At first glance I thought Curtis was trying to kill me. Who could blame him, but a 2hr cyclocross workout in July? WTF, this IS what Im here for, right? Buy the ticket, take the ride, right?(I love quoting bessie's uncle)So after some healthy thunderstorms, I packed the bike onto the car and headed to RRCC. Thursday, July 16, 2009
Love at First CX & A Gentlemen's Race Update
At first glance I thought Curtis was trying to kill me. Who could blame him, but a 2hr cyclocross workout in July? WTF, this IS what Im here for, right? Buy the ticket, take the ride, right?(I love quoting bessie's uncle)So after some healthy thunderstorms, I packed the bike onto the car and headed to RRCC. Tuesday, July 14, 2009
I Really Should've Known Better
Monday, July 13, 2009
Addendum...(Doug)
Now I realize how horse race handicappers have it so tough. Ha Ha. Coming into this race, I was 1 for 1 winning my age group this year. Then I nearly finish last in this race. It's all about the "class" you're running against.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Respect the Endurathon (doug)
Now, for those of you who don't enjoy meticulous mathematical evaluation, you can skip to the end of this discussion. I think it's interesting enough that although I went into this race thinking that 6:30 would be a good time, I am now unhappy with my 6:30 (actually 6:35). You see, my 6:30 goal came from the following thought:
1. My BEST 1.2 mile swim ever, in calm, controlled water, was 46 minutes.
2. In my 3 prior triathons (all sprints), I have averaged 18-20 mph, for 12-18 miles (depending on the race).
3. My fastest 1/2 marathon ever was 1:49:00
So, I figured, that if you put the "perfect" 1/2 Ironman" together for me (allowing for a 50 minute swim due to the current and waves, a 19mph bike, and a perfect run), with 5 minute transitions, I would finish at 5 hours and 47 minutes. In other words, if I was able to do each Endurathon leg alone, 2 weeks apart, so that I could do my best, my time would be 5:47. I then started adding some "leeway", based of possible issues. First, I thought I'd have some trouble in a windy, wavy, swim course. I might get off track, swim longer, panic, etc. ADD 10 mins. Next, on the bike, I just gave a 10 minute break for the fact that I'd not ever gone this long w/o drafting with a group. I mean, we normally average 18mph on our 60 mile rides, but we draft. And I've managed to average 20mph in a 14 mile sprint triathlon, but no way can I hold that speed for 56 miles on my own. ADD 10 mins. Lastly, the run. Now this is my forte, I thought, BUT after 56 miles on a bike, I can't run a 1:50. I thought I was being generous by saying I could (at worst) run a 10 minute mile, right? That's 2:10 added to the rest, which puts me at essentially a 6:30 (6:27). Mostly perfect day, happy finisher.
So, why is my 6:35 so bad? Because it didn't happen that way. What happened instead was a bit frustrating. Shockingly, I had the best swim EVER! I came out of the water, after the most fearful, daunting swim into a headwind and waves, in just 48 minutes. Then I had, in my mind, one of the best rides I could imagine* (please note this asterisk), despite the heavy headwinds and driving rains, and finished in 3:05:00. I was GOLDEN. Even a measly 10 minute mile would get me a 6:10 or so, which would be amazing!
An then came the run. The part that I was looking forward to. I took off from T2, got about .5 miles, and my legs just locked up. Not just A leg. Not just a part of my legs. MY LEGS. Both quads, both calves. Everything. I was going to quit. I actually had another participant stop and help me work out one of the bad cramps (I was laying down), and then I stood up, and started walking. I figured that if I could walk the whole thing, I'd at least finish, and if I had to stop, I'd stop. By mile 3, I'd loosened up enough to start shuffling/jogging some, and I was able to get through the rest of the course by run/walk (mostly walk). I finished the run in 2:30 (an impressive 11.5 minute mile), for a 6:35. Could've/Should've been a little better, but still a fun day.
So, was it just tough conditions that got me? NO WAY. I think, despite the slightly bigger waves than I expected in the water, and the relatively windy and rainy conditions on the bike and run, the weather wasn't much (if any) of a factor. Veterans (Michael, Marcia) and first timers (B2, Coldweiser, and Jackie - the prettier of the wonder twins) all did exceptionally well, so I can't blame anything but whatever caused my cramping (again, I'm already googling nutrition articles) for my goof up. I just want to say "wow" to all my friends and Rogue club mates who did so well. That was one tough day's work, and you all kicked ass. Special props to a couple folks, if I may indulge. First, as B has already mentioned, our friend David was cruising to a PR for sure when he took a wicked spill on his bike during the end of the bike leg. He still managed to get up, fix the flat, dust off the road rash (I saw some of it, and it is seriously nasty), and still finish the race in 6 hours. Simply ridiculous, if you ask me. Secondly, my man Coldweiser. I called this good old friend out a few months ago, when he had just started running again after some time off for having 2 kids. I mentioned to him that he might want to start riding a bike, and then told him to "man up and join me in Muncie". Not only did he buy a bike, learn to ride it, and start swimming, he registered for Muncie, showed up, and finished in 5:48. I guess you "manned up". Serves me right for challenging the guys I know are better athletes than me. Jon, you rocked. Check out Jon's videos on VIMEO.
[*HERE'S THAT ASTERISK: I need to throw a special thanks to our friend Brian Blackwell - B2 - who, if you read my last post, helped me "rearrange" my aero bars, last minute. With the driving, sideways rain, and the 15-25 mph winds in our face for some of the bike course, I needed my "aero" positions more than I ever expected. I would not have made it that 56 miles were it not for the subtle changes that B2 helped me make at 9pm Friday night. Thanks, Brian!]
So, I'm not sure where this leaves me. I clearly am missing something (most likely nutrition wise) that is causing me these minor (yet important) issues in these endurance events. I mentioned to B on the phone today that missing my 4 hour marathon time by 5 minutes this year left me with no regrets. I'd given my honest best effort, and came up just short. I can accept that. This race, however, leaves me torn. It was not my best performance (although it was my best effort on this particular day). I'm not sure I want to get involved in what it takes to train for this length event again, yet I now think I could get that 6 hour mark in a true best performance. I almost think I'd like to try again next year for that goal (and if it hit 6:05, on my best day, as long as I didn't have an issue like the cramping, I'd be good with it). Tough to say. I also don't know where it leaves me on the whole Full Ironman discussion. Do I want to do the event just to do it. I clearly will never "compete" for even a top 50%, so is it worth training so hard just to finish that event in 16 hours, walking it in? I don't know. I almost feel like if you can't do it "competitively", or at least reasonably competitively, then don't do it just to do it. I almost felt guilty and embarrassed walking across the finish line yesterday. Mad at myself. I mean really...80th out of 89 in my age group? I'm not working out everyday, and running, and riding, and doing boot camp, just to show up at an event to be in the bottom 10%.
Oh well, regardless, I know I'm looking forward to many Olympic distance tri's (and sprints), which fit better into my pattern of A.D.D training I suppose (i.e. no commitment). I need the ego boost, I think.
So, what next? Well, besides my little tri schedule, we obviously have the OVCX season coming up. More importantly, though, I also believe I'm ready to commit to the Gentlemans' Race as well (see Brian's prior posts ad nauseum). As is typical with the things I get involved in thanks to Brian, I do not belong or deserve to be invited, but I'm happy to give it a try. Wish us luck, we'll need it.
Big Time Tri-Peoples!!
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Famous Last Words (Doug...yes, Doug)
Anyway, bike fit changes, new compression socks (still haven't decided if I'm wearing them during the bike and run, just the run, or just for recovery), and a full week of tapering/detox (but for a couple of "triathlete beers" (MGD 64) tonight) aside, I am feeling pretty good about Saturday. I've trained to where I feel comfortable, and now rested to where I feel pretty strong. I think I've got a good Transition plan together, and it appears at this point that the race will be wetsuit legal (it will be close). So all that's left is the race itself, and the stuff that's out of my hands. Hope for good health, no injuries, and decent weather.
On the tapering note, I took essentially the entire week off, but for a great little lake swim and bike ride workout yesterday. You see, Alison and I signed her up for the sprint distance race on a whim the other day (she'll be doing that with absolutely no training, or even any exercise, in the last few months -- god bless her), so we needed to get her out on her bike and in the water just to make sure everything was working. We did a 20 minute open water swim at the quarry with the awesome group from the Training Studio, and then jumped on the bikes for about 30 minutes (her first time on the bike since the super sprint earlier this winter/spring). She did great, and is ready for her sprint. I know she'll do well, and more importantly, have fun (and just have something to do while we're all doing our thing).
So I guess that's it. We're mostly packed up, and plan on getting on the road tomorrow around 1pm (right after the funeral for the father of a friend of ours, and a really cool guy -- R.I.P. Bruce Kranz, you'll be missed!). We should get to Muncie by 4 or so, hit the pre-race meeting, meet up with my friend Jon -- who is coming from Ann Arbor (Booooo!) to do the race with me -- and our other Rogue, Training Studio, and Louisville friends, and then have dinner as a group somewhere. After that, maybe I'll head out and buy a new tri suit, get a different bike, get some new running shoes, and tie one on before the race. OK, maybe not, but I'm looking forward to seeing how this race goes because it might have a big impact on whether I start planning to either improve my time in a 2nd 1/2 IM, or (ahem, doubt it) even look toward a full IM someday, or whether I just start getting back to reasonable training levels and race Olympics and sprints while also enjoying some of the other stuff I love. I suppose regardless of how this goes, once it's over, my attention will probably turn back to CX for this year (YES!).
Race report to come (maybe even a mobile update post). I know Michael posted a great time last year (around 5:05) and will for sure be looking to better it. Our friend David S. is racing to beat a 5:30 or so (I believe), as is Mr. Blackwell. I'm still sticking to my 6:30, as I simply cannot figure out where I'm going to pick up minutes to beat that time. Again, with it being a first try, the goal is really to finish, and I'll be happy as long as I can get through it without any major malfunctions. Maybe the course is faster than I am giving it credit for. We'll see where the time falls, and I'll know better for the next time.
Good luck to all our other participants. I'll see you up there tomorrow.
Good Luck To All My Iron-Peoples!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
How To Gamble Effectively
Sunday, July 5, 2009
What a wild Weekend!

Nice pix too!!
We also had Texas Roadhouse Local John Puffer on the podium as discussed here
Great to have our hometown folks kicking serious Masters ass!!
Add to that a fantastic TT in Monaco for the Grand Depart of the TDF and I couldnt figure out what to watch next! Thank god for the dvr so I was able to see Roddick vs Federer in an all time classic Wimbledon final and then....look around, kids are engaged elsewhere....flipped on the tour to watch Cavendish doling out whup-ass to all that cared for some. Not bad for a rainy afternoon.
If that doesn't get you out on your bike, nothing will.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
TDF Starts Today, WTF People?





Charles Barkley said "I'm not a role model" amongst many other highly quotable things, but shouldn't we be listening to the future Gov of Alabama? It's fun when Sir Charles is right.
Here in the village we are spoiled rotten with cycling this weekend. Masters Nationals Crits are at Churchill Downs, that's beyond cool. Watching the best masters racers throw it down under the shadow of the twin spires? Please. Just add beverage. Speaking of beverages, the papist has promised a Bobke story, some Liggett ruminations and a few drink recommendations for watching the TDF.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
the long way home
yeah this is how it feels to ride fast after 3-4 weeks off the bike. coming back slowly.Monday, June 29, 2009
a rich tapestry of posty goodness

You think she really fell asleep while getting tattoos on her face? Sounds like Dad didn't dig the new look.
okay maybe thats just how this road back to fitness feels, but damn its going to take some work!! Anyway there's lots going on so here's a little catch-up for us all. Really I think it all comes down to communication. And a design team for whom english is a FIRST language. I dunno, maybe Im just too critical.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
welcome back Kotter
Friday, June 26, 2009
lets close the china chapter
Knowledge becomes wisdom when it is used- someone famous probably said that, but I heard it from my friend Dorothy so she gets the credit.
Chongqing is like Houston, its hot w spicy food and beautiful women, but nobody realizes how big it is
There are no real traffic laws observed in China. Lanes and space are what u make them. If someone has to come in your lane, they're coming in. No one gets crazy, it is what it is.
The Chinese don't tend to exagerate.
When someone in China says something is spicy. They mean it. I ate something so hot I can't remember half my childhood. It may have been cow lung.
A motorcycle can carry 3-4 people more easily than you think.
When something in China is old, its old. Thousands of years. When something in the states is old, it just needs a polish.
Familiarity breeds contempt, with a billion people, etiquette is mandatory. the tradition of formal politeness keeps people from fighting and bickering.
The fork is overrated
This is a country not run by lawyers and frivolous lawsuits. The heavy hitter would be very skinny here. The Chinese expect you to use common sense instead of safeguarding everything. Slippery stairs-watch your step. Dangerous building?-dont get too close. Isn't this better than being protected and allowed to be a complete dumbass? Coffee is hot. Yes, dumbass. It is.
Chinese Lineup- there is no line, just go.
China has some of the most beautiful women(outside of alabama) McDonalds will ruin that just like home.
The food is different in every region(as u'd imagine), most of it is fantastic, but really. I can't eat another tentacle(that was TENTACLE duane)eventually you quit asking what animal it is and just it eat. If it tastes good, then ask.
For people who claim not to have religion, when things go bad, they pray. Then they go back to not having religion. Its the same as in the states. They're just more self actualized about their faith.
I quit trying to explain where Louisville was. I just explained that's where KFC is from. I think they were impressed.
Now its time to refocus on getting my fat ass back in shape and getting ready for cx! Finally "that time of year" is bearing down upon us.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Felt Recalls fork on all F1Z CX bikes
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Felt Bicycles has a voluntary recall of about 1450 2007/2008 F1X Cyclocross bicycles.The bicycle’s fork steerer tube can break, causing the rider to lose control, fall and suffer injuries. There have been six reports of these forks breaking with minor injuries reported in two of the incidents.
The recall includes all 2007/2008 Felt F1X Cyclocross Bicycles. These bicycles are available in Semi-Matte Black and have aluminum frames with carbon fiber forks with aluminum steerer tubes.
Get your bike to your local Felt dealer!
peace.
Seiler

