No more rides before the 14th!

I turned my bike in to the shop for an overhaul last night. This means only one thing, if I can't do this ride by now, there's no chance for additional training. The ol' ride needs some work though, so this will benefit not only the well being of my bike, but me as well. Hopefully when I'm cranking away on the pedals come next Sunday, the chain will not fall off and my gears will not slip. (which has been happening lately) She's a bit dirty too. Part of the ride I did this past Monday was on gravel. That old ranch road in Medina wasn't paved for a few miles and I wish I would had been on a mountain bike with shocks and knobby tires. So, all that said, come next week, I'll get her back with shiny components, a new chain, and a good washin'. Amen....

Three More Weeks...

I have 3 more weeks before all donations have to be in and counted. This gives me 3 more weeks to raise as much money as possible for the LAF! At the moment, I'm hovering at $11,345, which I must say is one hell of a response from everyone. I honestly didn't think I would get over $10,000 when I first started the blog and decided to do this ride. So, for all of you that have committed to donating, but still haven't sent anything in, please do so as soon as possible. I'm counting on you all to help me fight this disease! In addition to the ride on Sunday 14 October, I'm doing the 5k run/walk on the Saturday before as a little extra event. I'm not a runner, so its more then likely that I'll walk the 5k. Don't forget to donate!!!

As for my continuing training.... I'll be doing the Raven Ride 61 mile route in Huntsville, Tx this Saturday. For those of you that are local and want to join, it starts at 0800. Follow the link for more information and directions to the starting sight.

$10,000 and counting!!!!

Well, I have finally done it; I have reached the $10,000 fundraising goal today. I’m so pleased with everyone’s support and encouragement! Thank you Robin for getting me through that number! I do believe I have slacked on the blog entries as of late, but honestly, I have been training. Here’s a quick summary: Sunday, 2 September I rode a flat 54 miles out west of Houston. Thankfully it was overcast, not too hot, good company. I got in a very short jog in Chicago on Thursday morning, and played golf on Friday, (but don’t think golfing counts really). Yesterday, after returning from a few days away, I rode a sponsored ride starting at the Prairie View A&M University campus, 63 miles for the Tour de Pink. This was a Pink Ribbons project fundraiser for breast cancer, this small but lively ride has raised over $225,000 for breast cancer research. Originally, I had intended to ride 80 miles, but I was too late to the start, and by the time I reached the turn off it had been closed. I rode strong for the first ¾ of the ride, keeping pace between 21-23mph, but slacked off the last ¼ due to being tired and having a few mechanical issues. Also, the pouring rain that I had encountered caused me to slow up a bit although the cool rain was very, very refreshing! Final stats for the ride, averaged 18.6mph, burned 2200 calories, and my heart rate average was 157. Not too shabby....

Here are some sponsored rides that I will likely do before my big event October 14th, in combination with my own personal rides with my “teammates.”

Ride the Coast, September 16, (distance uncertain)

The Raven Ride, September 22, 61 miles

Cy-Fair Lion’s Club Bike for Sight, September 30, 62 miles

This one is the weekend after the Ride for the Roses, but looks like it would be fun.
Bike Around the Bay, October 20-21, 170 miles total over 2 days,

One last thing, even though I have reached my goal, I will still be accepting donations up until the deadline set by the LAF. So please continue to forward the links and sending in the contributions. All donations have to be in by October 11, 2007. Let's see how much I can get the final tally too, I'm so very excited about this event!

Another hilly ride....

Well, the weather report for Sunday in Chappell Hill is much cooler then last Sunday! We are also expecting scattered showers. You know what that means??? CLOUDS = SHADE! The group is once again meeting on Sunday morning, but we are starting 30 minutes earlier. I was a bad organizer last weekend, I promised to bring sandwiches for following the ride, and forgot. So this week, I have to pony up and feed the boys. We will have few newbies to the group this week too, yippee! One, more thing... I will bring my camera, so guys... wear your favorite jersey!

Sunday ride update...

Yesterday was HOT, damn HOT! The paper this morning reported that the temp was 102 degrees, with a heat index of 112 degrees. Now, even in the morning, it was hot. I’m sure these temperatures were the highs for the day, and I’m sure we were not riding with it feeling quite like that, but it was close, I promise you. We started at 0730 as I mentioned in the blog from Friday, and we were all off to a decent start. I did have my legs with me yesterday, unlike last weekend and I felt pretty darn good for the most part. I did sweat my backside off and consumed tons of water and ‘Gu.’ About 7 miles from the end, one of the riders cramped up really bad. It’s just a reminder that even the most seasoned riders have issues in the heat; it’s nothing to take lightly! I did ride better then last week, I finished the 41 mile route 45 minutes faster then last week even though it was hotter outside.

Following the ride, we were all sitting around complaining about the heat (of course). Everyone has their own methods to beat the heat, stay hydrated, and prevent cramping. There are all sorts of products out there to keep you going, salt and electrolyte tablets, gu packs, little fizzy tablets you drop in your water, water and more water... I could go on forever. One guy even mentioned drinking de-fizzed cola, for the sugar and caffeine. Though, I’m not too sure that’s for heat, more of an energy fix when you’re exhausted. The best way to beat the heat for all practical purposes is to just stay home and in the air conditioning... or go to a friends house with a pool and drink beer all day! But, for those of us that were twisted enough to be out there in the heat we all have our own methods, what works best for us individually. This is what I try to do: 1. drink a bottle of water (16oz) every 30-45 minutes, with some sort of electrolyte replacement, (I liked the HEED, and some of the guys swear by Perpetuem, both of which are made by Hammer nutrition) 2. Eat a Gu every 30-45 minutes rather then every hour in normal temperatures, 3. Lots and lots of sunscreen, 4. Dial back the pace a few notches, 5. Pray that there’s shade along the route, 6. If need be, STOP and take a break, there’s no point in killing yourself on a training ride, and last but not least... 7. Don’t ride with a hangover!

I’m not good with remembering my camera! I really wanted to take some pictures along the ride this time around, but I once again, forgot the camera. It might have been a good thing because instead of posting pictures, I found some links to share of the areas where we rode yesterday. More information, better photography too... take a look below. Plus, we were ‘kindly’ reminded by a local Chappell Hill resident yesterday that the town goes through a lot to keep up the public areas in the town where we park to start our ride. She did tell us that there’s a donation box for us to drop in some cash to help offset the cost to the town. It’s a very good idea, and I know I really appreciate the little area which they have set aside and refurbished. I think maybe she needs to work on her public relations and delivery skills though, she came across as a little rude, but hey, it’s her town. So, if anyone plans to ride out there... take a $5 or a $10 and throw it in the box. It’s the least we can do for using the public facilities that are available and obviously maintained on private money.

http://www.chappellhilltx.com/

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/washington_on_the_brazos/

Movin' Along...

Well well, I had a very good day yesterday. Everyone that responded, responded kindly. Just yesterday I received $600 in donations! Putting me at $5950... I feel like I'm getting so close to my goal. More news... I had a really good right last night. Only did 24 miles, but there was NO RAIN, which seems to be rare as of late!

Thanks everyone that contributed yesterday, and special thanks to Mason for his 2nd donation... A relative of his was recently diagnosed with cancer in her spine. I wish her all the luck in the world for a speedy recovery. Everyday I do this and train for my ride I discover another reason why its such an important cause. Keep the dollars coming in people! At this rate I just might pass my goal, how cool would that be?

One more thing... Happy birthday tomorrow to Tom and Scott.

oh by the way....

Oh forgot to mention... I have finally reached the halfway mark to my fundraising goal of $10,000! YIPPEE!!! Another big thanks to those of you who have contributed! I only have $4650 left to raise.

Also, I'll be riding with the boys again this sunday. Looks like we have all decided on riding a very hilly 40 mile route starting in Chappel Hill, Texas at 0730! So, if any one is reading this and wants to join, we'll be out there. Be sure to bring plenty of fluids and goodies to replenish those calories being burned.....

I got an update from Joy Hild last week about how she's doing following her surgery. I'm happy to report that she's doing well after having to go and have an additional surgery on July 20th. The first surgery didn't quite get all the cancer, but the second one had great results. She's now in for some more physical therapy as she continues to recover to her normal self. Her doctor has given her a goal to reach in October, just like I have a goal to reach in that month as well. If you're reading this Joy, thank you for the update and kind words. I'll be thinking about you; you are such and inspiration!

I have some work to do!

Alright, I haven’t written in over a week now, but I do have some reasons. One, my computer at home is unplugged and packed away while I’m remodeling the bedroom where it usually lives. Two, I’m remodeling a bedroom.... three, I’ve been busy with other things during the day that haven’t left me with too much idol time. So there you have it. Training, well, I have been exercising regularly, but I have been bad when it comes to actually riding on the weekends. I got a reminder of why I have to get into gear and start cranking out the miles today in my email. The routes for the LiveStrong Challenge have been decided and it’s going to be a tough one. Read below:

Austin:
The 2007 LIVESTRONG Challenge Austin will see the ride move out west to start and finish in Dripping Springs, Lance Armstrong's training grounds. Dripping Springs is a quiet, picturesque community 20 miles from the Austin city limits and is commonly referred to as the 'Gateway to the Hill Country'. Dripping Springs terrain lends itself to any cyclist who wants to enjoy a quiet, challenging ride that encompasses everything the Hill Country is known for: Texas Ranches, rolling hills, riverfront views, whitetail deer and quintessential Texas Longhorns.

The course departs out of Dripping Springs High School, and the beauty of the ride is immediately evident. The 70 and 100-mile courses head southeast towards the quaint town of Wimberley nestled along the Blanco River where the shaded roads and riverfront view is the ideal place for riding. 100-mile riders then head due west towards the town of Fisher and northwest traversing the town of Blanco. The course then turns back towards Dripping Springs for the Post Event Party.

Overall, all the course distances for the Austin Challenge encompass moderate to difficult terrain with some steep climbs. The long course will ascend a total of 6,000 ft. before finishing back in Dripping Springs.

Do you see that??? “Moderate to difficult terrain with some steep climbs.” ARGGGGGGG I need to get to work. I only have a few months, and I have a lot to do this summer other then training. I must admit though, my back is getting stronger because I’m getting better at pull ups since doing them assisted on the gravitron at the gym. Ha! A strong back does not necessarily help my riding, but I think it would be cool to be able to do a pull up, just one!

This weekend I am going to ride. I will ride in the mornings early before I start working on the walls and getting things sorted in the house, and before watching the Ags kick ass in baseball. Oh, that’s another thing... Texas A&M plays Rice this weekend in a best 2 out of 3 series on their way to the NCAA College World Series. Gig’em Aggies! I will be at all the games wearing my maroon and white. Watch it on ESPN!

Whoop!

Training update

I haven't written that much over the last week or so, but I have been training. I took Thursday and Friday off last week because I did more hill sprints on Wednesday evening at Hermann Park. Saturday I didn't ride and went to do a leg workout instead. Squats and other blissful leg exercises prevented me from walking normal on Sunday morning! hahahahaha In fact, I wasn't walking normal on Monday morning either. Oh well... here's what was done and what is planned for this week: Monday, spin class with the bulldog... (only 45 minutes, had to leave early to meet people out for dinner); Tuesday, another lifting day, back and shoulders this time, with other core strengthening exercises mixed in there. Tonight we are headed to the Park again for cardio and sprints. Thursday I think I'll do another light lifting day, and maybe run on the treadmill. Friday... no way... I'm off on Friday nights. Well... maybe I'll swim a few hundred yards at the pool, but nothing too exciting. That's all for now... I don't want to think about this weekend too much because I have too many things to do that involve eating and drinking. Memorial day weekend after all... might as well enjoy as much as I can. Bye for now... quick reminder... DONATE DONATE DONATE... I'm putting myself through all this for a good cause!

Training update and other bits....

I have had two great evenings of workouts the past couple of days. Also, I have had many people comment to me more and more about the blog itself. So, I thought I would elaborate on both.

First the comments...

I have to say, I have been getting some very positive feedback from those of you who have actually bothered to comment. Thank you thank you thank you. It’s nice to know that my comments and the method by which I’m delivering them are well received. I have by one person been asked for more pictures. To be honest, I’m not quite sure why... but I will do my best to accommodate. I hope that all those who are reading this consistently will help support my effort to raise the $10k. So don’t forget ... donate, donate, donate..... :)

Alright now for the rest, the exercise update. Monday, spin class with Ashley. I have to say that was one of the best spin classes she has come out with. The music was great and the workout itself was an ass kicker! In fact, I think she kicked her own butt because she was breathing just as hard as the rest of us. I maintained average heart rate of 154bpm over 56 minutes, and burned approximately 560 calories. I love those classes... its hard to beat the amount of work you put out in such a short period of time. There’s no bullshit, you get straight to the point! Tuesday was a lifting day. I warmed up with 10 minutes on the elliptical machine, and then did back, shoulders, and biceps. I’m well on my way to being able to do a pull ups without the assistance of the ‘gravitron’. I think if I lost more weight it would help tremendously as well, but that will come in time. My cool down was an easy 5 minute walk on the treadmill.

If you have ever seen the movie Legally Blonde there’s a scene in there where Reese Witherspoon’s character is describing how exercise makes you happy. I love that scene; she says something along the lines of how exercise releases endorphins that make you happy. Amen sister! I always feel good and happy and surprisingly more awake after a good workout. It’s one of the best methods of mental therapy known to man. If only more people would be open to the idea of more exercise.

Running night

Last night's exercise was sprint training. I don't know how many people truly like to run, I know I don't, but this was pretty fun. Jim and I took the boxer to Hermann park and sprinted up the hill over by the outdoor theater. Great for glutes, hamstring, and calf strength. Sprinting is a relative term I guess, all depends on the person. One thing is for sure, I'm good for endurance, but speed... forget it! Jim was up the hill and ready to jog back down as I was about half way there to the top. ARGGGGGGGGGG! Oh well, I know it will only make me stronger and faster by doing these regularly. Jim swears by them. The dog on the other had was pulling me up the hill for about half of the time. The other half of the time he decided he was done and I had to pull him up the rest of the way. After he decided he wanted to sit in the middle of one, Jim and I had to trade off so his lazy ass could sit there, wag his little nub of a tail and greet us with slimy lick when we reached the bottom.

We did 12 of these "sprints" over about 15-20 minutes, and then walked and lightly jogged for about another 40 minutes. I maintained an average heart rate over that time of about 135 bpm, burned approximately 355 calories, and generally felt plenty good. All the statistics were as per my trusty-dusty heart rate monitor of course.

Another part of the evening was a romp around the playground. I love playgrounds! I can never imagine how, when I was little, I swung like an ape from different parts of the contraption. I never realized how much back strength it took to hang from "monkey-bars" and make my way across. This just makes me realize that when I was little, pound for pound, I was a little machine. Now a days.. no way, how embarrassing! I need to work on my core strength too I guess. I would like to be able to do a couple of pull-ups without the assistance of someone pushing up on my knees or the "gravitron" at the gym that counteracts my weight.

OH... I got my first official donation today from my friend and colleague, Mason Cardwell. Thanks Mason for the $250 donation!!!!

Another thing, I have added a links section to the blog. I have a few cancer blogs and a website from the Discovery Channel that allows people to post a quick blurb about their connections to cancer. Check it out... I will add to the collage too, but I want to dig through my pictures and get some of my mom when she was younger and my brother and I were little.

That's all for now....

Training...

I haven't been on my bike since the MS 150 over the weekend of April 21-22. I have seriously slacked! The week of being away visiting my family didn't help either. I ate too much and drink too many beers. Not good for someone that wants to complete a 100 mile ride in the hills around Austin, Tx. The only form of exercise I experienced while away was golf, and frankly that doesn't count when you're riding in a cart. I have to admit, I was pleased with how I played. I gage my performance by they number of balls I lose on the course. For 3 1/2 rounds I lost only 3 balls. That's monumental! I will not admit to my score, but for those of you who know me well and have seen me play... well... you know what my score probably was. Although content with my golfing over the last week, I think the most important thing right now is to concentrate on my cycling and strength training.

Even since I have been back home I haven't even been to the gym. The drive is definitely there, mentally, but the physical part hasn't been. Monday night... sloth, Tuesday night... sloth while shopping for groceries, and well last night wasn't any better even though I did mow the lawn. (I'm not sure you can count that either) This weekend I'm due for a ride. Maybe I'll do an easy 30 or 40 miles on Saturday morning.

I have decided also... that my blog has been very depressing as of the last couple of entries. Too much talking about death, and not enough on keep the hope alive for helping those living with cancer. I need to be more positive in my approach toward this whole task. Also, I need to start hitting the fundraising hard as well. I have a long way to go before reaching the $10000 goal. That's a lot of money to raise.

That's it for now... don't forget to donate!