Well, the MS Society decided last night to cancel Day 2 of the Sam's Club BikeMS. They were concerned because the weather reports called for strong storms this morning.
Turns out that the weather is no worse today than yesterday, just a little colder. But I understand the concern for safety and am not upset. A little disappointed, but not upset.
So, that is all for this year. I had a good time, and I hope you enjoyed reading my updates.
I will probably ride again next year, so until then, may God bless you.
JAy.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Day 1 Recap
Here is the information for my day 1 ride:
Distance 72.6 miles
Average Speed 16.6 mph
Top speed 28.3 mph
Ride time 4:21:09
Like I mentioned in the last post, other folks I rode with had a good bit longer distance, so the distance and average speed could be off by as much as 10 percent. But I don't think I will mess with the calibration so that at least the two days will be comparable.
Well, about time for some shut-eye. I'll give you some updates tomorrow.
God Bless,
Jay.
Distance 72.6 miles
Average Speed 16.6 mph
Top speed 28.3 mph
Ride time 4:21:09
Like I mentioned in the last post, other folks I rode with had a good bit longer distance, so the distance and average speed could be off by as much as 10 percent. But I don't think I will mess with the calibration so that at least the two days will be comparable.
Well, about time for some shut-eye. I'll give you some updates tomorrow.
God Bless,
Jay.
Finished Day 1!
I made it to the finish line!
My odometer shows 72.6 miles, but I don't know what that means, since the last segment was supposed to be almost 15 miles, but it was only 12.7 on my odometer.
I will put more details up a little later. First, some rest.
God Bless,
Jay.
My odometer shows 72.6 miles, but I don't know what that means, since the last segment was supposed to be almost 15 miles, but it was only 12.7 on my odometer.
I will put more details up a little later. First, some rest.
God Bless,
Jay.
Breakpoint 6
I made the last breakpoint! The last 15 miles seemed to yak a along time, but at least I made it safely.
Time to take a rest and then look at the last 15 miles.
I'll put in an update from the finish. It might take a while, though because I am definitely not in a hurry. And my wife is running late to meet me at the finish, so the later I am, the more likely that she will be there.
God Bless,
Jay.
Time to take a rest and then look at the last 15 miles.
I'll put in an update from the finish. It might take a while, though because I am definitely not in a hurry. And my wife is running late to meet me at the finish, so the later I am, the more likely that she will be there.
God Bless,
Jay.
Breakpoint 5
Well, the group I was with decided to bypass the lunch stop. I think it saved a few miles, and the lunch isn't anything to mourn not eating.
I am getting tired, though. I have been maintaining a quick pace for me. Combine that with not having ridden in two weeks, and I feel it.
Plus, a front is coming from the north, and the temperature is dropping. We'll see how the rest goes.
Thirty miles to the finish with one stop in between.
More from the road...
God Bless.
Jay.
I am getting tired, though. I have been maintaining a quick pace for me. Combine that with not having ridden in two weeks, and I feel it.
Plus, a front is coming from the north, and the temperature is dropping. We'll see how the rest goes.
Thirty miles to the finish with one stop in between.
More from the road...
God Bless.
Jay.
Breakpoint 4!
Made it to breakpoint 4.
The speed thus far is high, and I am starting to feel it.
But it is only about 9 miles to lunch. Officially I am at 38 miles to here.
More from lunch.
God Bless,
Jay.
The speed thus far is high, and I am starting to feel it.
But it is only about 9 miles to lunch. Officially I am at 38 miles to here.
More from lunch.
God Bless,
Jay.
Breakpoint 2
I made it to Breakpoint 2 just now. The map says that this is 18.3 miles, but I show about a mile less on my odometer. Not sure yet which is right.
I am feeling pretty good. I caught a couple big groups, which definitely help my average speed.
More updates to come!
God Bless,
Jay.
I am feeling pretty good. I caught a couple big groups, which definitely help my average speed.
More updates to come!
God Bless,
Jay.
Friday, May 1, 2009
The Ride Starts Tomorrow!
Well, the time has finally come for the Sam's Club BikeMS ride. The ride officially starts tomorrow at 8:00.
As you are all aware, the so-called "swine" flu is causing a good bit of concern in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As such, Fort Worth has requested that the ride not enter Terrant County. Therefore, the finish line for day two has moved back to the start line for day two. Should still be a good ride, and I am looking forward to it.
So, rain and influenza can't stop us from riding. Check back over the next few days for frequent updates on the ride, as I will be live-blogging during the event (not on the bicycle, but at all the stops).
Have a good weekend. You will get to hear how mine is right here!
God Bless,
JAy.
As you are all aware, the so-called "swine" flu is causing a good bit of concern in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As such, Fort Worth has requested that the ride not enter Terrant County. Therefore, the finish line for day two has moved back to the start line for day two. Should still be a good ride, and I am looking forward to it.
So, rain and influenza can't stop us from riding. Check back over the next few days for frequent updates on the ride, as I will be live-blogging during the event (not on the bicycle, but at all the stops).
Have a good weekend. You will get to hear how mine is right here!
God Bless,
JAy.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Training Log - April 11, 2009
I went for a ride with the group from the local bike shop this weekend. It was the standard 30 mile loop that they normally ride. Here are the numbers:
- Ride Time: 1:43
- Distance: 28.6 miles
- Average Speed: 16.6 mph
- Max Speed: 26.5
We started out pretty fast, but I was only able to keep up that speed for about 10 miles. Then I started to fade. I think that there were really two reasons that I didn't feel better during the ride. First, I hadn't been on the bike in about 10 days. That isn't usually a good idea for me. Secondly, I fasted on Friday (for Good Friday). Definitely not the best way to prep for a ride.
But, I made the distance, even if the speed wasn't phenomenal. Then I went home a cut the grass. I was tired Saturday afternoon. :)
Till next time....
JAy.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Training Log - April 3-6, 2009
Well, Friday was the training ride that wasn't. I had every intent of going on a 50 mile ride, starting mid-morning. I let my daughter sleep a little late, then fed her breakfast and took her to my in-laws' house to play while I rode.
On my way home, I became aware (because my debit card was declined for gas) that there was over $5,000 missing from my bank accounts. Needless to say, the rest of the day was pretty much spent working through bank statements and talking with bank staff, both on-line and in person.
While the loss was significant, it looks like the bank will pretty much make me whole. Also, it might finally spur my wife and I into making some spending habit changes we have been talking about for a while. And, of course, I am very thankful that this only affected my bank accounts. My family is still healthy and well. We still have very much to be thankful for.
Also, while I was on hold with the bank on Monday, I was able to change out the stem on my bike. The new stem is shorter, so I should be able to keep more weight on the saddle. Plus, it make take some of the strain and soreness off my shoulders. I am looking forward to trying it out soon.
So, maybe I will get to ride again sometime soon. I will post after I do!
On my way home, I became aware (because my debit card was declined for gas) that there was over $5,000 missing from my bank accounts. Needless to say, the rest of the day was pretty much spent working through bank statements and talking with bank staff, both on-line and in person.
While the loss was significant, it looks like the bank will pretty much make me whole. Also, it might finally spur my wife and I into making some spending habit changes we have been talking about for a while. And, of course, I am very thankful that this only affected my bank accounts. My family is still healthy and well. We still have very much to be thankful for.
Also, while I was on hold with the bank on Monday, I was able to change out the stem on my bike. The new stem is shorter, so I should be able to keep more weight on the saddle. Plus, it make take some of the strain and soreness off my shoulders. I am looking forward to trying it out soon.
So, maybe I will get to ride again sometime soon. I will post after I do!
Monday, March 30, 2009
Training Log - 30 March 2009
I got to get on the trainer this evening. Here are the numbers:
Then I started seated climbs. I rode 2 minutes in top gear, then 2 minutes recovery. I maintained 20-22 during the "climb", and again 15-16 during recovery. I completed 6 intervals like this.
I finished with a 5 minute cool down period.
During my last interval, I noticed that my indicated speed started fluctuating on the speedometer. About every 5 seconds, it would drop by 25%, then come back up after about 1 second. (The pattern was actually pretty rhythmic.) When I took my cyclocomputer off after the work-out, the bottom side where the contacts are was completely covered in sweat. Guess I need to watch where my sweat is falling a little better in the future.
Also, for the sake of observation, I weighed myself before and after the ride. I "lost" 2.2 pounds during the ride. Realistically, it was all water weight. More impressively, I drank a full "tall" bike bottle during the ride (28 oz, I think). So my real water loss was closer to 4 pounds. That is one-half gallon of sweat during 1 hour of exercise. Yuck!
Well, until next ride...
In God's Love,
JAy.
- Ride Time: 1:02
- Distance: 17.3 miles
- Average Speed: 16.7 mph
- Max Speed: 22.9 mph
- Resistance Level: Medium
- Exercise Type: Climbing Intervals
Then I started seated climbs. I rode 2 minutes in top gear, then 2 minutes recovery. I maintained 20-22 during the "climb", and again 15-16 during recovery. I completed 6 intervals like this.
I finished with a 5 minute cool down period.
During my last interval, I noticed that my indicated speed started fluctuating on the speedometer. About every 5 seconds, it would drop by 25%, then come back up after about 1 second. (The pattern was actually pretty rhythmic.) When I took my cyclocomputer off after the work-out, the bottom side where the contacts are was completely covered in sweat. Guess I need to watch where my sweat is falling a little better in the future.
Also, for the sake of observation, I weighed myself before and after the ride. I "lost" 2.2 pounds during the ride. Realistically, it was all water weight. More impressively, I drank a full "tall" bike bottle during the ride (28 oz, I think). So my real water loss was closer to 4 pounds. That is one-half gallon of sweat during 1 hour of exercise. Yuck!
Well, until next ride...
In God's Love,
JAy.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Training Log - March 28, 2009
I went to the local bike shop ride this morning. It is a thirty mile loop. I rode exactly 30 miles, according to my cyclocomputer.
I am not going to worry about the speed or time for this ride. The reason is that a new rider showed up, and I volunteered to stay with her to help her learn the route. Therefore, the ride took considerably longer than I had hoped.
However, I did learn one thing on the ride. I was cruising along and noticed that I was experiencing more leg fatigue than expected. When I started moving around a little on the bike, I realized that I was barely putting little weight on the saddle. I moved my hands, and that allowed me a more comfortable riding position while actually sitting. Therefore, I have ordered a new stem to pull my handlebars back slightly. I think that this will help with my overall riding going forward. Hopefully it will arrive before next weekend. It should only take a few minutes to swap out.
I also tried a new nutrition bar on this ride. Even though this wasn't a great test, I think I like the bars and am going to get some more. Even if I decide later that they aren't great for riding, they will make good meal bars for breakfast.
Well, until next time!
I am not going to worry about the speed or time for this ride. The reason is that a new rider showed up, and I volunteered to stay with her to help her learn the route. Therefore, the ride took considerably longer than I had hoped.
However, I did learn one thing on the ride. I was cruising along and noticed that I was experiencing more leg fatigue than expected. When I started moving around a little on the bike, I realized that I was barely putting little weight on the saddle. I moved my hands, and that allowed me a more comfortable riding position while actually sitting. Therefore, I have ordered a new stem to pull my handlebars back slightly. I think that this will help with my overall riding going forward. Hopefully it will arrive before next weekend. It should only take a few minutes to swap out.
I also tried a new nutrition bar on this ride. Even though this wasn't a great test, I think I like the bars and am going to get some more. Even if I decide later that they aren't great for riding, they will make good meal bars for breakfast.
Well, until next time!
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Training Log - March 22, 2009
Today I participated in the Guaranty Bank Tour de Houston, an organized ride that runs through various parts of the city of Houston. I road what was advertised as the 70 mile ride. The ride particulars:
It was an interesting ride. While it was neat to see some neighborhoods which I had not previously seen, it also did nothing to disprove a common perception of Houston roads. That is that they are all in poor to fair condition. I avoided and hit more potholes, cracks, etc. than I think I ever have. Thankfully, I only had one "near miss" with a fall, and no actual falls. That one was due to "wheel suck" where I almost got stuck in an expansion joint in a concrete road bed. Thankfully, I was able to get my wheel out of the crack without incident.
The ride started out really well for me. In fact, I was averaging 19 mph about 25 miles into the ride. Then the wind picked up some, and I slowed a little. Then I paid for my errors of not eating or drinking enough during the first part of the ride. By mile 45 I was hurting. I took a pretty long break at mile 50. By mile 60, I hurt some more, and by mile 65 I was starting to cramp. Thankfully, I made it to the end without collapsing.
Note that the ride distance was somewhat less than the advertised distance. That is because the ride was not well marked where the different routes split. The 70 mile riders were supposed to ride the same route that the 40 mile riders were on until mile 32 or so. Then the 70 mile route headed out on a 30 mile loop before going back towards the starting area.
The course officials and the riders didn't get these instructions clearly, so the vast majority of riders headed on the 70 mile loop the first time by instead of the second. While that didn't necessarily mean that the route would be shorter, when I made it back to where the routes converged, I headed straight back to the start instead of making the 2 mile loop around one of the break points. I figured the two miles weren't going to make that much difference.
So, my big learnings from the ride:
- Distance: 67.5 mile
- Average Speed: 17 mph
- Max Speed: 29.8 mph
- Ride Time: 3:57
- Total Time: 4:45 (est)
It was an interesting ride. While it was neat to see some neighborhoods which I had not previously seen, it also did nothing to disprove a common perception of Houston roads. That is that they are all in poor to fair condition. I avoided and hit more potholes, cracks, etc. than I think I ever have. Thankfully, I only had one "near miss" with a fall, and no actual falls. That one was due to "wheel suck" where I almost got stuck in an expansion joint in a concrete road bed. Thankfully, I was able to get my wheel out of the crack without incident.
The ride started out really well for me. In fact, I was averaging 19 mph about 25 miles into the ride. Then the wind picked up some, and I slowed a little. Then I paid for my errors of not eating or drinking enough during the first part of the ride. By mile 45 I was hurting. I took a pretty long break at mile 50. By mile 60, I hurt some more, and by mile 65 I was starting to cramp. Thankfully, I made it to the end without collapsing.
Note that the ride distance was somewhat less than the advertised distance. That is because the ride was not well marked where the different routes split. The 70 mile riders were supposed to ride the same route that the 40 mile riders were on until mile 32 or so. Then the 70 mile route headed out on a 30 mile loop before going back towards the starting area.
The course officials and the riders didn't get these instructions clearly, so the vast majority of riders headed on the 70 mile loop the first time by instead of the second. While that didn't necessarily mean that the route would be shorter, when I made it back to where the routes converged, I headed straight back to the start instead of making the 2 mile loop around one of the break points. I figured the two miles weren't going to make that much difference.
So, my big learnings from the ride:
- Drink lots of fluids before and during the ride (I may where my digital watch to set a reminder of this for me on future rides)
- Eat during the ride (at least every hour); preferably, eat something with some protein
- I like my bike a lot; it road really well, and I was pretty darn comfortable
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Training Log - March 17, 2009
Got to ride on the trainer last night. It was a good workout, and I actually have more soreness today than I expected. The particulars:
Then I moved on to speed intervals, still 1:00 interval and 1:00 recovery. I was trying to maintain a minimum of 25 mph on the speed interval. Initially I was holding about 18 mph on the recovery, but towards the end had to slow that down to really recover. Totaled 8 speed intervals.
I finished with a 4 minute cool down period.
Overall, it was a good workout. I was definitely tired by the time I finished. And like I mentioned before, I can actually feel it in my legs this morning. Guess that is a good thing.
I have registered for a ride this weekend, so I should have a post after I finish that.
In God's Love,
JAy.
- Distance: 12.5 miles
- Average Speed: 18.7 mph
- Max Speed: 27.7 mph
- Ride Time: 40 minutes
- Resistance Setting: Medium
- Exercise Type: Medium Intervals (1:00)
Then I moved on to speed intervals, still 1:00 interval and 1:00 recovery. I was trying to maintain a minimum of 25 mph on the speed interval. Initially I was holding about 18 mph on the recovery, but towards the end had to slow that down to really recover. Totaled 8 speed intervals.
I finished with a 4 minute cool down period.
Overall, it was a good workout. I was definitely tired by the time I finished. And like I mentioned before, I can actually feel it in my legs this morning. Guess that is a good thing.
I have registered for a ride this weekend, so I should have a post after I finish that.
In God's Love,
JAy.
Training Log - March 7, 2009
I went for a ride March 7 with my brother-in-law. It was a pretty good ride, but had to be cut short due to time (and daylight). The log info:
Overall, a good ride.
In God's Love,
JAy.
- Distance: 23.0 miles
- Average Speed: 16.7 mph
- Max Speed: 25.1 mph
- Ride Time: 1:22:28
Overall, a good ride.
In God's Love,
JAy.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Why I Ride
I wanted to go ahead and describe why I put myself through the effort of this kind of activity. I mean, you have to be a little crazy to do this, right?
Well, for me the primary reason I ride the BikeMS/MS150 is because I have personally witnessed the impacts of MS on a sufferer. My sister has MS, and it nearly cost her life a few years back. Thankfully she has recovered and can lead a pretty normal life now.
But seen what MS can do, and having taken some time to research this terrible disease, I feel the need to respond. No, I cannot do medical research. I don't have the knowledge or training. And I likewise cannot go out and prescribe drugs for MS patients.
What I can do is help the National MS Society raise funds for crucial research that may soon find a cure for MS. I know that people talk all the time about finding a cure for a disease. But having read the important, ground-breaking research going on now, I honestly believe that MS can be cured in my lifetime if research is given the support needed.
Sadly, MS doesn't get the press that other diseases get. Not that I am minimizing the significance of other diseases. But seeing the hope for the eradication of MS, I want to support the movement.
Therefore, I ride. I raise money. And maybe I can help other people take note of MS, and they too will want to make a difference in the fight against this disease.
So, please join me in my efforts!
Well, for me the primary reason I ride the BikeMS/MS150 is because I have personally witnessed the impacts of MS on a sufferer. My sister has MS, and it nearly cost her life a few years back. Thankfully she has recovered and can lead a pretty normal life now.
But seen what MS can do, and having taken some time to research this terrible disease, I feel the need to respond. No, I cannot do medical research. I don't have the knowledge or training. And I likewise cannot go out and prescribe drugs for MS patients.
What I can do is help the National MS Society raise funds for crucial research that may soon find a cure for MS. I know that people talk all the time about finding a cure for a disease. But having read the important, ground-breaking research going on now, I honestly believe that MS can be cured in my lifetime if research is given the support needed.
Sadly, MS doesn't get the press that other diseases get. Not that I am minimizing the significance of other diseases. But seeing the hope for the eradication of MS, I want to support the movement.
Therefore, I ride. I raise money. And maybe I can help other people take note of MS, and they too will want to make a difference in the fight against this disease.
So, please join me in my efforts!
Friday, February 20, 2009
Training Log - February 20, 2009
I got to put in some time on the road this afternoon. It was a beautiful day for a ride. Temperature in the low 70's, low humidity (30-40%), and nice, clear blue skies. The only meteorological disappointment was a pretty stiff wind (I would guess 15-20 mph from the south). But I at least managed.
The particulars:
A few observations:
God Bless,
JAy.
The particulars:
- Ride Time: 1:49:44
- Distance: 30.6 mils
- Average Speed: 16.7 mph
- Max Speed: 23.3 mph
A few observations:
- My odometer is approximately 2% off, giving me too much credit for each wheel revolution. At least it is if I compare it to Google Maps. I haven't decided if it is worth fixing.
- I have crossed the 100 mile mark on the new cyclocomputer. It now reads 107. I am pleased. I think that this is the fastest I have ever racked up 100 miles in the beginning of a training season.
- I am going to look for a shorter stem for my bike. The one I have is close, but if I could get it a little shorter, I think I would be more comfortable. Of course, I knew that this might be the case when I bought this bike, so I can't complain. I half expected this.
God Bless,
JAy.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Training Log - February 16, 2009
I got some more time on the trainer this evening. Here are the particulars:
I started with a warm-up period (5 minutes), then went into standing intervals. I kept a pretty high speed (20mph) while standing, and my recovery period maintained about 18 mph. I actually only managed to stay standing for 2:30 on the first interval. Then I had to decrease the standing portion by :30 per interval. When I sat down early, I picked up the speed to 24 mph for the rest of the interval.
After four standing intervals, I went to speed intervals. I was targeting holding 26 mph on the interval, with a recovery period at 18 mph. As you can see from my max speed, when I was pushing at the end of the interval, I tended to lose control of my speed slightly. I only did three speed intervals because I was short on time and blowing out my lungs. I did manage a 5 minute cool down before feeling like I was going to pass out.
Learning for today: if I am going to do speed intervals, I need my recovery to be at a slower speed than 18-20 mph!
- Ride Time: 0:42:30
- Distance: 14.6 mph
- Average Speed: 20.6 mph
- Max Speed: 28.0 mph
- Trainer Resistance: Low
- Exercise Type: Medium Intervals (2:30 each)
I started with a warm-up period (5 minutes), then went into standing intervals. I kept a pretty high speed (20mph) while standing, and my recovery period maintained about 18 mph. I actually only managed to stay standing for 2:30 on the first interval. Then I had to decrease the standing portion by :30 per interval. When I sat down early, I picked up the speed to 24 mph for the rest of the interval.
After four standing intervals, I went to speed intervals. I was targeting holding 26 mph on the interval, with a recovery period at 18 mph. As you can see from my max speed, when I was pushing at the end of the interval, I tended to lose control of my speed slightly. I only did three speed intervals because I was short on time and blowing out my lungs. I did manage a 5 minute cool down before feeling like I was going to pass out.
Learning for today: if I am going to do speed intervals, I need my recovery to be at a slower speed than 18-20 mph!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Training Log - February 12, 2009
Got an hour on the trainer this evening. Felt pretty good. Here are the particulars:
Then I started speed intervals. I rode the fast periods by sustaining different speeds (20, 22, 22, 24, 28, 25 mph), with the rest periods at 18 mph.
Finally, a 5 minute cool down of gradually decreasing intensity.
An interesting note: I weighed myself both before and after the ride to see how much water I was losing during the exercise. The result was the same for both weights. (And, no, I will not tell you what I weigh.) The scarier part is that between the weigh-ins, I had drunk a full 24 oz bike bottle. Further, I was wearing the same clothes as both weigh-ins, but afterwards I think I could have wrung water out of my shirt it was so wet. I think I probably lost 28-30 oz of water during the 1 hour ride.
Maybe switching to bike bottles for the BikeMS event isn't such a good idea...
God Bless,
JAy.
- Ride Time: 1:00
- Distance: 18.6 mph
- Average Speed: 18.5 mph
- Max Speed: 29.2 mph
- Trainer Resistance: Low
- Exercise Type: Medium Intervals (2:30 each)
Then I started speed intervals. I rode the fast periods by sustaining different speeds (20, 22, 22, 24, 28, 25 mph), with the rest periods at 18 mph.
Finally, a 5 minute cool down of gradually decreasing intensity.
An interesting note: I weighed myself both before and after the ride to see how much water I was losing during the exercise. The result was the same for both weights. (And, no, I will not tell you what I weigh.) The scarier part is that between the weigh-ins, I had drunk a full 24 oz bike bottle. Further, I was wearing the same clothes as both weigh-ins, but afterwards I think I could have wrung water out of my shirt it was so wet. I think I probably lost 28-30 oz of water during the 1 hour ride.
Maybe switching to bike bottles for the BikeMS event isn't such a good idea...
God Bless,
JAy.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Training Log - February 7, 2008
Well, as I had hoped, I got to go for a bike ride. The details:
Also, I don't think it helped that I decided to try water bottles instead of the hydration pack that I am used to. (I am trying to ride like a roady, now that I have a road bike.) I did stop to refill the bottles along the route. But starting with too little water and not drinking regularly enough on the ride was a nearly tragic combination.
Well, at least I got on bike. Even a bad ride is better for me that no ride at all!
- Ride Distance: 30.3 miles
- Ride Time: 2:01
- Average Speed: 15.0 mph
- Max Speed: 21.1 mph
- There was a 20 mph average wind. Even in a cross-wind, that is tough.
- I was probably mildly dehydrated before the ride, worse so after.
- I think I ran out of fuel at about mile 27.
Also, I don't think it helped that I decided to try water bottles instead of the hydration pack that I am used to. (I am trying to ride like a roady, now that I have a road bike.) I did stop to refill the bottles along the route. But starting with too little water and not drinking regularly enough on the ride was a nearly tragic combination.
Well, at least I got on bike. Even a bad ride is better for me that no ride at all!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Wii Fit can be Tough!
So, I didn't have time to ride on Thursday, and I knew I wouldn't have time to ride on Friday, either. So I got out the Wii Fit for the first time and tried it.
WOW!
I know that this is going to be one of those devices where you get out what you put into it. So I tried to be serious about it.
I started with the Yoga poses available to me (it started with 4 or 5 poses). While none of them were super tough, I could feel my body working to do them right. Not bad.
Then I switched to the strength training exercises. The Lunges looked good, but I wasn't sure about them once I started. They weren't what I am used to as lunges. For the Wii, you don't step out and back for the lunge. Instead you keep your feet planted and just raise and lower your body. It was a lot tougher than I expected!
Then I did the "Rowing Squat". This was the exercises I had the toughest time with because the system wants you to keep your weight on your heels, which was not natural to me. After trying it a couple times, I was able to work it pretty well.
Then I realized something. My legs hurt. A lot. I was tired. I couldn't believe that I had gotten that much of a workout on this little device. My legs hurt worse than when I rode my bike trainer Wednesday. Amazing!
Well, I will definitely have to try and find time to continue using the Wii. This could be a good addition to my BikeMS training!
WOW!
I know that this is going to be one of those devices where you get out what you put into it. So I tried to be serious about it.
I started with the Yoga poses available to me (it started with 4 or 5 poses). While none of them were super tough, I could feel my body working to do them right. Not bad.
Then I switched to the strength training exercises. The Lunges looked good, but I wasn't sure about them once I started. They weren't what I am used to as lunges. For the Wii, you don't step out and back for the lunge. Instead you keep your feet planted and just raise and lower your body. It was a lot tougher than I expected!
Then I did the "Rowing Squat". This was the exercises I had the toughest time with because the system wants you to keep your weight on your heels, which was not natural to me. After trying it a couple times, I was able to work it pretty well.
Then I realized something. My legs hurt. A lot. I was tired. I couldn't believe that I had gotten that much of a workout on this little device. My legs hurt worse than when I rode my bike trainer Wednesday. Amazing!
Well, I will definitely have to try and find time to continue using the Wii. This could be a good addition to my BikeMS training!
Training Log - February 4, 2009
Well, I got some time on my trainer on Wednesday. I also got my new cyclocomputer hooked up. Therefore, here are some (relatively) accurate data on the ride:
My intervals for this ride were 5 minutes of warm-up, 5 minutes at high speed (20+ mph), 5 minutes relax (~16 mph), and so on. I think I stretched the last high-speed interval beyond 5 minutes and added 30 seconds out of the saddle to make it tougher.
Overall, I felt good and am looking forward to more time on the bike. I won't be able to ride again until Saturday, but it is supposed to be a nice day, so I am hoping to get on the road for 20 miles or more.
God Bless,
JAy.
- Ride Time: 30:00
- Distance: 8.9 miles
- Average Speed: 17.9 mph
- Max Speed: 25.1 mph
- Resistance Setting: Low
- Excerise type: Long intervals (5 min)
My intervals for this ride were 5 minutes of warm-up, 5 minutes at high speed (20+ mph), 5 minutes relax (~16 mph), and so on. I think I stretched the last high-speed interval beyond 5 minutes and added 30 seconds out of the saddle to make it tougher.
Overall, I felt good and am looking forward to more time on the bike. I won't be able to ride again until Saturday, but it is supposed to be a nice day, so I am hoping to get on the road for 20 miles or more.
God Bless,
JAy.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Starting to Get Nervous
OK, so I have signed up for this big bike ride. I am a little over three months from it (95 days to be precise).
The concern? I haven't ridden my bike recently.
I think I put a total of 30 miles on it in December, and it hasn't been out of the garage in January. I haven't even hooked it up to the trainer.
And this weekend isn't looking any more promising in terms of having time to ride.
Even more concerning to me is the fact that the ride is in the Dallas area, where there are hills. I am not strong on hills normally, and not riding will of course not help that issue. And even if I find time to ride, finding hills around Houston is not easy.
Oh well, enough complaining for now. Maybe I can find some time to get on the trainer this weekend after all. I will see. And I do still have 95 days, right? That is a decent amount of time to train.
Hopefully I can use this nervousness as motivation.
Hopefully.
God Bless,
JAy.
The concern? I haven't ridden my bike recently.
I think I put a total of 30 miles on it in December, and it hasn't been out of the garage in January. I haven't even hooked it up to the trainer.
And this weekend isn't looking any more promising in terms of having time to ride.
Even more concerning to me is the fact that the ride is in the Dallas area, where there are hills. I am not strong on hills normally, and not riding will of course not help that issue. And even if I find time to ride, finding hills around Houston is not easy.
Oh well, enough complaining for now. Maybe I can find some time to get on the trainer this weekend after all. I will see. And I do still have 95 days, right? That is a decent amount of time to train.
Hopefully I can use this nervousness as motivation.
Hopefully.
God Bless,
JAy.
Monday, January 12, 2009
My New Bike
As I mentioned in my previous post, I purchased a new bike last year. I got a Masi Alare. It is a pretty nice bike, although nothing spectacular. Just a good, solid ride (as far as I can tell so far). The picture shown is from the Masi website, but it basically matches what I bought.
Thus far I haven't done anything custom to it. I haven't even put on a cycling computer yet. Hopefully that will happen this week. I am planning to take the one off of my mountain frame since it is a rear-wheel pick-up. I suspect I will be doing most of my work on the trainer on the new bike since that is what I am planning to do tours on now. Plus, I can put knobbies back on my mountain bike! I did, however, put a pair of clipless pedals on it (Wellgo SPD compatible - I only have one pair of shoes!).
So far I have been over-joyed with the riding on the Masi. I probably haven't put 100 miles on it yet, but I am very pleased. It is very comfortable and very stable. Even the saddle is nice. Since it is listed as a Masi saddle, I was worried it would be ultra-cheap, but it is really good.
The only complaint/disappointment I have thus far is the front shifter. It is a Shimano Sora shifter, and is a little clunky. Shifting up into the big ring is good, but downshifts are a little off. The release lever kind of hangs occasionally. Best I can figure is that it has something to do with the lever being able to put the derailleur in multiple positions to eliminate chain rub. (I have noticed at least 3, maybe 4 positions for the derailleur, even though it is a double chain ring.) Not sure if this is really the problem, but that is my thought.
Of course, the question I get is why the Masi? To be honest, it came down to getting a great price on the bike. The Masi website shows the bike retailing for $930, but I got it online for less than 2/3 of that. Throw in a little for shipping, and I was ready to roll. My upstanding is that this bike was a shop demo, and that is why I got the deal. Basically, I can believe that. It is in very good shape, just a couple of marks on the frame (probably from shipping), and one wheel being slightly out of true, close enough that I haven't even fixed it yet (but I don't plan on breaking 25 mph right now; I will have to fix it before I try to break 30).
So, would I recommend the Masi? Probably. The frame is nice, on par with other ~$1000 bikes. Like I said, the only component that seems to be lacking is the shifters. I probably would not recommend paying MSRP for it, but if you can catch it on sale, it is a pretty economical and sweet ride!
Well, I will post more as I continue to train!
God Bless,
JAy.
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