Done

broderic on December 22, 2009

I am done with my Holiday Challenge, 102,655 meters.I still have a couple of days left at work to add to the total except I'm finished working out for the year. This decision came hard to do as I still enjoyed the exercise, but I'm disappointed with the reward from the challenge. For those many meters, I only made $2.11 for the charity of my choice! That's it! I'm so disappointed that all motivation has left me. Another 10,000 meters for the next 2 days would've only net an extra $0.40. Should I do it for so little? I think not especially since I absolutely don't want to be here for the rest of this week.So, it's good to take the next two weeks as rest and reformulate my exercise goals for the upcoming year. I think I'll be including the rowing machine in my routine, but not as much meters. I averaged 30,000 meters for these past three weeks excluding yesterday. That's a lot and my knees kind of hurt. I'll probably try to do half as much in less time. I'll want to increase my treadmill time as that is a good way to build stamina quicker than the rowing machine. I'll want to do more resistance training which I abandoned on this quest. Welp, it looks to be a nice ending and a good thing for the future. I've got some goals.

54,605 meters

broderic on December 10, 2009

I’m about two weeks into the Holiday Challenge and I’m completely pooped. Eight full days of working out: 5 workdays last week and 3 days so far this week. The title says it all. I have about 10 days left. Maybe I can do it.

The first week, last week, I was doing 5000 meters plus 1 mile on the treadmill a day. My knees were aching because 30000 meters was more than I have done in a week. It was 100% more and I feeling it. So this week. That mile is gone. I was also working out. Maybe next week my gym workout would only be rowing on the rowing machine.

Holiday Challenge

broderic on December 2, 2009

As a way to stave off the weight gain during the holidays, I'm trying to participate in Concept 2 Rowing's Holiday Challenge. It is a way to donate to charity and get exercise at the same time. I say I'm trying because the Challenge kicks money to charity only if you do 100,000 meters between November 26 and December 24. So currently I haven't contributed any money to charity as I am only at 13,636 meters as of today. Just another 86,364 meters!My plan is to do at least 5,000 meters every day at the gym at work where the only rowing machine is available to me. I'm also still working out and I usually add a cooldown jog on the treadmill of at least 1 mile. I'll be burnt out by Christmas, but maybe I'll be fitter.Anyhow, if you need a training partner, look me up.

Let’s do this

broderic on October 23, 2009

Someday. We’re doing this. It’s the Alleghany trail from Frostburg, MD, but what’s cool is that you can get to it from the C&O. It will eventually get you to Pittsburgh for a good 350 miles of pedaling fun. Now that sounds like a good bike week. Let’s see: 60 miles a day for 6 days. All on a rail to trail. I thought the C&O sounded tough.

These legs, they’re heavy

broderic on July 18, 2009

And so is the rest of my body. I’m 5 lbs heavier than last year and I can feel it. My average MPH is down to 14.5 mph, but I’m taking in more hills. It’s the hills that are killing me.

Today, I only road 28 miles out to Falls Road and back. Instead of the usual Park Heights climb out of the valley, I chose to stay on Garrison Forest. When you look at its average grade, their are parts of it going into the red about 8% plus, but it is only for half a mile. I hated every minute of the climb. I had to stop once past the steep. I watched some riders go down it. You can do 45 MPH on that, but up I was only going 5 MPH. I suck.

Going out, I knew this was going to be a terrible day. These legs of mine didn’t want to turn the cranks over. I also don’t think I had enough energy. Dinner last night was a long time and I didn’t really have any carbs to fuel me today. But I had to go out. 500 miles for the year is coming up. I need to get to 650 by September. Tomorrow should be the quick time practice.

See you on the road.

Quote of the Day [3.19.09]

broderic on March 19, 2009

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many
of our people need it sorely on these accounts."Mark Twain(I have 300+ hours of vacation time)

Quote of the Day [3.18.09]

broderic on March 18, 2009

"Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired
by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime."Mark Twain

Cold Day Cycling

broderic on March 14, 2009

I have never gone cycling in anything less than 60 degrees except today. My weather widget is telling me that its 44 degrees fahrenheit out there, and I rode in that. At least there was no wind, but there was no sun either.

I was sitting eating breakfast with my mom when I got a text. During the text conversation, a cycle ride was brought up, “No bike ride today?” I texted back my excuses, but it’s really humbling. I want to ride, but always find excuses. Not today.

What does it take to ride in this weather? I don’t know so I gear up. My campy tights are warm. Unlike my knickers these go all the way down, and unlike my knickers these fit really well. I wear my compression t-shirt underneath which I wish was windproof, then a long sleeve winter jersey along with arm warmers. Finally a jacket. Also a warm skull cap and booties over my shoes. Am I warm? Somewhat, but its enough to keep the chill away. It’s actually perfect.

So the ride was good. I took a route that I hadn’t before. Up Lakeside into New Town. It’s a hill and to get back onto Deer Park there’s a short steep hill. It’s tough but I did it.

Here’s the damage: 14.15 miles, 59 minutes, averaging 14.5 MPH with a max of 38 MPH down Pleasant. Nice.

First Days are the Worst Days

broderic on March 8, 2009

When I woke up this morning on my couch, the news was on. I wondered why they’re on at 5 AM? Oops. Daylight savings time kicked in and it was now 6. Why is there no sunlight? So, I had breakfast: oatmeal, coke, and a cup of coffee. I need to fuel up for my bike ride.

There is nothing better than to be on a bike in the cool early mornings. It so happen to be a Sunday coming off of winter and spring should be here soon. What was the temperature? Sixty-five degrees! Nice conditions for the first bike ride of the season.

Over the last two months, I’ve tried to work out. I’ve only done a few weeks and those were rather non-consecutive weeks. Sickness intervened both times. Yet, I feel ready. It’s better to be doing than to be fake doing. I don’t ride the stationery bike at the gym because it’s so fake. I’m just hoping that I’ve built up a decent amount of cardio fitness to make today less hurting.

So I start gearing up, but “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly” is on. I watch up until Tuco and Blondie make their pact. “Don’t die on me, Blondie.” Classic, but I have to go.

I’m gonna ride the Gios. Hmmm. I need to check its conditions, because it has been a while. Tires? Inflate them. Chain? Oiled? I don’t know, maybe take it in for a tune up. Water? Yes. Clothes? Knickers and the Campy winter shirt which may be too warm for the cool Sunday morning.

I’m going out the front door for the normal route.

It’s a little bit overcast. I wear my favorite Oakleys with the yellow tints. I am cool. In the morning as I warm up with a quick around the block.

Then down Pleasant Hill. Thirty-nine MPH! The air whips by making it cold. I’m happy bombing the hill, but worried a bit as the roads have some moisture. Still fast is fast. Smiling.

Afterwards into the woods and slow steady climb. I’m not tuckered out. Maybe my workouts are fine? But I’m not in any bike fit shape. My pedal stroke is okay, but how will it hold out? I sip a bit of water, must not forget about drinking even though it’s not cold I will still dehydrate from all that caffein. My position on the bike is okay, I’m slightly comfortable. Must start using the drops, but I hate that position.

In no time I’m zipping around the back roads. Then comes the hill on Deer Park right around Soldier’s Delight. It’s not tall, but it is there as an indication of my fitness. I’m up it at 9 MPH, not good, but I’m not breathing to heavy. Down the backside of that hill and I’m doing the cruising thing at 22 MPH. I love this section. This ride was supposed to be an easy one, but I feel like I’ve been riding for two full weeks.

I’m on the turn. I’m on Nicodemus breaking 22 MPH again!. I’m climbing Church. No granny gear, but I’m tuckered a bit. Is this true fitness or just adrenaline from riding the first day?

So this was what it was: 12.45 miles, 50 minuetes, average 14.5 MPH, max 39 MPH. I’m hoping for another ride next weekend. I’m also hoping the numbers improve over the season.

I’ll see you out there!