That's what I get for being a good father and trying to prevent my daughter from getting hurt. (I wouldn't change it for anything cause she didn't get hurt). My cautious optimism has change to a "you gotta be sh*tt%ng me" moment.
My orthopedic doctor has advised me that he has the cure for my broken ankle....cold steel. That's right friends, the Trail Dog will now be the Bionic Trail Dog for '09. Fresh out of the lab with a titanium plated lateral malleolous (aren't you impressed that I know that?). I don't know if it's really titanium, but it sounds so cool. Right now, I'm just looking for anything good about having ankle surgery. Maybe I'll be able to play hockey again? Or have a 20 ft. vertical (look out LeBron)? Nah, I'll just be happy to walk without crutches, or have to rely on someone to put my pants on for me(TMI).
At any rate, say a quick prayer to the Big Guy for the Trail Dog tomorrow around Noon CST. I'll see you on the flip side (provided I don't take too many "mind expanding" drugs).
Kippis,
Craigers
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
2008 Officially Over
I'm calling 2008. Game over. Yesterday I fell in a parking lot and broke my ankle. I was carrying my daughter, and luckily I compensated in mid fall so she would land on top of me. Unfortunately, the same compensation that saved her from injury, fractured my ankle. I'm on the shelf for at LEAST 2-3 weeks (ER doc said 4-6 but I'm optomistic). I see an orthopedic specialist on Thursday to find out when I can start moving again without crutches.
If anyone has any good training ideas for a guy with one bad wheel that can only really train one leg and upper body, let me know. You know, you never really realize how much you need all you faculties until you loose the use of one. Let the rehab begin. Hopefully the Trail Dog will be back better than ever for 2009.
Kippis,
Craigers
If anyone has any good training ideas for a guy with one bad wheel that can only really train one leg and upper body, let me know. You know, you never really realize how much you need all you faculties until you loose the use of one. Let the rehab begin. Hopefully the Trail Dog will be back better than ever for 2009.
Kippis,
Craigers
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Does shoveling count as crosstraining?
So I didn't get my usual cardio in on Monday morning due to the snow. I shoveled instead. This made me think. Does shoveling really count as a workout? I mean when I'm done, I'm breathing heavy, just like biking or running. Later that day, my shoulders and arm tend to get a little sore, just like strength training.
How much shoveling does one have to do, to equal a morning run or ride? How many calories does 30 minutes or shoveling burn? I did some research.
According to the federal government (surgeon general to be exact), just 15 minutes of shoveling snow counts as "moderate" exercise. So their theory is that 30 minutes of shoveling snow would fit into the "30 minutes - 3 times a week" exercise plan. They also suggest that you warm up and stretch before doing any shoveling. Shoveling can be compared to bent over rows as far as strength training is concerned. Just remember, the federal governments standards also say that Michael Jordan is overweight.
On a side note, Crazy Joe's Cane Creek Headset finally showed up from China (took about a week longer than anticipated). Kinda neat to se a customs sticker in Chinese. Sorry if me buying it from China offends anyone, but I believe in free trade (and cheap prices).
Kippis,
Craigers
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Decline of Western Civilization Part III - The Lard A$# Years
For those of you that remember the Heavy Metal movement of the 80's (and I mean METAL - not Def Leppard and Bon Jovi, but metal - Priest, Maiden, Slayer, W.A.S.P.), you'll remember a film made by Penelope Spherris called The Decline of Western Civilization Part II - The Metal years. Basically a documentary about the excess of the 80's and how metal played into it and sometimes caused it, and was this going to be the downfall of our country.
As we all know, it wasn't the end of society as we know it (although looking back on some of the stupid sh^* that people did - myself included - I wonder how some are still alive).
Now this morning, as I was out running, I noticed something, that while really struck me as more "wow, some people are really lazy" than "I'm pissed at whoever lives here". We had 3-4 inches of snow in good old FDLWI on Monday. My wife, bless her soul, went out and shoveled our drive and both side walks (as we live on a corner), so I wouldn't have to when I got home. When it boils down to it she actually owes me from all the shoveling that I did last year when we got well over 100 inches of snow for the season. She used some excuse about being pregnant so she could shovel. What a bum!!!! (Just kidding mama).
Anyway, so I'm running along and I get to some areas of sidewalk that haven't been shoveled. Today is Wednesday. I know some runners get really pissed when people don't shovel. I've letters to the editor in the local paper that express this anger. Personally, I don't think it's any reason to get angry. It is a reason,however, to revisit my theories that the laziness and dumbing down of the country as a whole could be a reason for a great number of problems that this society has today. The one thing I noticed that really got me going again was that fact that one person, who was so lazy but yet still so concerned about their sidewalk being clean, went out and actually sprinkled road salt on 3-4 inches of snow in a vain attempt to completed rid their little section of the city of snow. They didn't shovel and then salt to stop a ice buildup. They JUST SPRINKLED SALT. Wow.
When you make the choice to live in a city, there are certain social codes of conduct - also known as LAWS - that one must follow to become a productive part of society.
Example #1: Dogs should be kept on leashes. I've seen dogs chase cars, people, other dogs, cats, rabbits, all because their owners don't care enough about not only others but they don't care enough about the dog itself to leash it so it doesn't get hit by a car. In most cities this isn't just a courtesy, it's a law.
Example #2: When someone says "Hello" or "Good morning" to you, you reply with an actual response (acceptable responses would be "Hello" or "Good Morning"), not with an "ugh" or just a blank stare. This is called manners, and while most places on earth don't have laws to enforce manners, they probably should. This is a matter of either poor up bringing or just plain poor attitude.
Now I'm probably starting to sound old. "You damn kids get out of my yard" old. But honestly guys, I don't remember things being this bad 10-15-20 years ago. There just seems like there is no pride for community, no pride for family, no pride in the job that you do, and no pride for one's self. I know I'm going to do my best to instill those values in my daughter as she grows up. Sorry for ranting, but I think I was due.
Here's an idea. Let's end this post on a positive note and list some things we're thankful for. I'll start. I'm thankful for my loving wife and everything she does that I don't appreciate the other 364 days of the year. I'm thankful for my daughter who is truly a miracle in every sense of the word (if you guys don't know the story, ask and I'll post it sometime). I'm thankful for having a job, a house, and food on the table, because I know allot of people don't have any of those things these days. I'm thankful for the support of friends and family. I'm thankful for you - my readers - who actually visit this site to read my stupid posts about a fat guy and his bike.
Who's next? Let's just go around the table. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Craigers
As we all know, it wasn't the end of society as we know it (although looking back on some of the stupid sh^* that people did - myself included - I wonder how some are still alive).
Now this morning, as I was out running, I noticed something, that while really struck me as more "wow, some people are really lazy" than "I'm pissed at whoever lives here". We had 3-4 inches of snow in good old FDLWI on Monday. My wife, bless her soul, went out and shoveled our drive and both side walks (as we live on a corner), so I wouldn't have to when I got home. When it boils down to it she actually owes me from all the shoveling that I did last year when we got well over 100 inches of snow for the season. She used some excuse about being pregnant so she could shovel. What a bum!!!! (Just kidding mama).
Anyway, so I'm running along and I get to some areas of sidewalk that haven't been shoveled. Today is Wednesday. I know some runners get really pissed when people don't shovel. I've letters to the editor in the local paper that express this anger. Personally, I don't think it's any reason to get angry. It is a reason,however, to revisit my theories that the laziness and dumbing down of the country as a whole could be a reason for a great number of problems that this society has today. The one thing I noticed that really got me going again was that fact that one person, who was so lazy but yet still so concerned about their sidewalk being clean, went out and actually sprinkled road salt on 3-4 inches of snow in a vain attempt to completed rid their little section of the city of snow. They didn't shovel and then salt to stop a ice buildup. They JUST SPRINKLED SALT. Wow.
When you make the choice to live in a city, there are certain social codes of conduct - also known as LAWS - that one must follow to become a productive part of society.
Example #1: Dogs should be kept on leashes. I've seen dogs chase cars, people, other dogs, cats, rabbits, all because their owners don't care enough about not only others but they don't care enough about the dog itself to leash it so it doesn't get hit by a car. In most cities this isn't just a courtesy, it's a law.
Example #2: When someone says "Hello" or "Good morning" to you, you reply with an actual response (acceptable responses would be "Hello" or "Good Morning"), not with an "ugh" or just a blank stare. This is called manners, and while most places on earth don't have laws to enforce manners, they probably should. This is a matter of either poor up bringing or just plain poor attitude.
Now I'm probably starting to sound old. "You damn kids get out of my yard" old. But honestly guys, I don't remember things being this bad 10-15-20 years ago. There just seems like there is no pride for community, no pride for family, no pride in the job that you do, and no pride for one's self. I know I'm going to do my best to instill those values in my daughter as she grows up. Sorry for ranting, but I think I was due.
Here's an idea. Let's end this post on a positive note and list some things we're thankful for. I'll start. I'm thankful for my loving wife and everything she does that I don't appreciate the other 364 days of the year. I'm thankful for my daughter who is truly a miracle in every sense of the word (if you guys don't know the story, ask and I'll post it sometime). I'm thankful for having a job, a house, and food on the table, because I know allot of people don't have any of those things these days. I'm thankful for the support of friends and family. I'm thankful for you - my readers - who actually visit this site to read my stupid posts about a fat guy and his bike.
Who's next? Let's just go around the table. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Craigers
Monday, November 24, 2008
Crazy Joe Update
Hope this finds everyone happy and healthy. I got three more pieces to the puzzle that is Crazy Joe on friday at the end of business.
I purchased a bontrager stem, handlebar, & seatpost for a smokin' hot deal. All three for $21.50. Can't go wrong there. Here's the update of where I stand so far as costs go.
“Crazy” Joe’s Cost Comparison
Item/MSRP/Paid – (Shipping)
Specialized “Rockhopper” 21” Frame/$120.00/$25.00 – ($25.00)
Suntour XCR Front Suspension Fork/$160.00/$52.00 – ($14.00)
2008 Cane Creek S8 Headset 1-1/8"/$70.00/$26.00 – ($8.00)
Bontrager Race Modified 620 Handlebar/$30.00
Bontrager Race Handlebar Stem/$50.00
Bontrager Sport Seat Post/$20.00/$21.50 – ($10.00)
$450.00/$124.50 – ($57.00)
Item/MSRP/Paid – (Shipping)
Specialized “Rockhopper” 21” Frame/$120.00/$25.00 – ($25.00)
Suntour XCR Front Suspension Fork/$160.00/$52.00 – ($14.00)
2008 Cane Creek S8 Headset 1-1/8"/$70.00/$26.00 – ($8.00)
Bontrager Race Modified 620 Handlebar/$30.00
Bontrager Race Handlebar Stem/$50.00
Bontrager Sport Seat Post/$20.00/$21.50 – ($10.00)
$450.00/$124.50 – ($57.00)
Next step is to build the repair stand, update the Trail Dog Tools blog, and start puting this front end together. I did my first stationary ride in a LONG time over the weekend. Put 9 miles on before the "fam" woke up. Better than nothing I guess, especially seeing we got 3" of snow overnight here in FDLWI.
Nothing else to report for now. I hope everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving.
Kippis,
Craigers
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