That not so fresh feeling

I had it, but I’ve done some stuff to change that.  I’ve updated my blog theme and re-organized the side a bit.  The key thing I’ve done is integrated my twitter stuff.  For those of you who haven’t found twitter yet, you have now!  Twitter is a platform for what is called “micro-blogging”.  You are limited to 140 characters – you can basically comment or say what you are doing how.  You can find my twitter feed @ http://twitter.com/scottpatton if you are so inclined.  You can do all kinds of cool stuff like update it with your cell sync it with your facebook and your blog.  There are TONS of people on there including our new president, Lance Armstrong, friends, family and people you couldn’t POSSIBLY care about… It’s there if you want to use it!

As you may have picked up if you are following me on FB or any other place, the quest for fitness has been rekindled.  I hate to admit it, but I lack the fire I had last year.  I have this feeling (right now) like “I did this last year…. why do it now… only to have to do it again”.  I mean, how many times have I (and kabillions of other people) lost a butt load of pounds, FELT SO FREEKING GOOD…. only to start eating like you used to, forgetting to work out…. bleh… it’s painful to think about.

Last year, I got motivated and ran a streak of 50+ days with intentional exercise.  I’m at 2 right now.  2… 50+ more to go.  The cool thing I have going for me is that Sarah is now gearing up for her next Team in Training event.  She will be riding the “Fletcher Flyer” in June.  Yes, I said RIDING!  I’m very excited to have her doing a sport I can easily support her in her efforts.  I will also be riding the Flyer with her.  We have a few months to get ready for the 100 mile jaunt around North Carolina.  I’ve ridden a Century in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Florida.  Time to add NC!

Beating up the short-bus driver

Sarah went out running on Saturday and ran a long ways – 6+ miles.  I don’t have the details in my brain cell, but it was 6ish… she then came up with an idea that we go biking and suggested a bicycle configuration I wasn’t really prepared for at the moment, but with 2 cups of coffee and an hours or so – anything can happen.

We packed up the van and headed to the Silver Comet.  I was on the Frankenbike, Derek on the Trail-a-bike and Max in tow.  Sarah was on her chick bike (It’s a chick bike – cuz it’s got little pink bits all over that chicks dig).  We got to the trail, saddled up and off we went.  The first mile or so was rocky … not the trail, just getting everybody in their places so they could have bright shining faces.  Sarah was cruising along at a good pace.  I was suprised.  Doing quite well.  I was well within my comfort zone, but the pace was suprising.

About 11 miles out on the SCT, there is a really neat tunnel.  It’s cool, nice… and 11 miles out.  I like to ride through it.  Sarah knew this and had secretly planned to try to make it there.  That she did… heck, she even dropped us!  I could roll with her on the flats, but there are some LONG false flats and the added 100+ pounds did NOT make it easy to roll up.  I was very impressed at her effort!

On the way back, Sarah got a flat – which kind of sucked, as I hadn’t prepared us for that.  Stupid on my part, but I flagged down a couple of guys and they hooked us up.  We were back on the road quickly.

Sarah beat us back to the car and all were happy to be back.  Sarah flabergasted me with her riding ability yesterday!  She was like a woman on a mission.  All that running has her some aerobic fitness that is paying off.  Good stuff.  Derek was having fun on his trail-a-bike and Max, I think he slept most of the way, but he likes it too.

So yes … As I drove the short bus, I got my keister kicked.  I want a re-match!

Rock Racing on a smaller scale

On the darkside

I have ridden in the same basic colors for the past 8 years of my life.  I can think of only 1 occasion other than Sunday and Today that I  have worn clothing other than the Red, White and Green of the Eastside Wheelmen.  There may be a few isolated incidents, but for the most part, I have always worn ESW clothes.

I was recently contacted by Rock Racing to do a review of their clothing.  Sure – why not?  As I ride wearing the Rock stuff,  I have to say it feels a bit odd.  Rock Racing has hit bicycle racing fast and furious.  With fancy cars, high dollar stuff, crazy team kits… it’s really been quite exciting.  There are some other political innuendos, some odd behaviours and even ties to doping that many people don’t like.  I don’t have evidence, so I try not to pass judgement, but it have to confess I sort of felt weird wearing a Rock Racing jersey.  It made me think a lot.   It stands the potential to upset my dad.  I know he isn’t the biggest fan of the team’s owner.  Do a search on “Michael Ball Rock Racing” … you can learn lots!

While riding along, one fella even went as far as to yell “ROCK RACING RULES!”  I nodded and kept riding.  I was kind of worried that this guy, riding in a tank top, was going to chase me down and ask me random questions about my jersey, socks and other stuff.

Having said all of that – the jersey is REALLY nice.  It’s European so the zipper is backwards, but whatever, it still works.  The socks… I dont like tall socks.  I feel like I am riding in Ugg boots or something.

I am going to keep the kit, wear it when I feel like it and see if I can diversify my riding apparel a bit.  I do have other team clothes coming from other sources.  Ultimately, the cool thing is I have to do less laundry

Feeling a bit weathered…

What a weekend!  After my post on Saturday, I began a party-a-thon that was really kind of crazy.  Max had a birthday party at jumpits.  Derek went as well.  Let me just say that Max got his money’s worth @ Jumpits.  He was non stop for 2 hours.  Jumping, bouncing, sliding, jumping sliding, bouncing, running… he was crazy!  He had his pizza and cake and went back to jumping, bouncing and being crazy!

Following that, Sarah took the little buggar back to nap (which he almost did) and I took Derek to another birthday party.  This one was at a farm with horses and stuff.  He had a lot of fun playing with the critters and stuff.

Following THAT party … it was off to a neighborhood party.  That was fun too!  The kids played a lot.  The hightlight of the party for our family was the dunk tank.  Derek LOVED getting dunked.  I mean, he was crazy in there!  Max dunked Sarah too – not so much by throwing the ball though.

Sunday we had one of my French Toast breakfasts, I headed to the velodrome for a few laps on my new bike, then it was time for our first day of cub scouts.  Derek had a BLAST!  They learned about the American Flag, they did a teamwork – dexterity thing and a crazy thing where they had to carry a cotton ball in a spoon.  I was over with the parents learning about all of the volunteer opportunities.  (they REALLY want you to volunteer).  While we were there, Sarah mowed the lawn while Max didn’t so much sleep again.

We finished off the day with a trip to REI, Sam’s Club and the world’s greatest bbq house – Williamson Brothers – WOWZA!

It was a good weekend.  I wasn’t so much looking forward to waking up this morning… then instead of hitting snooze, I hit “Alarm Off” so I didn’t get my heavenly 9 minutes of rest.  (I caught the mistake and had to force myself to stay awake no relaxing.

Back to biking

The back thing is over.  I am declaring it OVER!  That’s right, you heard it here.  It’s over.  (Unfortunately, my back MAY or may not agree, but right now, I feel good and I have for serveral days, so let’s move forward with this!)

I finally got my kneeling chair at work.  I can honestly say it REALLY helps your back.  More than I imagined.  It forces you to sit in a nice comfortable position.  Now, if you are a cubicle slouch like myself, you have to sit properly, not rest your arms on the desk and all that… so your shoulders start to hurt, but whateva… it works!  The other thing is… your knees/shins aren’t really used to that – so you end up changing back and forth.  I think, in time I will be able to sit in it for long periods…

Biking – Yup… I am biking again without pain, other than an occassional bee sting!  I will say, the lack of bees in Colorado was a very nice thing.  I have been stung by a bee 4 times in the last year.  I used to be much more allergic than I have been recently, so every time it goes down – I get REALLY nervous … today, I am okay.

Max went with me today.  He was fun.  Pointing out every ORANGE thing he saw.  My bike is orange, I think it got pointed out at least 200 times.  There was a 1mile/5k run going on … on the silver comet trail.  I was polite and shared the trail but the runners all seemed to really believe we shouldn’t be there.  (I think some of the tri-geeks barrelling down the trail in their speedos and aerobars ruffled the runners feathers a bit).

The coolest thing that happened was when we got back in the car, Max got all buckled in and Max goes:
“DADDY!”  I said “MAX!”.  He said “THAT WAS FUN!”  It made me happy.  We stopped at the “Amenities Area”  and Max showed other cyclist his Jungle Book figurines.  He was wearing his little biking shirt and he said “THIS IS MY BIKING SHIRT!  IT’S LIKE DEREK’S BIKING SHIRT!”  He is an excitable little kid!

Tomorrow – Boy Scouts – Day 1!  Not really sure WHAT exactly to expect, but Derek is excited.  I do think we will have fun.

Riding the wave

My back is definitely getting better. The problem, if you will, is that I can do just about everything except work. Yeah, I know… a tough situation to be in! Well, unfortunately, I do have to work. Here’s the deal… I can mow grass, ride my bike, hang out at home, do dishes, drive my car – but regardless of what I do, sitting in an office chair SUCKS! My doc is about to get me a note that says I need a kneeling chair which he thinks will help a lot.  I don’t know this woman at all… I just stole her picture off a random website.

I am working with my company to see if they will buy the chair, we will have to see.  (Rumor has it, they will, we just ahve to learn how to do it).

Back to riding – I have ridden 36 miles this month.  Compared to the 4 I rode last month – we are really cranking the soulja boy or something.  It feels good.  I am avoiding hill, hard riding, etc… just trying to keep my legs moving pretty fast and my heart rate up.  I did lose some fitness in August, but that’s alright.  I have to get this back thing fixed pretty well before I worry about taking on “goal oriented athletic endeavors”.  I will probalby try to ride out the week, this weekend I won’t be riding as Mom will be in town.  Not sure what we will be doing, but there will be crazy 2 year old chasing involved, I am sure!

If you haven’t yet, check out http://www.sarahpatton.com.  Sarah is working hard on her fundraising as well as her running!  Every dollar counts!  The sooner we knock out the funds acquisition, the sooner she can just run like the wind!

August Weight Loss Status – not so good!

August Status

Okay, so I guess sooner or later I was going to fall “off he wagon”. No excuses here, just facts. I was hurt this month and couldn’t work out. In this situation I turn to my only do-able vice (other than coffee) and eat… Back is getting better, so – things are getting better!

Yesterday I went out and did about 18ish miles yesterday.  My back was 100% fine during the ride.  After the ride I was a bit sore for a short while, but nothing like last month.  A little Bio Freeze, a little treatment and I was sleeping pretty well last night.

I am a bit upset about the whole “gain”, the trend going the right direction, the missing a month of riding, but what can I do at this point?  I guess I can get back on my bike and ride work my way into the riding.  Sarah and Derek are doing their runs on Saturdays now, so I think Max and I will be biking.  He enjoys that a bunch!  Won’t happen until next weekend, but whatev… the key thing is getting back on my eating routine, get back on the bike and roll the right way!  I have lost over 40 pounds this year (really lost 50 but gained some back).  I can use August as my “vacation” and get back to bid-ness!  Schwing!

Things are a little better

Just to get you updated – my back is doing much better.  It was much much better until this weekend.  I mowed grass – didn’t cause too much trouble – I carried a big old ladder around the neighborhood – not too bad.  Forgot to take any advil before I went to sleep – oops.  Kind of stiff and sore, but that’s alright.

I got the slick thing – a “TENS Unit” – which is a little electronic stim unit that sends a little electricity into your body and relaxes your muscles.  I love the thing!  I wear it around on my belt and get “treatment” as those in the NFL call it!  It is the bomb digity!

I think – if I feel okay in the morning tomorrow, I may actually take my bike and go for a little ride at lunch.  I wont try to re-start riding on the first day – but I think I may be coming out of my back-induced retirement.

Sarah and Derek went out on a bootylicious run on Saturday.  It was apparently really fun – lots and lots and lots of people running just a stone’s throw from my office.  In CO, Sarah had about 15 people to run with for her Team in Training thing – In the ATL we are looking at 150+  There were other kids there and everything.

Max and I went to the car wash – which is one of Max’s favorite things in life.  The little fella loves the car wash.  Not really sure why – but he does!

That’s about it for this weekend.  We have been to a couple neighborhood parties, had some fun.  As I lay here typing, I see Spanky enjoying her bed… I think she has the right idea! Zzzzzz  Then again, Max isn’t going to allow that.  Funky weather… maybe a trip to Monkey Joe’s will be in order!

ps.  www.sarahpatton.com follow her blog and donate to her cause!  It’s all a tax deduction!

Goodbye July, Hello heat…

So I know that all of my blog reading fans have been hitting refresh over and over…. this is the day you all wait for, right?  (Who am I kidding, 98% of my “readers” get this in their email and the other 2 already went home from work for the week!)  Okay, so there you have it.  I am sort of stuck again.  Seems to happen right around the “10′s” and right around the end of the month.  Maybe it’s end of the month stress caused my all of my end of the month work I don’t have to do… (in the support world, you have to work when the problems exist, they don’t understand the month, close of business or any other such thing!

I honestly think I did this “plateau” to myself.  Last week I rode a seemingly HUGE number of miles.  My body probably said “Hey man, STOP!”.  I didn’t listen and it said “Ok, I am not going to let ANYTHING go… we might need it to get your big keister up the mountain for pancakes!”.  This is all, of course rumor and speculation, but hey… this is my blog and I can speculate if the urge this me.

The other thing I updated you on 1 month ago was MISSING my June mileage goal by a bit (35 miles?)  Well, I took care of that in July.  I finished off the month with an unbelievable 758+ miles.   Recall my goal was 600.  That’s a spare 158 miles and a 10k.  Only 2 days of the month did my average mileage go below 20 miles a day.  I finished with an average of 24.45 miles a day.  I didn’t ride 9 days so the actual average was about 35.5 miles a riding day.  If you throw in the last 3 months, I have literally done over 1800 miles (and a 10k).  It’s crazy to think I have done this.

• April – 435 miles – 14.5 miles a day
• May – 490 miles – 15.8 miles a day
• June – 532 miles – 18 miles a day
• July – 758 miles – 24.5 miles a day

I think I can comfortably say it wont go up in August.  I am glad I have a few “carry over minutes”.  I have a vacation, lots of travel, some business travel … I am going to try to ride hard some next week, the week after and bury myself in the “pain cave” before I have to take a few days off…. recover and hopefully get ready to open up my “cottage of wattage” on some poor unsuspecting bike racers down at the DLV… Eh… if not, I hope I get my new bike and have fun riding it too!

July was a success.  Let’s hope August isn’t a hot mess!

Doing it the right way

I’ve won bike races in the past.  Some were gifts, some were luck, some were brain cells and occasionally, I won them on power.  Last night, I won a bike race on power and brain cells combined.  It was perhaps my “perfect race” for the night.  The race was a  snowball… 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…. all the way up to 15 points awarded on each lap.  Second place on each lap gets 0….

We roll off and I grab the garbage.  One point… nobody cares.  They start to REALLY care on lap 2, don’t know why, but he… go for it it!! On lap 2 and three “fake sprinted” just enough to make a couple other guys work for 2 and 3 points.  Four was a good sprint, I floated.  Just buying myself a little recovery.   Five…. wound it up late.   I let them all sprint and I started sprinting too late to win 5 points, but early enough to catch them by surprise.  You see,  I knew they would all go high and look for somebody else to do some work.

As the field went up looking for a sucker, I gave them a sucker punch they were not expecting.  I attacked.  I have been working on long efforts, so I just hit it at about 90% and rolled hard.  I grabbed 7, but 1 person was chasing (Gwen).  I saw her and she is a good rider, so I eased up, let her through to get 8.  That meant we could work together.  I got 9, she got 10 and I started calculating.  Normally random number trivia is my specialty.  At 170 beats per minute, I cant figure this out and I want the win.  She pulls up on lap 13 and I attacked again.  I had to take “my lap” (14) and hers to guaruntee the win.  I held on to win the 15th lap by a large margin and ultimately win the race!

The other races last night… the 5 lap – I didn’t warm up well.  Ooops…. the points race, I probably placed.  I rode it to win, but not too smart.  Great workout though!  Last night felt great, this morning… not so much.  Then again, it’s a good feeling…