A look back - and forward.

So with this being the last day of 2010, it seems only fitting to take a look back at the year past, and to look forward to 2011.

As far as goals went in 2010, I set a riding goal of 1000 miles and passed that with 1243 miles ridden. For running, I just wanted to crack 100 miles, but ended up shattering that goal, coming in at 303 miles on foot. And for total fitness, I set a goal of 2000 miles and came in 2137 miles.

I weighed in around 250 pounds a year ago, and am currently at 207 pounds (the holidays certainly didn't help out with this).

I wanted to complete the Earthride 70 mile route, and did in around 5 hours. I also wanted to compete in the Kettleman duathlon, but was forced to bow out due to some financial contraints (bottom line, they wanted too much for an entry fee). As an alternative to not competing in the Kettleman, I entered my first running race on Thanksgiving Day. I completed the 5 mile Turkey Trot in 42 minutes. That put me 4th in my age group, 25th in my division, and 116th overall (out of 283).

I also made the unconscious decision to train ore than I blog.

For 2011, my goals are as follows.

• Ride 1500 miles
• Run 500 miles
• Complete 2500 total fitness miles
• Ride my first century
• Compete in more than 1 organized ride
• Compete in more than 1 running event
• Go for more 10k or longer runs
• Slim down to 175 pounds
• BLOG MORE

A young lady that I kept in my daily thoughts and prayers, passed away in December. My prayers still go out to her family. They are a family that is deep in their faith, and I know they will make it through this difficult time.

My brother in law, Steve, was also diagnosed just a few days ago with Colorectal cancer, so I'd ask that any of you reading this keep him, my sister, and their three kids in your thoughts and prayers.

I wish all of you a blessed and safe New Year, and I hope that our paths continue to cross in 2011, if not in person, than at least in the blog-o-sphere.

Peace to all of you,

Craigers

Call it a season?

Well it looks like the season is probably done for me. Broke 4-5 spokes - AGAIN! - on Gary on Saturday morning. I wonder why I keep doing that? Is it time for new wheels? New ride? Not sure the solution on this one, but I know I don't feel like going and getting it re-laced anymore this season. Got the Cougar (Trek) down for anymore ride-able days this year, but it looks like the weather going to hell in hand basket real quick this week. Maybe time to reflect on the season I've had, and set some new goals for next season. More to come. Happy Thanksgiving to all my US readers.

Kippis,

Craigers

Hello? - Oh, you're still here.

Hello everyone. I apologize for my extreme lack of posting and interaction the last couple months. My training worked it's way into a dominate roll in my life, and I fear that I've neglected a few other aspects. I come bearing good & bad news (although the good far out weighs the bad).

Let's start with the bad. I will not be competing in the Kettleman. Major reason - lack of funding. The cost was just too prohibitive at this time.

Now the good. Completed the 2010 Earthride. 71.11 miles in 5 hours & 14 seconds. My longest ride to date. This ride also put me over my riding goal of 1000 miles this season (as you can see from the ticker to your right). The old "cougar" of a bike that I ride (the '84 Trek) held up beautifully and I even got a compliment on it as being a classic. Just the one picture this year courtesy of the Big Cat, as I decided to focus more on my ride and less on other things this year. That's the Cat's ride in front of me, with the "Cougar" behind me.

On the weight front, all this training has dropped me to a svelte 225 lbs (pretty good for a 6'-4" frame that was 305 lbs 3 years ago). Training will consist of more running for a while now to get me in a little better running shape for the Turkey Trot 5 mile run coming up on Thanksgiving Day. That will be my first running event.

That's all for now. I hope everyone is still doing well.

Kippis,

Craigers

Goal #1 - Achieved

I told myself at the beginning of the year that I was going to run at lease 100 miles. As of today, I cracked that mileage and achieved that goal. Feels good. Now 2 mileage goals left for 2010. We'll see if I can crack them. Sorry I haven't posted much lately, but summer is such a busy time with work and family fun and nice long runs and rides. Gotta take advantage of these days. I still need to get pics of Roadie up. Later.

Craigers

Gary Comes Unlaced

So Gary and I are out riding yesterday morning when I hear a "POP". I wasn't a pop like I just rode over something I shouldn't have, it was different. I look between my legs to see the left arm of the v-brake kick out to the side every second or so. I also notice my wheel is wobbling like a drunk trying to leave the bar. I rode home.

Upon further review, three or four spokes were undone from the hub. I proceeded to take the wheel down the my LBS, where it is currently under going a "re-lacing". I'm also having them throw a new tire on right away seeing the current one was suffering from MTB tire pattern baldness.

On the bright side, this meant I got to take the new-old Trek 400 series out for it's inaugural "spin" (we'll just refer to it as Roadie from now on). Amazing how much difference a road bike makes in average and max speeds. At least I know that the $50.00 I spent on this beauty was worth it. I'll need to tweak a few things, probably put a different saddle on, and possibly upgrade a few components. I'll look to you, my loyal readers, (this pretty much means you Marla) for advice in this aspect.

Gary should be back to normal by tomorrow afternoon.

Opinions and Comment welcome - Please

So I'm probably going to be buying my first road bike in 20 years. I've got a great line on a late '80's Trek 400 series (dirt cheap I might add). Anyone out there have any thoughts on this bike? I've heard pretty good things about it. Please add any comments you may have about this particular ride. Thanks everybody.

Headline "Trek Bicycle Corporation kills off Gary Fisher bicycles"

Interesting article

Trek Bicycle Corporation kills off Gary Fisher bicycles

Gary - What's going on?

So I read Gary Fisher's facebook post from this morning. What does this mean Gary? Are Gary Fisher bikes no more? Will the only product I purchase with your name on it be a Trek - Gary Fisher Collection? I'm so lost and confused. Somebody help me!

P.S.

You have beautiful penmanship Gary, and are a snappy dresser to boot.

trekbikes.com

Sometimes things just work out...

So I'm looking at all the dates of rides, and runs, and races coming up and I actually realized the the Earth ride is actually the weekend before the Kettleman! This is great news. This means I can go and do a 70 mile ride on a 9/18 and then compete in a duathlon on 9/26. I actually am excited that I can do both of these events.

Song in My Head installment...???

I have to put this song up because sometimes the only way to get the song OUT of my head is to post it, and I've had this one floating around up there for weeks. Dream Theater's cover of Iron Maiden's 1983 "To Tame a land" from the Piece of Mind album. After hearing this cover, I realized I've never read any of the "Dune" books by Frank Herbert. This song is based off of Herbert's epic sci-fi saga.

That's enough of this crap!!!!

I'VE HAD IT! Enough of this taking it easy crap! I've been on "light" workouts for almost a month now trying to re-hab my hamstring. I'd say I'm about 80-85% right now. I don't have much "pain" any more, just "discomfort". I haven't run in almost a month either. At least I have been able to ride, not hard, but ride.

As of right now, that all changes. On a bike, my legs have felt weak. My average speeds haven't changed much (except for yesterday with that nasty wind I was riding into), but they haven't gotten any better. That needs to change. Vigorous walking over my lunch time will start again TODAY. Running hopefully again in the next couple weeks or so. I'm going to try to post a little more again, if for no other reason, as a vain attempt to keep my head in the game.

The Dog is coming baby - and hell's coming with him!

I'm shelving myself

I'm back from a long weekend with the family. To my dismay, four days of light workouts (1 of which was no workout), soaking in a hot tub, and for the most part taking it easy, did absolutely nothing to better my hamstring. I am officially putting myself "on the shelf" until this stupid injury can work itself out. With any luck, it will feel better by Sunday so I can just pick up and keep going with my duo training. I am SUPREMELY PISSED OFF that I won't be able to finish my preliminary training in it's entirety. I will still perform the mock race in 3 weeks to get a feel for what my time will be and I will still compete in the actual race in September. I just can't ignore the fact any longer that my leg isn't getting any better by continuing on like this. The best my leg has felt was this past Saturday (when I had a rest day). I also consulted with a guy I know that is currently employed as a sports therapist for Penn State University, and he would concur with the rest I diagnosing for myself. I can only pray for a speedy recovery.

Off to the Keewenaw

Heading out tomorrow morning for a nice long weekend in the Keewenaw peninsula of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. A lot of history up there in the copper mining boom of the late 1800's into the early 1900's. It's also were my great grandparents emigrated to from Finland and Sweden.

It also has some KILLER singletrack. I always like to get a shop t-shirt from the LBS of places that I visit. So as I was trying to locate the LBS in Houghton, I stumbled upon some interesting sites for trails and races. I'll leave you with some links and a video to keep you occupied until my return (like you have nothing better to do).

The Bike Shop - Houghton, Michigan

Keewenaw Trails

Copper Harbor Fat Tire Festival

Keewenaw Chain Drive Festival

Miner's Revenge Mountain Bike Race

Here's a video from the Miner's Revenge course

Song in My Head - Installment #13

"South Bound Traveler" - Al di Meola / Kiss my Axe (1991)



See what Al has in front of him in this video? It's a music stand. You put music on there when you're reading it. Holy Sh%&! A musician that can read music? What is this world coming to?

Duathlon Training Day 26 - Fear the Beard!

So I completed the first 4 weeks of my training. I'm 6 lbs lighter, I've really built up my endurance, and I still have a sore hamstring (although it is getting better). My massage therapist advised me to take it easy for a while till it got better. I told her she was nucking futs if she thought I was quitting now.

I did my first run/bike/run workout on 04.28.10. What a trip! I need to get my transitions a bit smoother, but I think that will get better when the weather warms up and I don't have to take 5 minutes to change clothes.

Next week is a "rest week" (thank Christ). It looks like this:

Saturday: Off / Stretch
Sunday: Run 20 minutes / Bike 120 minutes
Monday: Run 20 minutes
Tuesday: Off / Stretch
Wednesday: Bike 30 minutes
Thursday: Run 30 minutes
Friday: Bike 20 minutes

Seeing as I was the only entry in this years Finnish Face Warmer Contest, guess what? I win!





Here I am with my face bush of massiveness (which my wife hates by the way)




So we compromised!

Song in my Head - Installment #12

Heaven Send - The Devin Townsend Project / Ki




Devin is a musical genius! He plays and writes from his heart. You may not always like what you hear, but that's what makes him good. His music is him. If more musicians were like him, we probably wouldn't have some of the drivel that we're force fed on the radio.

Duathlon Training Day 22

So yesterday I actually ran for 60 minutes straight (without stopping that is) for a total of 5.8 miles. Oh yeah and before that I rode for 15 minutes. Had some heavy rains move through over the weekend, but I was lucky enough for it to stop long enough to get my workout in.

Hamstring is getting better, slowly but surely. It actually felt it's best in a week after the run yesterday. Great news from the Big Cat. Doc has cleared him to get back on the bike. 2 months ahead on schedule. Congrats brother!

Song in my head - Installment #11

"Another Day" - Dream Theater/Images and Words(1992)

Duathlon Training Day 19 - Week 3 wrap up

Finished out the 3rd week of training with a nice 60 minute ride this morning. Hamstring is still sore, but there is no pain while I'm on the bike. I guess that just means I should be on the bike all day. All workouts have been completed on schedule thus far and I'm now looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow and week 4 starting on Sunday. Here's the rundown:

Sunday: Bike 15 minutes / Run 60 minutes (oh boy)
Monday: Bike 45 minutes
Tuesday: Off / Stretch
Wednesday: Run 15 minutes / Bike 30 minutes / Run 15 Minutes
Thursday: Bike 60 minutes
Friday: Run 45 minutes
Saturday: Off / Stretch

Song in My Head - Installment #10

The Police "Roxanne"

Duathlon Training Day 17 - A little clarification

Just for the record, I am not one of the racing sausages, although clearly from his comment, Big Cat thinks a resemble the Chorizo. I am however contemplating running in the Sausage Run 5k at Miller Park to benefit Brewer charities.

Day 17 brought about another 45 minute run. I squeezed out an extra 4/100ths of a mile over my last 45 minute run. Not bad considering I still have a pretty sore and tight hamstring. Tomorrow and Friday both bring nice long bike rides (yay).

Song in my head - Installment #9

Gustav Holst's "Moorside March"

Duathlon Training Day 15 - Top Secret Training

So I did my first "multi-sport" workout yesterday. 90 minute bike ride followed by a 10 minute run. I did it, but now I have some real tenderness in my right hamstring. If anyone has any miracle cures, let me know, because I'm still planning on staying on track here. I got out and did my 30 minute run this morning. I was a little slower, but I still did it.

I'm now ready to let the cat out of the bag (not you Big Cat - you stay in the bag). All of this running as of late is not just to train for the Kettleman Duathlon - I am also one of the famous Klements Racing Sausages.
Can you guess which one is me?

Duathlon Training Day 12 - Ode to a protein shake

Nothing major to report as far as crazy distances go. Did a 60 minute ride yesterday, which came out to about 15 miles, and a 45 minute ride today, which was about 11 miles. Tomorrow is an off/stretching day. As for next weeks workouts, they are as follows.

Sunday - Bike 90 minutes / Run 10 minutes (first multi-sport day)
Monday - Run 30 minutes
Tuesday- Off/Stretch
Wednesday - Run 45 Minutes
Thursday - Bike 90 minutes
Friday - Bike 60 minutes
Saturday - Off/Stretch

Big Cat has agreed to SAG for me at the end of May when I do my Training Phase I finale in the form of a "mock duathlon". I guess this really won't be a "mock" duathlon, as I really will be doing it, it just won't be organized. Thanks BC for agreeing to help out.

I love my protein shake. It tastes so good after a long workout with all it's choclatey goodness. It's so nice and cold and I actually look forward to it while I'm doing my workout. I love my protein shake.

Song in my head - Installment #8

"Heading out to the Highway" - Judas Priest "Point of Entry" 1981

Duathlon Training Day 10

For day 10, I completed my most ambitious workout yet. A 45 minute run - equating into 4.41 miles. Good God, what's happening to me? I've cut out red meat, I exercise like a maniac, I preach the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. I've created a monster and it's me. Mmmmeeeewwwwhhaaahahahahahahahahahahahahahah!

Song in my head - Installment # 7

"Stranger in a Strange Land" by Iron Maiden off of 1986's "Somewhere in Time"

Duathlon Training Day 8

Still sticking to the plan man! I haven't missed a day. I'm getting kinda tired though. Thank God tomorrow is an off/stretching day. I have a 45 minute run on Wednesday morning that I'm beginning to get nervous about. Wish me luck.

Song in my head - Installment #6

WARNING!
This song is extremely addicting! I defy any of you, once it's in your head, to try and get it out. LISTEN AT YOUR OWN RISK!

Duathlon Training Day 5

Well, 5 days into this and I'm still alive. The only thing I changed was yesterday and today's workouts I switched as we got 3 inches on snow yesterday, so I did my 30 minute ride indoors yesterday and ran 30 minutes today. You know I just realized I ran two 5k's this week. Cool. I have an off day tomorrow, so more stretching and yoga.

Next week is shaping up to look like this:

Sunday - 90 minute bike ride
Monday - 30 minute run
Tuesday - Off/Stretch
Wednesday - 45 minute run
Thursday - 60 minute bike ride
Friday - 45 minute bike ride
Saturday - Off/Stretch

Duathlon Training Day 3

Finished day 3 this morning. I figured I wouldn't have any problem with the workout as it was only a 60 minute ride. I was afraid I may have had to do it on the indoor (yuck), as we had some spring thunderstorms move through over night. But by the grace of God, at 3:00 AM, everything was pretty much done.

Had a whey protein shake, and a "Trail Dog Breakfast Burrito" for breakfast #1. Will be having fat free blueberry yogurt mixed with cheerios, grapenuts, and wheat germ for breakfast #2. Lunch will be a beef roast sandwich on whole wheat bread with low fat margarine and mustard, boiled potatoes and carrots, some pineapple and a low fat granola bar. Having turkey tacos for supper tonight. Of course this will all be washed down with gallons of water.

Song in my head - installment #5
Ace Frehley (Kiss solo album) - "New York Groove"

Day 1 (a day late)

So I finished Day one of duathlon training yesterday. I was actually able to run for 30 minutes without stopping (3.04 miles). I couldn't believe it. It's true that if you set your mind to something, you can achieve it.

I then proceeded to waste all my morning efforts by going to Brewers opening day at Miller Park and having way too much Fat Tire Ale (at least the bottle has a bike on it).

Thank God today is an off day because I don't think I could have worked out this morning. Tomorrow is a "bike" day, so aside from getting up exceedingly early, I know I can handle it.

Kippis,

Craigers

Song in my Head - 04.02.10

"Wicked Garden" - by Stone Temple Pilots off of "Core" (1992)

April's Fool Day

April 1st is here! The last two days it has been 56 degrees at 4:00 A.M. Yesterday we even rocketed in to the 70's. I did a nice 2 mile run this morning (that's the farthest I've ever run with out stopping - felt good).

Duathlon training starts next week. Here's my week 1 workout.

Monday - Run 30 minutes
Tuesday - Off/stretch
Wednesday - Bike 60 minutes
Thursday - Run 30 minutes
Friday - Bike 30 Minutes
Saturday - Off/stretch
Sunday - Bike 90 Minutes

For my stretching, I'm doing standard warm-up stretching teamed up with some basic yoga. I'm trying to learn a new posture every week, but for right now, I just do 3 or 4. Ya know between the yoga and my lustrous beard, I've become very "zen".

Trail Dog's Book Club - April 2010
"Riding with the Blue Moth" - by Bill Hancock

Struggling with the death of one of his children, this book is about the authors cross country bike ride, and dealing with the pain and emotions of his loss. A great read for both the travel aspect as well as how he handled hi situation. As all books about long distance journeys do, this one has inspired me to keep on pedaling, or as Bill says in the book, "put one foot in front of the other".

Song in my Head - 04.01.10
"Middletown Dreams" - by Rush, off of 1985's "Power Windows"

Song in my Head - 3.29.10

As passover begins at sundown today, the song I have stuck in my head is "Creeping Death" by Metallica. I know, you thinking "huh"? Why would a religious holiday make someone think of a metal song especially one with a title like that. Just listen to the words. "Creeping Death" refers to the angel of death (or plague), sent by god, that took all egyptian first born but left all jewish first born as long as they marked their door posts with the sacrificial blood of the roast lamb. As long as the doors were marked, the angel would "pass over" them.

Song In My Head - 03.26.10

It's a well known, but seldom spoken fact that long distance athletes (i.e. runners, cyclists) are notorious for getting songs stuck in there head. I, my friends, am no exception. As a retired musician, I get songs that are a little less mainstream stuck in my head, but (at least I think) are of a greater musical value. So I think I'm going to eliminate the "Tunes from the Trail" portion of this blog, and share the "Song in my Head" instead. This will be quite a bit more random. It could be every day, every week, who knows. So what's in my head today you may ask? "Analog Kid" by Rush off of 1982's "Signals" album. But the version that is in my head is off of "Working Man" a tribute album from 1996. This version features Jack Russell (Great White) on vocals, Michael Romeo (Symphony X) on guitars, Billy Sheehan (Mr.Big, David Lee Roth, Niacin) on bass, Michael Pinnella (Symphony X) on keys, and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater) on percussion. Awesome version! Here you are:

I have a theory...

My theory is that 5% of all cyclists are only in it for the body waxing.

















Think about it.

Shut Up Gary

There, now Gary can finally shut his pie hole. I got him down off his perch, gave him a quick once over, and rode him hard for a whole 4.88 miles. Hey...c'mon. It was only 20 degrees out. I thought that was alright for the first ride of the season. I was just long enough of a ride in that temperature to give me a real nice lung burn.

Pretty much picked up where I left off from last season. A little slower on the average speed, but not too bad. Still a whole 3 MPH faster than my average speed from the beginning of last season.

Probably try to finish out March sticking to my winter training schedule, but doing my indoor trainer days on Gary instead. Life is good!

Kippis,

Craigers

March comes in like a lamb

It's now March 2nd, 2010, and the month has come in like a lamb. No snow in the forecast with temps in the 40's by the end of the week. I'm a little scared though to think about how the month might end. If the old saying is right, then it will leave like a lion. We'll see what shakes out.

Steadily increasing my distance in the running end of my training. I've got about a month to feel like I'm ready to take on probably the most intense training that I've ever embarked upon. Sometime this month, I'll try to put together my 8 week training schedule so everyone can view it and see what I'm about to do.

Gary was screaming from his perch in the garage to "Let me down you SOB", and "If you don't get me off of this thing, well I'll.... I'll.....you just wait." He's such a diva this time of year. The preseason cleaning will be coming soon and it won't be long now till we're rolling again.

Going in tonight for an hour long "preseason" rub down. Never had a massage from a professional for any more than 10 minutes, but I figured this would be a good way to help loosen me up the season, as well as take care of that pesky neck, and lower back pain, and ankle stiffness (yes the bionic ankle).

Team USA didn't get gold in the hockey tourney :( Try again in four years.

Business at hand.

Traildog's book club - March 2010
"You shall know our Velocity" - Dave Eggers
“Genius! Dave Eggers is truly a great writer. Got this one from Neil Peart again. I really believed that I was reading a true story, even though this was a fictional work. Maybe it was the fact that the characters were from Wisconsin, and some of the landmarks that were mentioned, I have seen and know exactly were they are. Eggers' use of the "interuption" chapter was a stroke of genius. Have I used the word genius yet? Can't wait to read more from Dave.

Tunes from the Trail - March 2010

Found out yesterday afternoon the Tom "T-Bone" Wolk passes away on Sunday. "Who's he?" you may say. Well if you don't know the name, I'm almost positive you'd recognize the face. If you ever watched Saturday Night Live in the late 80's to mid 90's, he was the bass player. If you ever saw Hall & Oates live, or in a video, he was the bass player. Most recently, he was the musical director for "Live from Daryls House", which I've posted from before. I could go on for pages about all the accomplishments he's had in his short life, but I'd rather let his music speak for itself. Here's T-Bone jamming with Daryl and Nick Lowe.

R.I.P. T-Bone

Mid-February Daydream

So as I sit here enjoying yet another 8-10" of the white stuff, I close my eyes adnrtbuip;uob - Ooops sorry, let me open my eyes again whilst I'm typing. Any way, I close my eyes and remember a simpler time....well not really simpler, but a warmer time....when I was riding my mountain bike on a race course in Sheboygan during the WORS Wigwam Challenge.

I figured I'd try to see if anyone had any footage from that particular race to post here. I found this one. Not sure who the poster is, but I chose it because #1 it's a helmet cam vid and #2 I like the music it's set to. It's a little "grainy" but you'll get the point.

Enjoy,

Craigers

Only 11 months left

That's right, only 11 months left in 2010. Welcome to February! January came and went, unbelievable how quickly time passes. With a new month brings a new excitement to hopefully hit the bike if we can get some warmer weather. The indoor just hasn't been cutting it for me. Thankfully, I have been able to get out and actually run, however, my times and distance haven't been getting any better (I blame it on the lung burning temperatures we've been having).

The new GPS unit is working extremely well so far and it is very easy to use. I think once I configure it for "Gary", it should be just as easy to use on the bike. Garmin, by the way, has been great. I accidentally ordered just the replacment bike mount bracket reather than the full bike mount and quick release watch band so I can switch effortlessly between bike and foot. They were great about getting me the correct part (they didn't even charge me shipping on the re-order). They even brought up some good points for keeping th part I ordered by accident. 3 cheers for Garmin!

Big Cat has been dignosed with a tear in the tendon (or is it ligament?) that connects the bottom of the quadricep muscle to the top of the lower leg (OUCH!). Good vibes to him in his recovery (as the last time I spoke to him he was going to need to go under the knife). You'll be cruising on the recumbent before you know it brother.

Two months left to grow those fuzzy jaws. I must say mine is looking increasingly champion-esque.

Let's through some reading and listening thoughts for the month.

Trail Dog's Book Club - February 2010
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - by Rober M. Pirsig
Everything you've ever wanted to know about riding across country on a motorcycle with your son in tow after recovering from going insane and beign pushed to the brink of insanity yet again but was afraid to ask. This philisophical masterpiece is a must read as the author goes through his breakdown after, in my opinion, he dost thinketh to much.

Tunes from the Trail - February 2010

Let's mellow it out a bit this month with a clinic that was put on by Stuart Hamm. Stu has been a real inspiration to me with his music as I am a retired bass player. Whether it's his solo recordings or playing with the likes of Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, or Frank Gambale, Stu is a master and an inovator, and his music touches a nerve, which makes it good.




Kippis,

Craigers

Kettleman Date announced

Redline Triathlon Club has released the date for the 2010 Kettleman Duathlon. Sunday September 26th, 2010. That gives me approximately 8 months to train. http://www.redlinetriclub.org/duathlon.html

As running is my weakest of the two sports, I've been hitting it hard the past few weeks trying to first get my wind up well enough to get to at least 2 miles with out walking. As of yesterday I'm up to a 1.25 miles. Once I hit the distance, then I'll worry about being competitive.

I've downloaded an 8 week duathlon training course that I plan to do twice before the Kettleman. Once starting at the beginning of April, and then again 8 weeks before the Kettleman.

The new Garmin has been a great training tool as far as the running is going, and I anticipate it will be equally as good for biking. Still trying to figure out all ins and outs of the machine though.

On a more serious note, let's all keep the Big Cat in our thoughts and prayers as he works through a leg injury. That's all I'll say about it for now until we know more, but it's always good to send him some positive vibes, as I know from personal experience last year that a guy can get real down in the dumps when dealing with an injury that inhibits his physical activity.

Kippis,

Craigers

Addition to the Arsenal

Monday I decided to order a GPS. After riding with the Big Cat this past summer and seeing how his GPS blew the doors off of my bike "computer", I decided all I wanted for Christmas was a little accuracy. After quite extensive reaserch, I decided on the Garmin Forerunner 205.

This little number is worn like a watch (although I have also ordered the quick release bike mount), and is ideal for multi-sport athletes. This is going to be crutial as I enter into duathlon training.

I check my email on Tuesday morning, and I have a tracking number. I check the tracking number and it says that my new toy will be delivered sometime on Tuesday. SWEET! Now that's service with a smile, they provide the service and I smile.

Haven't got into it to heavy yet, but I noticed it also came with soft ware so I can upload my workouts to my computer. All you techies can check out the specs at http://www.garmin.com/

2010 is looking good already.

Kippis,

Craigers

Happy New Year!

Well, 2009 has come and gone. I look back on the year with a half smile on my face and remember some of the high lights (and low lights).

I start the year by sleeping in my recliner for about a month while my broken ankle healed. I smile when I recall celebrating my daughter's first birthday. Slowly, I began to rehab the bionic ankle, and by the middle of February, was at least able to hit the indoor trainer.

By March, I was itching sooooooooo bad to get back on Gary, that I started riding and almost suffered a hint of frost bite on my hands, but at least I was back in the saddle. I continued through April just getting my strength back. I also started running alot more as well.

May brought about the anticipation of the first organized ride of the year, which then later also brought dissappointment as I had to skip it to go to a wedding. To make up for it ,I participated in Fatty's 100 miles of no where.

June and July brought nothing but training. My speeds were faster than the year before, my endurance was greater, and my recovery got better. I'm not riding the tour any time soon, but for a guy that topped out over 300 lbs 3 years ago, I'm happy with where I was in 2009.

In August, I did my longest single day ride of 40 miles with the Big Cat, to help me train for Earth Ride '09.

September, my wife and I celebrated our 10th aniversary by vacationing in North Carolina's Outer Banks. Two days after my return, I did my new longest single day ride of 50 miles for Earth Ride '09.

October, November, and believe it or not, December, brought more training and trying to get in as many miles as I could before the snow flew. And when it finally did, it did with a vengance, dropping 14" in one sitting.

More for my purposes than for anyone elses here's my season stats:
Cycling Miles - 837
Indoor Stationary Miles - 924
Crosstraining Miles (Running) - 89
Total Fitness Miles - 1850

In 2010 I hope to crack 1000 miles of "real" cycling, 100 miles of running, and 2000 overall miles. I'm looking forward to Unity Ride, Earth Ride, and 100 miles of Nowhere, as well as adding my first Duathlon with the Kettleman, and maybe some other new ventures. 2010 is shaping up to be a great year already, I mean, at least I'm not gimped up right?

Here's some reading and listening for you for the month:

Trail Dog's Book Club:

"The Lost Symbol" - By Dan Brown

Another "can't put it down" read by Mr. Brown. Bottom line is whether you enjoy his subject matter or not, Dan Brown is a gifted author, and a true joy to read. I will say this, this is the third book with Robert Langdon as the lead character (DaVinci Code; Angels & Demons), and he's starting to get a little predictable, but still, better than 80% of the new books written these days.

Tunes from the Trail

"Six Times Dead" - by Primal Fear

I've realized that all the good new metal comes from Europe. Not the band Europe, but the continent. Primal Fear hails (mostly) from Germany, and these have just kicked me arse all over for the last month or so. Metal does live!



Kippis,

Craigers