good news...
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Been Away Too Long!
Yikes. I received a vm from an old friend the other day, letting me know she follows my blog. My what??? Damn. My blog...I nearly forgot all about it. Well, until now. Have logged a ton 'o miles since my last post, with 6600 YTD. My friend Pete Wilson was catching up to me in the mileage dept. and I figure the only way to be within 1-2 states of him in RAAM is to ride at LEAST as much as him. Pretty smart for a PE grad from Chico State.
The big race is now 2 weeks from tomorrow. I am ready...or not. Someone who know alot about training said, "the hay is in the barn," whatever that is supposed to mean. Seriously, I am feeling very ready. Of course, the big unknown is the ensuing fatigue that climbs on one's back as the miles pile up and the sleep times...unpile? Never mind.
About 5-6 weeks ago I was really no longer interested in competing in RAAM. I had completed a monster 400 mile race simulation weekend, my depression was kicking into high gear, and then I caught a virus at the lovely hotel I stayed in while in SF for a conference. Down for the count for almost 3 weeks, with little training and even less desire to get on the bike.
Well, I am back. The past 3 days I rode 300 miles at an average of 18.5 mph and an average heart rate of 120. The endurance is definitely "in the barn," as the experts say.
I promise to check in more often as the race approaches...
It's ALl about saving lives.
The big race is now 2 weeks from tomorrow. I am ready...or not. Someone who know alot about training said, "the hay is in the barn," whatever that is supposed to mean. Seriously, I am feeling very ready. Of course, the big unknown is the ensuing fatigue that climbs on one's back as the miles pile up and the sleep times...unpile? Never mind.
About 5-6 weeks ago I was really no longer interested in competing in RAAM. I had completed a monster 400 mile race simulation weekend, my depression was kicking into high gear, and then I caught a virus at the lovely hotel I stayed in while in SF for a conference. Down for the count for almost 3 weeks, with little training and even less desire to get on the bike.
Well, I am back. The past 3 days I rode 300 miles at an average of 18.5 mph and an average heart rate of 120. The endurance is definitely "in the barn," as the experts say.
I promise to check in more often as the race approaches...
It's ALl about saving lives.
Sunday, April 8, 2007
12 Hour Challenge
8,000 feet of climbing. 50 miles of punishing headwinds. As the day wore on, I had virtually abandonded the idea that I would be able to make my goal of 200 miles. With 3 hours to go, a 3 mile wrong turn and a 15 mile stretch straight into the winds whipping off the Delta, I settled in to just complete the race. 190 miles I figured. Not bad for a first time doing anything of the kind.
Forget that! Once I hit Winters and entered the 18 mile loop around the orchards, I quickly realized that 200 miles was within reach. To make it would require a final 18 mile loop at over 19 mph average. The afternoon winds were ferocious.
My mind wandered back to 25 years ago (this month) to the final 6 miles of the Boston Marathon. Heartbreak Hill. Winds coming off the Atlantic. As the screaming crowds pressed in around the runners along Commonwealth Avenue, my legs screamed louder: Quit!
Back then, and 25 years later on the farm roads outside of Winters, there would be no quit. 200 miles was within reach.
The significance of yesterday is really quite simple - less than 2 years ago I weighed in at 235. This is all about the power of the human will and the incredible feats of the human body. Yesterday, I was pretty impressed with what was accomplished yesterday. Notice I did not say that I was impressed with myself. I am amazed at what virutally anyone can do if they have a dream and go to work to acheve it.
Find something to fuel your ambition. Go to work toward it, day by day. You will be impressed at the outcome.
Forget that! Once I hit Winters and entered the 18 mile loop around the orchards, I quickly realized that 200 miles was within reach. To make it would require a final 18 mile loop at over 19 mph average. The afternoon winds were ferocious.
My mind wandered back to 25 years ago (this month) to the final 6 miles of the Boston Marathon. Heartbreak Hill. Winds coming off the Atlantic. As the screaming crowds pressed in around the runners along Commonwealth Avenue, my legs screamed louder: Quit!
Back then, and 25 years later on the farm roads outside of Winters, there would be no quit. 200 miles was within reach.
The significance of yesterday is really quite simple - less than 2 years ago I weighed in at 235. This is all about the power of the human will and the incredible feats of the human body. Yesterday, I was pretty impressed with what was accomplished yesterday. Notice I did not say that I was impressed with myself. I am amazed at what virutally anyone can do if they have a dream and go to work to acheve it.
Find something to fuel your ambition. Go to work toward it, day by day. You will be impressed at the outcome.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Humble Pie
I am really not much of fan of pie, but I sure ate a few slices this past week. First, I received some comments from a guy who read my blog and was candid with his view that I spend a fair amount of time in here "bragging" about my accomplishments. Ouch. He makes some valid points if one chose to read my posts with a view that the author (me) was pretty high on himself.
Reality is, I am really not. The journey to climb back out the deep, dark canyon and start my life over again has been a very tough ascent. Trust me, I am not claiming that I am on top of the world. But I refuse to give up, and make no apology for how far the journey has taken me so far
Then came yesterday's training day - talk about humbling. I rode 170 miles over 14 hours. 2 hours on the bike, 1 hour off. By 7:00pm last night I was spent. Came home to woof down some humble pie (and a few protein drinks). RAAM will be, by far, the toughest thing I have ever attempted. Today I feel a bit foolish for even thinking about taking on the 2 man RAAM.
Like everything, I press on. 10 weeks to go until RAAM I will not quit my attempt to be in the best condition possible. I say that about my life almost every single day. The only healthy, viable option is to get out of bed each day and face it. At times it is excruciating to do even that.
Roll on. Live wildly. You might be misunderstood and scorned for it. Hey, it means you are 100% alive.
Reality is, I am really not. The journey to climb back out the deep, dark canyon and start my life over again has been a very tough ascent. Trust me, I am not claiming that I am on top of the world. But I refuse to give up, and make no apology for how far the journey has taken me so far
Then came yesterday's training day - talk about humbling. I rode 170 miles over 14 hours. 2 hours on the bike, 1 hour off. By 7:00pm last night I was spent. Came home to woof down some humble pie (and a few protein drinks). RAAM will be, by far, the toughest thing I have ever attempted. Today I feel a bit foolish for even thinking about taking on the 2 man RAAM.
Like everything, I press on. 10 weeks to go until RAAM I will not quit my attempt to be in the best condition possible. I say that about my life almost every single day. The only healthy, viable option is to get out of bed each day and face it. At times it is excruciating to do even that.
Roll on. Live wildly. You might be misunderstood and scorned for it. Hey, it means you are 100% alive.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Giving To A Good Cause
Last week I rode my bike 400 miles. The same distance from my mom's house to Disneyland. When I was a kid, that trip took us "forever," or so it seemed. In 12 weeks I will begin an adventure that will require me to ride 1500 miles in about 8 days. Yes, I am pretty much overwhelmed at the idea of it all. But, I am willing to click off the miles in preparation for it.
Why? The opportunity to draw attention to the cause of organ donation awareness is ripe. My desire is for the cause to bask in the attention it may draw as TDL competes in RAAM. The added bonus for me is that I am lucky as heck to manage the organization, spending most of my waking hours to promote the cause.
Here is the embarrassing part - I don't give much money to the cause. Sure, I make a monthly pledge to TDL, which is in reality a pittance. It's easy to mask my passion for the cause by giving my time, knowledge and energy.
Like it or not, I know of no noble cause or grand mission that is sustained by passion alone. It takes money. Sure, I appreciate the example set by Gates, Bono, Branson, Lance, etal. Every day I talk with individuals and corporations about giving to the cause.
Hey Kent, perhaps it's time to put your money where your mouth is! Darn, my mouth is plenty big. Must mean greater amounts of money. Sure, I have every excuse in the book about why I don't give more. The most lame excuse? "I can't afford it." Laughable. I have NO problem affording Starbucks, CD's, cyling gear, Pellegrino Water, Chipotle or a trip to the Eddie Bauer Outlet.
I have opened my heart and my time. It's time to open my wallet. I gotta get outta here and head for Starbu...never mind.
Why? The opportunity to draw attention to the cause of organ donation awareness is ripe. My desire is for the cause to bask in the attention it may draw as TDL competes in RAAM. The added bonus for me is that I am lucky as heck to manage the organization, spending most of my waking hours to promote the cause.
Here is the embarrassing part - I don't give much money to the cause. Sure, I make a monthly pledge to TDL, which is in reality a pittance. It's easy to mask my passion for the cause by giving my time, knowledge and energy.
Like it or not, I know of no noble cause or grand mission that is sustained by passion alone. It takes money. Sure, I appreciate the example set by Gates, Bono, Branson, Lance, etal. Every day I talk with individuals and corporations about giving to the cause.
Hey Kent, perhaps it's time to put your money where your mouth is! Darn, my mouth is plenty big. Must mean greater amounts of money. Sure, I have every excuse in the book about why I don't give more. The most lame excuse? "I can't afford it." Laughable. I have NO problem affording Starbucks, CD's, cyling gear, Pellegrino Water, Chipotle or a trip to the Eddie Bauer Outlet.
I have opened my heart and my time. It's time to open my wallet. I gotta get outta here and head for Starbu...never mind.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Sierra Vista
Ahhh...Spring. Yesterday was The Perfect Day. Jason and I rolled from his house at 6:45 am for a 100 mile training ride. We decided to make up the route as we went along, with an eye toward the toughest climbs we could find. In the Sierra Foothills, it's really pretty easy - just ride your bike in any direction and there will be something.
The trees are bright pink and white, the fields are emerald green, the sky bright blue. But then there was the view of The Sierra. Stunning. The snow-capped peaks loomed off on the horizion, just this side of Lake Tahoe. I was stuffed full with gratitude and Clif Bars as we clicked off the miles. OK, so here is a confession: I am consuming large quantities of Ensure Plus in preparation for RAAM. Yep, the magic elixir I used to order by the truckload for my calorie-deficient senior residents. I never dreamed that I would be drinking it as a calorie replacement drink!
Oh, and I recently received my first AARP membership letter. Jocelyn, you are really close, so be careful with those comments about us old people!
Here's some good news. At 50, I can ride with the best of them (OK, not Levi Leipheimer or Dave Stoker). One guy decided to flaunt his over-priced time trial bike by flying past me on Salmon Falls Road, in the aero position. Give me a big fat break. So, Testosterone Man (me) jumped on his wheel to see just how tough he really was. Uh...not that tough. On a 4 mile climb that loomed ahead, I arrived at the store in Pilot Hill about one mile before him. He quickly stopped talking to me. Go figure. What happened to his chatty self at the bottom of the hill?
Jason and I rolled on from Pilot Hill. The climb out of the canyon to Foresthill was punishing, and the temperature was pushing 75 degrees. Sheer glee. After winding through Auburn, down to Newcastle and then back through Folsom for a stop at Coffee Republic for a "Felix", we decided to tackle the single toughest climb in the county - Beatty Road. Of course, the bottom of Beatty came at 95 miles into the ride, when my legs were, uhhh...tired.
In short, the ride was Epic, at 101.8 miles (but who's counting) and about 5,000 in elevation gain.
The very best part of the day awaited me; the company of a great woman for an evening in downtown Sacramento browsing the galleries on Second Saturday, hanging out at Old Soul and pretending to know some stuff about art. I almost bought a $35,000 piece of stone sculpture, but we figured it was too heavy to fit on my bike rack.
The trees are bright pink and white, the fields are emerald green, the sky bright blue. But then there was the view of The Sierra. Stunning. The snow-capped peaks loomed off on the horizion, just this side of Lake Tahoe. I was stuffed full with gratitude and Clif Bars as we clicked off the miles. OK, so here is a confession: I am consuming large quantities of Ensure Plus in preparation for RAAM. Yep, the magic elixir I used to order by the truckload for my calorie-deficient senior residents. I never dreamed that I would be drinking it as a calorie replacement drink!
Oh, and I recently received my first AARP membership letter. Jocelyn, you are really close, so be careful with those comments about us old people!
Here's some good news. At 50, I can ride with the best of them (OK, not Levi Leipheimer or Dave Stoker). One guy decided to flaunt his over-priced time trial bike by flying past me on Salmon Falls Road, in the aero position. Give me a big fat break. So, Testosterone Man (me) jumped on his wheel to see just how tough he really was. Uh...not that tough. On a 4 mile climb that loomed ahead, I arrived at the store in Pilot Hill about one mile before him. He quickly stopped talking to me. Go figure. What happened to his chatty self at the bottom of the hill?
Jason and I rolled on from Pilot Hill. The climb out of the canyon to Foresthill was punishing, and the temperature was pushing 75 degrees. Sheer glee. After winding through Auburn, down to Newcastle and then back through Folsom for a stop at Coffee Republic for a "Felix", we decided to tackle the single toughest climb in the county - Beatty Road. Of course, the bottom of Beatty came at 95 miles into the ride, when my legs were, uhhh...tired.
In short, the ride was Epic, at 101.8 miles (but who's counting) and about 5,000 in elevation gain.
The very best part of the day awaited me; the company of a great woman for an evening in downtown Sacramento browsing the galleries on Second Saturday, hanging out at Old Soul and pretending to know some stuff about art. I almost bought a $35,000 piece of stone sculpture, but we figured it was too heavy to fit on my bike rack.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
They Say It Can't Be Done
The pundits love to speak out in times like these. I have chosen to enter Race Across America on a 2 person team. Many say I can't do it, shouldn't do it, I won't make it because I have never done an 8 man RAAM, won't be able to train enough, to name just a few of the comments.
All my life I have proved the critics wrong. I was told I would never make the high school varsity track team. I lettered 3 years in a row. "They" said I would never be good enough to compete at the collegiate level. I earned all-conference honors 3 years in a row. "They" said I would never break 3 hours in my first marathon. I ran 2:31. "They" said I would not improve on that time at Boston as it is a tough course (and it is). I ran 2:29, finishing 12 seconds in front of the first woman.
"They" said I would never pull off opening and operating a high-priced assisted living community in Sacramento. We set company and industry records on our way to the bank. "They" even said, way back when, that I could never get 300 college students to come to a Christian-oriented meeting on a Friday night in a college town. Um, they were wrong...again. Oh, and then there were those who told me I was a fool to try to go to grad school when I had 3 small children. They were correct on one part - I was a fool. But, I did graduate...with honors.
So, will I really be able to complete a 2 person RAAM? Of course, there are no guarantees. I mean, I "only" have to ride 1500 miles in about 8 days, about 185 miles every 24 hours. Yikes!
But none of what the pundits say really matters. There is a sign above my desk that says, "What people think of me is none of my business." What other people think is relatively easy to deal with - it is what I believe that is the tough one. Am I good enough? Have I trained enough? Do I know what I'm doing?
Every single day I face situations where I am up against the limits of my knowledge and experience. What do I do? Pick up the phone and ask someone. Attend a class. Read a book on the subject. Becoming a better and stronger cyclist is pretty simple. I go ride my bike.
Of course, I have NO idea how long I will live. I do have a choice to live my life with intention - with purpose, clarity and with a mission. It's no mystery that people who choose to live for something are the ones who get noticed...and criticized.
Just take a look at history. Nobody talks about those who chose to do nothing.
Rolling On,
All my life I have proved the critics wrong. I was told I would never make the high school varsity track team. I lettered 3 years in a row. "They" said I would never be good enough to compete at the collegiate level. I earned all-conference honors 3 years in a row. "They" said I would never break 3 hours in my first marathon. I ran 2:31. "They" said I would not improve on that time at Boston as it is a tough course (and it is). I ran 2:29, finishing 12 seconds in front of the first woman.
"They" said I would never pull off opening and operating a high-priced assisted living community in Sacramento. We set company and industry records on our way to the bank. "They" even said, way back when, that I could never get 300 college students to come to a Christian-oriented meeting on a Friday night in a college town. Um, they were wrong...again. Oh, and then there were those who told me I was a fool to try to go to grad school when I had 3 small children. They were correct on one part - I was a fool. But, I did graduate...with honors.
So, will I really be able to complete a 2 person RAAM? Of course, there are no guarantees. I mean, I "only" have to ride 1500 miles in about 8 days, about 185 miles every 24 hours. Yikes!
But none of what the pundits say really matters. There is a sign above my desk that says, "What people think of me is none of my business." What other people think is relatively easy to deal with - it is what I believe that is the tough one. Am I good enough? Have I trained enough? Do I know what I'm doing?
Every single day I face situations where I am up against the limits of my knowledge and experience. What do I do? Pick up the phone and ask someone. Attend a class. Read a book on the subject. Becoming a better and stronger cyclist is pretty simple. I go ride my bike.
Of course, I have NO idea how long I will live. I do have a choice to live my life with intention - with purpose, clarity and with a mission. It's no mystery that people who choose to live for something are the ones who get noticed...and criticized.
Just take a look at history. Nobody talks about those who chose to do nothing.
Rolling On,
Saturday, March 3, 2007
A 3 Mile Ride
My buddy Jason cautioned me about continuing to ride on my new back tire that now had a fatal puncture wound from my flat on Thursday while jetting down pesky Iron Point Road at 26 mph.
I hate it when he is right.
Yep, flat #3 happened yesterday. Yes, I had a spare tube. And yes, the spare tube was faulty or there was operator error - all yet to be determined by the National Transportation Safety Board. Anyway, the walk home in my socks was only 3 miles. There went my 300 mile week as yesterday was a whopping 3 miles. Impossible to make it all up over the weekend.
After being scolded by a Sacramento Bee Sportswriter for the abhorrent behavior of some of our team members donning our jersey, I desperately needed to get out and ride and demonstrate to the world that we can actually be kind, courteous and safe while riding. He said that he has seen some of our cyclists on the road without helmets and wondered if we were trying to donate our organs at the earliest date possible. Ouch.
The whole ordeal had a glorious outcome. While walking through upscale Gold River in my socks with my bike in hand, I actually wondered if anyone would stop to offer to help. A cyclist, a motorist, somebody... not likely as it was nearing good old rush hour and people had to get home in a hurry, to uh, ummm...what the heck IS the hurry? But that is for another post.
Well, someone did indeed stop. She had a handy bike rack on the back of her car, and off we went. Turns out we had met before, but only in our bike helmets, so it took a couple of minutes to figure that all out. Yes, I wear a helmet. Always. I have been known to put in on backwards, but that is all about learning and spatial orientation or something complicated like that.
There are great people in the world. Mary is one of them. So is Blair, the writer from The Bee who took the time to give me feedback about the impression our team has made on him, albeit not so positive.
Today I will carry 5 spare tubes on my 100 mile ride...just in case.
Ride On.
I hate it when he is right.
Yep, flat #3 happened yesterday. Yes, I had a spare tube. And yes, the spare tube was faulty or there was operator error - all yet to be determined by the National Transportation Safety Board. Anyway, the walk home in my socks was only 3 miles. There went my 300 mile week as yesterday was a whopping 3 miles. Impossible to make it all up over the weekend.
After being scolded by a Sacramento Bee Sportswriter for the abhorrent behavior of some of our team members donning our jersey, I desperately needed to get out and ride and demonstrate to the world that we can actually be kind, courteous and safe while riding. He said that he has seen some of our cyclists on the road without helmets and wondered if we were trying to donate our organs at the earliest date possible. Ouch.
The whole ordeal had a glorious outcome. While walking through upscale Gold River in my socks with my bike in hand, I actually wondered if anyone would stop to offer to help. A cyclist, a motorist, somebody... not likely as it was nearing good old rush hour and people had to get home in a hurry, to uh, ummm...what the heck IS the hurry? But that is for another post.
Well, someone did indeed stop. She had a handy bike rack on the back of her car, and off we went. Turns out we had met before, but only in our bike helmets, so it took a couple of minutes to figure that all out. Yes, I wear a helmet. Always. I have been known to put in on backwards, but that is all about learning and spatial orientation or something complicated like that.
There are great people in the world. Mary is one of them. So is Blair, the writer from The Bee who took the time to give me feedback about the impression our team has made on him, albeit not so positive.
Today I will carry 5 spare tubes on my 100 mile ride...just in case.
Ride On.
Friday, March 2, 2007
Flat Tire #2
Yep, second day in a row. Exact same spot on Iron Point Road. Fitting name for the street. I suspect it was the same piece of metal laying on the road. Same noise, same spot, same result. Have to admit it was a bit scary hitting it at 26 mph. We are flying, trying to get back before dark after a very tough hill climbing ride.
I was ready this time. Had a new pump, tubes, new tire (now destroyed)...oh well. I got to thinking last night about the tiny little hassles that occur sometimes in my life. Annoyances, mostly. Flat tires, allergy symptoms, blisters on my feet, poor night of sleep, empty refrigerator, etc. My thoughts turn immediately to those with life-threatening illnesses, like people waiting to receive an organ transplant. Days, weeks, months, years of waiting. The lack of energy and perpetual fatigue. Of course, I am unable to imagine it.
But I get to ride my bike across the country in their honor. Man, I am incredibly blessed.
KM
I was ready this time. Had a new pump, tubes, new tire (now destroyed)...oh well. I got to thinking last night about the tiny little hassles that occur sometimes in my life. Annoyances, mostly. Flat tires, allergy symptoms, blisters on my feet, poor night of sleep, empty refrigerator, etc. My thoughts turn immediately to those with life-threatening illnesses, like people waiting to receive an organ transplant. Days, weeks, months, years of waiting. The lack of energy and perpetual fatigue. Of course, I am unable to imagine it.
But I get to ride my bike across the country in their honor. Man, I am incredibly blessed.
KM
Thursday, March 1, 2007
The Gift of a Flat Tire
There was no stopping me. I was right on track to reach 1,000 miles for the month of February. So what that it was a short month. I had it all planned out. Just had to get in an easy 50 miles yesterday. No problem. I knew I would get home right about dark, but the 1,000 target would be mine! Or so I thought. You see, I am a bit obsessive-compulsive about mileage, being exact, etc. I have been know to ride several miles around my neighborhood at the end of a long ride just to make sure I hit my mileage goal EXACTLY! The real thrill is going in the house and recording all the data in my journal - mileage, time, average mph, average HR, etc.
Then...the flat tire. Not so bad, but my fingers were ice cold and I had a pump that I had never used, and just could not get the doggone thing to work. I swear it was a faulty product, not the operator. Once I gave up on that "worthless" thing that my friend Dave gave to save weight and space on my bike, I limped to a bike shop about a mile away.
The guys at Bicycle Planet were great. They loaned me a pump, dried my tears, gave me some hot cocoa. OK, they loaned me the pump. I began to fill my tire, and of course blew the tube apart because the tire wasn't sealed as my vision is horrendous, especially after being out in the cold of night (I should write mysery novels). Yep, sounded like a drive by shootind, so everyone in the store took cover. Now what? They gave me a tube and got me on the road.
Needless to say, I did not make the 1,000 mark. Got to 993. 1793 miles for 07. Going for 1200 in March.
I plan to carry a floor pump and 7 tubes with me from now on...
By the way, the guys at the bike shop said that the pump I was carrying was a "really good one." Now I can thank Dave for giving it to me, but still blame him for not showing me how to use it. Knowing Dave, he really didn't know either, which I suspect is why he gave to me in the first place.
And to think I am going to ride my bike across the country! It could a long trip.
Keep at it.
Then...the flat tire. Not so bad, but my fingers were ice cold and I had a pump that I had never used, and just could not get the doggone thing to work. I swear it was a faulty product, not the operator. Once I gave up on that "worthless" thing that my friend Dave gave to save weight and space on my bike, I limped to a bike shop about a mile away.
The guys at Bicycle Planet were great. They loaned me a pump, dried my tears, gave me some hot cocoa. OK, they loaned me the pump. I began to fill my tire, and of course blew the tube apart because the tire wasn't sealed as my vision is horrendous, especially after being out in the cold of night (I should write mysery novels). Yep, sounded like a drive by shootind, so everyone in the store took cover. Now what? They gave me a tube and got me on the road.
Needless to say, I did not make the 1,000 mark. Got to 993. 1793 miles for 07. Going for 1200 in March.
I plan to carry a floor pump and 7 tubes with me from now on...
By the way, the guys at the bike shop said that the pump I was carrying was a "really good one." Now I can thank Dave for giving it to me, but still blame him for not showing me how to use it. Knowing Dave, he really didn't know either, which I suspect is why he gave to me in the first place.
And to think I am going to ride my bike across the country! It could a long trip.
Keep at it.
Sunday, February 18, 2007
Are You Crazy Kent?
First of all, I am not sure I really want to answer the question. Plenty of people have said I am crazy, including my mother. Gotta love mom - tells it like she see it. My new crazy adventure? Compete in Race Across American on a 2 person team. 1500 miles over 8 days, approximately 175 miles every 24 hours. Will burn about 90,000 calories over the 8 days. Going for a 16 mph average - a record, of course. Why not? My training changed dramatically upon my decision, rapidly approaching 300 miles a week - 43 mile per day average, 16 hours a week on the bike and lots of chamois creme - the best ever, made by Beljum Budder, one of our sponsors. My riding partner is the Energizer Bunny - Deborah Georges from the University of Miami Transplant Center. This weekend she is competing in a 24 hour race in Central Florida. It is going to be a blast to ride with her!
Seriously, why I am I doing this, given that this the first time I have done RAAM? I trace it back to my early days of running. The pundits (and my Jr. High Gym Teacher) said I was too skinny and sickly to be a runner (whatever), that I would not be good enough to compete at the collegiate level (wrong again) and that I would not break 3 hours in my first marathon. Uh, ran 2:31, qualified for Boston, where I ran 2:29 and finished in the top 1%. Became a top age group finisher in road and mountain bike duathlons in my mid-30's. I am blessed with a strong engine. Look, I have nothing to prove to others anymore. It is now all about capturing all I can from life - going for it 100%. 2 years ago I weighed 240 (today I tip the scale at 176, with 12% body fat), could barely see my toes and was telling myself that life was basically over. I was washed up. WRONG! In a moment's decision, I changed my mind and began to live again.
The race begins 16 weeks and 2 days from today. Will check back in as Spring rolls on...
Kent
Seriously, why I am I doing this, given that this the first time I have done RAAM? I trace it back to my early days of running. The pundits (and my Jr. High Gym Teacher) said I was too skinny and sickly to be a runner (whatever), that I would not be good enough to compete at the collegiate level (wrong again) and that I would not break 3 hours in my first marathon. Uh, ran 2:31, qualified for Boston, where I ran 2:29 and finished in the top 1%. Became a top age group finisher in road and mountain bike duathlons in my mid-30's. I am blessed with a strong engine. Look, I have nothing to prove to others anymore. It is now all about capturing all I can from life - going for it 100%. 2 years ago I weighed 240 (today I tip the scale at 176, with 12% body fat), could barely see my toes and was telling myself that life was basically over. I was washed up. WRONG! In a moment's decision, I changed my mind and began to live again.
The race begins 16 weeks and 2 days from today. Will check back in as Spring rolls on...
Kent
Sunday, February 4, 2007
Showing Up, and Then Some.
Woody Allen once said that "80% of life is just showing up." In January, I reached 80% of my cycling goal of 1,000 miles. Hey Woody, I think I did a little more than just show up!
Now, if I do some quick math on my calculator with very large buttons, my total was 800 miles in January. Not bad for the dead of winter. O0ps, never mind on that one. This is California, where we received a paltry .04 inches of rain for the month. 800 miles on a bike, 18 Hot Yoga classes and lifting weights once a week will more than suffice, I believe. Breaks down to 25.8 miles a day. At 27.3 miles a day, I will reach my 2007 goal of 10,000 miles. Vince Lombardi said it is a game of inches. He lied, or perhaps he was referring to some other wimpy game that measures stuff in inches.
Nonetheless, I am well on my way. By the time RAAM rolls from San Diego on June 12th, I plan to have trained close to 5,000 miles. Over the next 4 months, while I train and prepare for the grueling event that will create huge buzz about organ donation, 125,000 incredible people will registeron the organ donor registry in California. Unfortunately 10,000 people will be added to the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant.
Team Donate Life had always possessed audacious goals. Not only will be putting SIX teams on the road in 2007, our mission is to encourage 40,000,000 Americans to express their wishes by registering as an organ donor by April 2008. That's 95,000 per day. Hey Vince, THIS is not a game of inches. And, its not a game. Its all about giving life.
Keep Riding. Keep Livng, Keep Giving...Life.
Now, if I do some quick math on my calculator with very large buttons, my total was 800 miles in January. Not bad for the dead of winter. O0ps, never mind on that one. This is California, where we received a paltry .04 inches of rain for the month. 800 miles on a bike, 18 Hot Yoga classes and lifting weights once a week will more than suffice, I believe. Breaks down to 25.8 miles a day. At 27.3 miles a day, I will reach my 2007 goal of 10,000 miles. Vince Lombardi said it is a game of inches. He lied, or perhaps he was referring to some other wimpy game that measures stuff in inches.
Nonetheless, I am well on my way. By the time RAAM rolls from San Diego on June 12th, I plan to have trained close to 5,000 miles. Over the next 4 months, while I train and prepare for the grueling event that will create huge buzz about organ donation, 125,000 incredible people will registeron the organ donor registry in California. Unfortunately 10,000 people will be added to the waiting list for a life-saving organ transplant.
Team Donate Life had always possessed audacious goals. Not only will be putting SIX teams on the road in 2007, our mission is to encourage 40,000,000 Americans to express their wishes by registering as an organ donor by April 2008. That's 95,000 per day. Hey Vince, THIS is not a game of inches. And, its not a game. Its all about giving life.
Keep Riding. Keep Livng, Keep Giving...Life.
Monday, January 15, 2007
1,000 Miles
I remember those trips as if they were yesterday. Pile all 3 kids in the simulated wood grain Chevy Caprice Estate Station Wagon. All three in car seats, and head out West - Colorodo to California. I know, to most Americans Colorado IS the West. California was something else altogether, hopefully about to break off and drift into the Pacific. Anyway, the trip was about a 1,000 miles. Two long days of driving, only made possible with heavy doses of Benadryl for the kids...and my wife (just kidding on the wife part. She kept me awake and the kids manageable). I am on track to ride my bike that far in January. Yes, in January, when it is cold as a witch's you know what what here in California, like 40 degrees! Yes, we are pretty wimpy. My friends in the Rockies, "cycling country" haven't been able to ride for months. Talk about cold!
Why on earth do I ride my bike that far? I want to be the best. I do not want to look back, after RAAM, and wish I had trained harder, prepared better, ridden more miles. For me, being the best is not at all about being better than the next guy, although I would love to crush Team Type 1. It is all about me being at my peak.
What happens in June depends 100% on what happens today. How well I eat, how wisely I train, practicing yoga with diligence, getting plenty of sleep and doing that brutal Cyclo-Core workout twice a week are the keys.
It's the same with how I choose to think. I will attract what I expect. If my thoughts are focused on what I want to achieve, what I want to see manifested in my life, who I want to spend time with, how I want my life to feel, that is what will come my way. I have spent months visualizing the incredible ability to climb a hill with great power, ease and speed - off my saddle, driving my legs through the pedals and getting stronger and faster as the hill steepens and seeks to destroy me. Now, I conquer the hill. I picture climbing Wolf Creek Pass.
How do they say it? "A journey of a thousand miles means emabarking on a journey of a thousand miles," of something like that.
In 2007, my goal is to ride 10,000 miles. 27.5 miles per day.
Pick a ridiculous goal. Then please do it, so it won't be ridiculous anymore.
Mulkman
PS - Next...hear all about the new super action hero, Captain Zero!
Why on earth do I ride my bike that far? I want to be the best. I do not want to look back, after RAAM, and wish I had trained harder, prepared better, ridden more miles. For me, being the best is not at all about being better than the next guy, although I would love to crush Team Type 1. It is all about me being at my peak.
What happens in June depends 100% on what happens today. How well I eat, how wisely I train, practicing yoga with diligence, getting plenty of sleep and doing that brutal Cyclo-Core workout twice a week are the keys.
It's the same with how I choose to think. I will attract what I expect. If my thoughts are focused on what I want to achieve, what I want to see manifested in my life, who I want to spend time with, how I want my life to feel, that is what will come my way. I have spent months visualizing the incredible ability to climb a hill with great power, ease and speed - off my saddle, driving my legs through the pedals and getting stronger and faster as the hill steepens and seeks to destroy me. Now, I conquer the hill. I picture climbing Wolf Creek Pass.
How do they say it? "A journey of a thousand miles means emabarking on a journey of a thousand miles," of something like that.
In 2007, my goal is to ride 10,000 miles. 27.5 miles per day.
Pick a ridiculous goal. Then please do it, so it won't be ridiculous anymore.
Mulkman
PS - Next...hear all about the new super action hero, Captain Zero!
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Never Too Late
Someone famous once said, a long time ago: "It is never too late to start doing what is right." Some of you may be thinking, "DO what is right? What the heck is the right thing to do in the first place?" The good news is that you "get" to decide what is right. Then, choose to do it, day by day, week by week, month by month...you get the picture. Choices are made in an instant. Habits and a new lifestyle are made over time.
Tired of making those doggone New Year's Resolutions? Good! Forget about resolving to do anything. Rather, simply choose to do it (or not do something probably bad for you). My own resolve to change my entire life came after I made the decision to change. Those first days and weeks were nothing short of hell. Out of shape, 60 lbs. overweight, chronically depressed, to name the biggies. My resolve took time to build and gain strength. Now, it is more powerful than a Ford Focus (my beloved automobile).
Take some time to dream, to envision, to create in your mind the life you have always imagined. Yes, you can create it. First, you have to "see" it. Second, redecide about who you are and what your life can actually look like. For example, I once believed that my life would no longer amount to anything. I thought my day in the sun had come and gone. Wrong! I began to envision how I could "show up" in the world in a powerfully different way. Although I could hardly ride my bike up a steep climb, I began to see and feel what that would be like. Sixteen months later, I can now DO what I could only dream about.
One more part to all this, and it may sound a little weird. Do you know, down deep, that you are not broken, there is nothing wrong with you and you do not need fixing? Until I got these truths in my whole being, there was no way I had the power to change my life for the good.
If you want to, check out www.authenticleadershipcenter.com. My life is close to 180 degrees different because of my experience with the wonderfully loving people from Authentic Leadership.
You can do it. I did.
Kent
Tired of making those doggone New Year's Resolutions? Good! Forget about resolving to do anything. Rather, simply choose to do it (or not do something probably bad for you). My own resolve to change my entire life came after I made the decision to change. Those first days and weeks were nothing short of hell. Out of shape, 60 lbs. overweight, chronically depressed, to name the biggies. My resolve took time to build and gain strength. Now, it is more powerful than a Ford Focus (my beloved automobile).
Take some time to dream, to envision, to create in your mind the life you have always imagined. Yes, you can create it. First, you have to "see" it. Second, redecide about who you are and what your life can actually look like. For example, I once believed that my life would no longer amount to anything. I thought my day in the sun had come and gone. Wrong! I began to envision how I could "show up" in the world in a powerfully different way. Although I could hardly ride my bike up a steep climb, I began to see and feel what that would be like. Sixteen months later, I can now DO what I could only dream about.
One more part to all this, and it may sound a little weird. Do you know, down deep, that you are not broken, there is nothing wrong with you and you do not need fixing? Until I got these truths in my whole being, there was no way I had the power to change my life for the good.
If you want to, check out www.authenticleadershipcenter.com. My life is close to 180 degrees different because of my experience with the wonderfully loving people from Authentic Leadership.
You can do it. I did.
Kent
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
