I went to the bike shop this Saturday to get my ride checked out before my race this weekend. I spent the whole day talking bikes, fixing some flats for people, sharing riding stories with people, and helping newbies figure out why are some bikes so expensive. There is nothing better then all of that. In fact I can't help but smile right now just thinking about all that.
The next thing I want to share is my other half. If you want to talk about ups and downs this where the roller coaster is. This year has been a big struggle for us but we somehow find ourselves back in each other's arms. I may have endurance on the bike and other things but she definitely has the emotional endurance to deal with me. I am a insensitive, selfish, and hard-headed person when it comes to certain things but she somehow has ways get me to realize my mistakes. She is very passive when it comes to other people but she always tells me how it is straight up. So in a way she is also making me a better person and she allows me to better myself.
Finally a new thing I am going to add is my training log for the week to help me keep track of everything.
Monday: (AM) Nothing
(PM) 90 minutes core and PT - APFT Improvement
Tuesday:(AM) 5 mile rum - 1/2 Marathon and APFT Improvement
(PM) Nothing
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Rest
Friday: (AM) 60 minute HIIT - APFT Improvement and Cycling Power Training
(PM) 150 minute Mountain Bike ride - Cycling Endurance Training
Saturday: (AM) 7 mile run - 1/2 Marathon Training and APFT Improvement
(PM) Nothing
Sunday: Rest
The word passion, to me, has many interpretations. The two biggest things are the passions in your life that motivate you to better yourself and then there is the passion that push you towards bettering your relationships with your other half. So the next thing I ask myself is what is driving me to better myself, what are my passions?
There are four things currently going on that make me the person I am. All of the decisions I make I base around these four things. First there is school, then Army ROTC (HOOAH!!), then there is mountain biking, and finally family and friends. These are not in any particular order because if you know me ROTC can sometimes be last and mountain biking can be put above all else. This past Friday, after work, I went mountain biking. I know its nothing new but for me hitting the trails and riding for hours help me find myself. People are always telling me that I ride too much and that I spend too much time with my bike. Well its my outlet from life. Its were I can get away and figure out how to better myself. So not only is it getting me better physically but emotionally too. Sometimes I want to punch people in the face so I just go for a ride and cool off. If you ever have built up aggression trying climbing a section of technical single track and tell me how you feel afterwards. Well I was in a good mood this Friday and the ride was amazing. Feeling the sweat drip down your back and the heat coming from your legs as you try and get up the climb just put the biggest smile on my face. After getting through all that I went to the bike shop this Saturday to get my ride checked out before my race this weekend. I spent the whole day talking bikes, fixing some flats for people, sharing riding stories with people, and helping newbies figure out why are some bikes so expensive. There is nothing better then all of that. In fact I can't help but smile right now just thinking about all that.
The next thing I want to share is my other half. If you want to talk about ups and downs this where the roller coaster is. This year has been a big struggle for us but we somehow find ourselves back in each other's arms. I may have endurance on the bike and other things but she definitely has the emotional endurance to deal with me. I am a insensitive, selfish, and hard-headed person when it comes to certain things but she somehow has ways get me to realize my mistakes. She is very passive when it comes to other people but she always tells me how it is straight up. So in a way she is also making me a better person and she allows me to better myself.
Finally a new thing I am going to add is my training log for the week to help me keep track of everything.
Monday: (AM) Nothing
(PM) 90 minutes core and PT - APFT Improvement
Tuesday:(AM) 5 mile rum - 1/2 Marathon and APFT Improvement
(PM) Nothing
Wednesday: Rest
Thursday: Rest
Friday: (AM) 60 minute HIIT - APFT Improvement and Cycling Power Training
(PM) 150 minute Mountain Bike ride - Cycling Endurance Training
Saturday: (AM) 7 mile run - 1/2 Marathon Training and APFT Improvement
(PM) Nothing
Sunday: Rest
Friday, April 25, 2008
Pushing Through
This morning I had another session with a personal trainer at my gym. I went in with the mentality that this workout was going to be tough and that it would suck. I could not have been more correct about it. It was an intense workout that involved pulling sleds, pushing sleds, $hitload of pull-ups, sprints, flipping tires, jumping on boxes, squats, lunges, shoulder presses, and push-ups. My legs are destroyed but it is one of those feelings that make you realize you are still human and that you are only making yourself stronger. If you are one of my workout partners and are reading this, rest assured that I will be introducing this type of workout with you whenever we get a chance. In fact this workout was so hard that I ended up in the chump bucket afterwards. This was the first time I've ever hit it but I did. Later today I am going mountain biking in preperation for my race next Sunday. For everyone thats greeted me, thank you for your support. For those of you that didn't, you can eat $hit... Just playing.
I have not been very good in my half marathon training program. Mostly because I've been driving back and fourth from the City of Brotherly Love. There are times when I feel like I don't need to go to certain ROTC functions. My presence is not very signifcant and no one really notices I am around anyway so there isn't a point for me to attend. I end up spending a lot of money on gasoline and I lose money because I don't go to work. It wasn't a wasted trip though. I got to learn a few new things about people and sometimes those little moments make a big impact on your outlook. Its good to know that people have more to them beyond what you can gather just based on their looks. I shared a few drinks with a friend who I never though I would enjoy having a beer with and yet there I was with him for a few hours just sitting back, enjoying the weather, and enjoying our brews. Then I also learned about Foxtrot Bravos. Something we have at one point in our lives and then realize that those moments can sometimes hide the true meaning of what people want from you. So to all those people that made the trip worth while, my hat goes off you and may we share more moments with good laughs, good drinks, and good company.
I have not been very good in my half marathon training program. Mostly because I've been driving back and fourth from the City of Brotherly Love. There are times when I feel like I don't need to go to certain ROTC functions. My presence is not very signifcant and no one really notices I am around anyway so there isn't a point for me to attend. I end up spending a lot of money on gasoline and I lose money because I don't go to work. It wasn't a wasted trip though. I got to learn a few new things about people and sometimes those little moments make a big impact on your outlook. Its good to know that people have more to them beyond what you can gather just based on their looks. I shared a few drinks with a friend who I never though I would enjoy having a beer with and yet there I was with him for a few hours just sitting back, enjoying the weather, and enjoying our brews. Then I also learned about Foxtrot Bravos. Something we have at one point in our lives and then realize that those moments can sometimes hide the true meaning of what people want from you. So to all those people that made the trip worth while, my hat goes off you and may we share more moments with good laughs, good drinks, and good company.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Crunch Time
Things have been going really well as far as training. I've been very disciplined with spreading my efforts towards the different activities I participate in. Looks like I will be racing mountain bikes again this year. I am a little excited since I am commited to an actual Racing Series as opposed to signing up for random races. For a list of the racing schedule check out the link on the right that has Camp Mor H2H.
My time at the gym has changed a lot. At first I was all about getting the superficial muscles going but now that I have events that evaluate my performance I altered my thinking. I now do a ton of core workouts and I find that this type of workout is much more benficial because the muscles are getting stronger and it saves your body from injury. For the army, having a strong core means your upper body works less in stabilizing your lower body when performing push-ups, sit-ups will be easier because you will be less prone to use your legs (at least at the beginning), and finally when you are running the power in your legs will come from a solid foundation rather then a mushy one. For the half marathon it goes the same as running in the army so I won't hit that again. For mountain biking and cycling in general, a solid core will give your legs more power to push off and will stablize your upper body during climbs. So hopefully I do things right and reap the benefits of all this.
I was at the gym yesterday and I saw a rather unusual sight. There was a older gentlemen who had just finished working on one of the cardio machines and was walking down the stairs to do some resistance training. I looked over at him and saw that he wore grey sweatpants and a yellow button down polo shirt. It looked like he had come from work and then just decided to put on sweatpants and not change his shirt. Now when I bust my ass in the gym I like to have a loose fitting shirt, wicks moisture if possible, and allows my sweat to leave my body. This guy was wearing an undershirt that was soaking with perspiration and was leaving sweat marks under his arms and onto his dress shirt. I guess he was old and sex was no longer a goal and didn't care what other people saw. I'm sure his wife wouldn't even touch him after seeing that. Oh well I guess if we are comfortable who's to say we are wrong. Its pretty funny since I was having a similar conversation with a friend of mine back at school before I left.
My time at the gym has changed a lot. At first I was all about getting the superficial muscles going but now that I have events that evaluate my performance I altered my thinking. I now do a ton of core workouts and I find that this type of workout is much more benficial because the muscles are getting stronger and it saves your body from injury. For the army, having a strong core means your upper body works less in stabilizing your lower body when performing push-ups, sit-ups will be easier because you will be less prone to use your legs (at least at the beginning), and finally when you are running the power in your legs will come from a solid foundation rather then a mushy one. For the half marathon it goes the same as running in the army so I won't hit that again. For mountain biking and cycling in general, a solid core will give your legs more power to push off and will stablize your upper body during climbs. So hopefully I do things right and reap the benefits of all this.
I was at the gym yesterday and I saw a rather unusual sight. There was a older gentlemen who had just finished working on one of the cardio machines and was walking down the stairs to do some resistance training. I looked over at him and saw that he wore grey sweatpants and a yellow button down polo shirt. It looked like he had come from work and then just decided to put on sweatpants and not change his shirt. Now when I bust my ass in the gym I like to have a loose fitting shirt, wicks moisture if possible, and allows my sweat to leave my body. This guy was wearing an undershirt that was soaking with perspiration and was leaving sweat marks under his arms and onto his dress shirt. I guess he was old and sex was no longer a goal and didn't care what other people saw. I'm sure his wife wouldn't even touch him after seeing that. Oh well I guess if we are comfortable who's to say we are wrong. Its pretty funny since I was having a similar conversation with a friend of mine back at school before I left.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Running Around and Women these days
Work was a little bit bothersome today. The company I work for makes a wide array of electronic devices. Everything that is designed has to be documented so that it can be referenced and all kind of legal things are covered. Well someone did a pretty bad job on the unit I am working on. I spent a couple of hours trying to fix a design problem that eventually was scrapped. So I wasted 2 hours of work and then I had to redesign everything. Luckily I was only working until lunch today because its an off Friday. Sometimes people should just do a good job the first time so that productivity is not wasted trying to fix stupid errors.
On a happier note, I started my half marathon training program today. I went online and found some interesting programs and then decided to make my own for simplicity. Since I was feeling sore from the last two days I decided that today would be an "active recovery" run. I ran five miles at about 8:00 min pace in order to prevent any over training. It didn't work because every time someone ran by me I would keep up with them until I brought myself back down (or just really couldn't keep up because they were too fast).
I ran at the beach in order to have a great view while I ran to help with my mental state. All of the eye candy was also a way to get me through the mileage. There are also some things that I noticed among women these days. As much as we see 12 year olds try to dress older, today I saw older women trying to dress like they were still in their twenties and it was not pretty. I don't understand why some women just don't know how to be beautiful. Why do they feel like showing off a little more skin then they should will make them seem more attractive? I completely understand that women have a harder time to address their appearance but I feel like some of them are just going about it the wrong way. I will break it down from a guy's perspective: HOOCHIE MAMA DOES NOT EQUAL ATTRACTIVE!! When guys are in a group we always talk about hot girls passing us by. The girls that get the positive feedback are the fashionable conservative types that know how to be "beautiful." It can be from wearing the right pair of jeans that show a little of what you're working with or putting on a touch of make up to show off your pretty eyes. You will then be more likely to have regular decent guys come up to with a mindset of getting to know you not have "hot pockets." Walking around half naked will give you negative feedback and then guys will approach you in "predatory" way. Personally I am more attracted to the conservative dressing individual who has an aura of sexiness and sophistication. Hopefully this was an informative entry and you can walk away with some wealth of knowledge. Again I am just trying to do my part in making this a better world.
Sempre Fi, Army Strong, can't we all just get along?
On a happier note, I started my half marathon training program today. I went online and found some interesting programs and then decided to make my own for simplicity. Since I was feeling sore from the last two days I decided that today would be an "active recovery" run. I ran five miles at about 8:00 min pace in order to prevent any over training. It didn't work because every time someone ran by me I would keep up with them until I brought myself back down (or just really couldn't keep up because they were too fast).
I ran at the beach in order to have a great view while I ran to help with my mental state. All of the eye candy was also a way to get me through the mileage. There are also some things that I noticed among women these days. As much as we see 12 year olds try to dress older, today I saw older women trying to dress like they were still in their twenties and it was not pretty. I don't understand why some women just don't know how to be beautiful. Why do they feel like showing off a little more skin then they should will make them seem more attractive? I completely understand that women have a harder time to address their appearance but I feel like some of them are just going about it the wrong way. I will break it down from a guy's perspective: HOOCHIE MAMA DOES NOT EQUAL ATTRACTIVE!! When guys are in a group we always talk about hot girls passing us by. The girls that get the positive feedback are the fashionable conservative types that know how to be "beautiful." It can be from wearing the right pair of jeans that show a little of what you're working with or putting on a touch of make up to show off your pretty eyes. You will then be more likely to have regular decent guys come up to with a mindset of getting to know you not have "hot pockets." Walking around half naked will give you negative feedback and then guys will approach you in "predatory" way. Personally I am more attracted to the conservative dressing individual who has an aura of sexiness and sophistication. Hopefully this was an informative entry and you can walk away with some wealth of knowledge. Again I am just trying to do my part in making this a better world.
Sempre Fi, Army Strong, can't we all just get along?
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