Twenty ten? two thousand ten? I guess the first one is easier, so happy twenty ten. I never make resolutions, so I won't be posting any here. I'll just have to follow my zen quote on the front page of my blog and see what flows my way.
Last night my wife and I went to our favorite Indian restaurant for supper, and our favorite sitar player was playing. He is also a yoga instructor and has opened a studio. Like I said, I have no resolutions for the New Year, but I'm always on the look out for new endeavors, and I may just have to sign up for a class or two. It never hurts to learn something new, and a new approach, or modification to fitness does the body good. Besides, as I approach 48, flexibility is something I should work on.
Other than that, there is nothing on the horizon, but the GTN triathlon is in the offing.
Good luck this year folks. I ate my pork and sauerkraut for New Years, so I know I have nothing to worry about.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Monday, December 28, 2009
Backpacking, Michaux State Forest
This past Sunday to Monday, Brian B., Mike M., Andy B., Kory E. and I went on a 14 mile backpacking trip in Michaux State Forest located in Southcentral PA. It was a fourteen mile loop that I came across on slackpacker.com/midatlantichikes.com. We did the the Rocky Knob-Quarry Gap Loop
We got on the trail at 11:30 Sunday and the weather was beautiful, however, the trail was quite wet due to the recent snow melt. In fact, we were forced to take a detour because we were unable to cross Birch Run.
We put in about 6.5 miles on Sunday, and made camp at the Birch Run Shelter, which was one of the nicest AT shelters I ever stayed in.
The temperatures dropped to about 25 Sunday evening/Monday morning, but having the shelter made things quite easy - the shelter, and a nice fire.
We got on the trail Monday morning at 9:00 and put in 8 miles on the AT. This is a really picturesque section of the trail. The going was fairly easy despite the recent snowfall and icy patches at various places.
We got off the trail at 12:30, and headed to The Pub in Gettysburg, where we had burgers and Brooklyn Brewing's Chocolate Stout.
It was a great two days in the woods.
We got on the trail at 11:30 Sunday and the weather was beautiful, however, the trail was quite wet due to the recent snow melt. In fact, we were forced to take a detour because we were unable to cross Birch Run.
We put in about 6.5 miles on Sunday, and made camp at the Birch Run Shelter, which was one of the nicest AT shelters I ever stayed in.
The temperatures dropped to about 25 Sunday evening/Monday morning, but having the shelter made things quite easy - the shelter, and a nice fire.
We got on the trail Monday morning at 9:00 and put in 8 miles on the AT. This is a really picturesque section of the trail. The going was fairly easy despite the recent snowfall and icy patches at various places.
We got off the trail at 12:30, and headed to The Pub in Gettysburg, where we had burgers and Brooklyn Brewing's Chocolate Stout.
It was a great two days in the woods.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
The Holidays and Winter Fitness
Last week I ordered the final pieces to my winter riding ensemble, and they arrived the day it snowed. I was, like in the past, planning to ride as much as possible over break, but unless the roads clear, I'll be confined to the trainer.
But, on a positive note, I was able to get back on XC skis again after at least a two year break. I had been downhill skiing, but the lack of snowfall and lack of travel time to get up to Crystal Lake, precluded me from hitting the trails.
The best skiing of the weekend came on Sunday evening. My buddy Scot H. and I got out along the river on the new trail. It was crisp, the snow was good (note to self, get glide wax) and it was great to be skiing along the river. I can't wait for the trail to be completed, which will add more miles for recreation.
I can't believe it is almost Christmas. I'm looking forward to the break and spending time with the family. I also hope to do some riding, more xc skiing, and going on an overnight backpacking trip to Michaux State Forest. I also need to look ahead, and start making some decisions as to what races/events I want to participate in in 2010. I'm signed up for the Got the Nerve Triathlon, so that's one. I have also been entertaining the notion of a 70.3 event.
Since I'm not planning on anymore races this year. Here is my recap of 2009.
Tri to Help Indoor Triathlon (February): 5th overall
Frozen Foot 5k (March): Ran with Kyler, 35:00
Hempfield Tri for Life (April): 23rd overall, 5th in AG (40-49)
Ride for Literacy (May): Metric Century event
Pinchot Triathlon (May): 2oth overall, 2nd in AG (45-49)
Got the Nerve Triathlon (May): 51st overall, 6th in AG (45-49)
Pasta Run 5K (June): 13th overall, 1st in AG (45-49)
Harrisburg Triathlon (June): 21st overall, 2nd in AG (45-49)
Jimmy's Grill 5K (July): 18th overall, 2nd in AG (45-49)
Seashore Striders 5K (July): 11th overall, 1st in AG (45-49)
Lebanon Fair 5K (July): 13th overall, 3rd in AG (40-49)
Livestrong Philly (August): Full Century
Speedwell Triathlon (September): First Oly. Dist. event; 59th, 8th in AG
Jingle Bell Run 5K (December): Ran with Kyler, 30:00
Merry Christmas everyone, and Happy New Year!!!!
But, on a positive note, I was able to get back on XC skis again after at least a two year break. I had been downhill skiing, but the lack of snowfall and lack of travel time to get up to Crystal Lake, precluded me from hitting the trails.
The best skiing of the weekend came on Sunday evening. My buddy Scot H. and I got out along the river on the new trail. It was crisp, the snow was good (note to self, get glide wax) and it was great to be skiing along the river. I can't wait for the trail to be completed, which will add more miles for recreation.
I can't believe it is almost Christmas. I'm looking forward to the break and spending time with the family. I also hope to do some riding, more xc skiing, and going on an overnight backpacking trip to Michaux State Forest. I also need to look ahead, and start making some decisions as to what races/events I want to participate in in 2010. I'm signed up for the Got the Nerve Triathlon, so that's one. I have also been entertaining the notion of a 70.3 event.
Since I'm not planning on anymore races this year. Here is my recap of 2009.
Tri to Help Indoor Triathlon (February): 5th overall
Frozen Foot 5k (March): Ran with Kyler, 35:00
Hempfield Tri for Life (April): 23rd overall, 5th in AG (40-49)
Ride for Literacy (May): Metric Century event
Pinchot Triathlon (May): 2oth overall, 2nd in AG (45-49)
Got the Nerve Triathlon (May): 51st overall, 6th in AG (45-49)
Pasta Run 5K (June): 13th overall, 1st in AG (45-49)
Harrisburg Triathlon (June): 21st overall, 2nd in AG (45-49)
Jimmy's Grill 5K (July): 18th overall, 2nd in AG (45-49)
Seashore Striders 5K (July): 11th overall, 1st in AG (45-49)
Lebanon Fair 5K (July): 13th overall, 3rd in AG (40-49)
Livestrong Philly (August): Full Century
Speedwell Triathlon (September): First Oly. Dist. event; 59th, 8th in AG
Jingle Bell Run 5K (December): Ran with Kyler, 30:00
Merry Christmas everyone, and Happy New Year!!!!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Jingle Bells
Last time I updated, I was thinking of turkey, and here it is almost Christmas.
Kyler and I ran the Jingle Bell Run this past Saturday, and I was proud of him. I'm a bit of a fool when it comes to racing as I live by the motto that I first heard uttered by my buddy Rob D., that "DFL is better than DNF is better than DNS. " As a former Marine, DNS is not an option, and only death or severe wounds would keep me from finishing.
So, it was in that spirit that Kyler and I headed to Lancaster for the Jingle Bell Run despite rain and temps in the mid thirties.
We picked up our packets, and had about 25 minutes until start time, but elected to stay indoors rather than warm-up. It was so cold and miserable that we also decided to run with all our gear on rather than strip down. I may be a fool, but I'm not stupid, and I didn't feel like freezing.
We lined up in the pack, and we were about 30 yards from the start when the command was given. We had to pick our way carefully through the first half-mile, and never got into our 9:30 pace that we hoped for until around a mile into the run. Kyler was warm, and dry, but overdressed, and even though it was cold, he began to overheat. He also had to contend with running while carrying about 5-8 extra pounds of clothes, some of which was getting wet.
There was a brief moment in the run when Kyler's enthusiasm began to wane, but at this time another boy about his age passed us. It was enough to light a fire, and he picked up the pace, and was able to retake the lead. With a 1/4 mile to go, I opened up my stride, and forced Kyler to open up his. With about 100 meters to go, we raced to the line. I must say, my boy is developing a kick. And this is comes solely from playing soccer. Other than that, he has not trained for any distance running.
Final results: 30:40; 464/923 (overall); 27/39 (age group, 14 and under)
Kyler and I ran the Jingle Bell Run this past Saturday, and I was proud of him. I'm a bit of a fool when it comes to racing as I live by the motto that I first heard uttered by my buddy Rob D., that "DFL is better than DNF is better than DNS. " As a former Marine, DNS is not an option, and only death or severe wounds would keep me from finishing.
So, it was in that spirit that Kyler and I headed to Lancaster for the Jingle Bell Run despite rain and temps in the mid thirties.
We picked up our packets, and had about 25 minutes until start time, but elected to stay indoors rather than warm-up. It was so cold and miserable that we also decided to run with all our gear on rather than strip down. I may be a fool, but I'm not stupid, and I didn't feel like freezing.
We lined up in the pack, and we were about 30 yards from the start when the command was given. We had to pick our way carefully through the first half-mile, and never got into our 9:30 pace that we hoped for until around a mile into the run. Kyler was warm, and dry, but overdressed, and even though it was cold, he began to overheat. He also had to contend with running while carrying about 5-8 extra pounds of clothes, some of which was getting wet.
There was a brief moment in the run when Kyler's enthusiasm began to wane, but at this time another boy about his age passed us. It was enough to light a fire, and he picked up the pace, and was able to retake the lead. With a 1/4 mile to go, I opened up my stride, and forced Kyler to open up his. With about 100 meters to go, we raced to the line. I must say, my boy is developing a kick. And this is comes solely from playing soccer. Other than that, he has not trained for any distance running.
Final results: 30:40; 464/923 (overall); 27/39 (age group, 14 and under)
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thanksgiving
Well, not yet, but it is only a week away. I have also realized that I haven't posted anything in awhile. I'm not sure that matters, but in case there are a few souls out there who are unaware of my "status," and who actually read my blog, I'll bring you up to date.
I have no events on the horizon, and have been limiting my training to get over two injuries. I haven't ran in three weeks, however, I have gotten back on a regular swimming routine, and I have been biking when daylight and weather permit. I have also been hitting the weights, which has become a good alternative to running right now. I really feel it is making a difference in my recovery, and I think I will come out of the winter stronger, and more prepared to start up training for spring triathlons.
Work has been going well; I can't believe there is only about 30 days left in the first semester. On one hand that is nice, but on another, it serves to show how life is accelerating. I'm still teaching World History and Global Perspectives. I enjoy these subjects and certainly hope I can finish out my career teaching them. That is possibly only 6 years away. I really need to start considering what I'm going to do with phase II of my life. Besides academics, another teacher and I are going to start up an informal triathlon club at school. There seems to be a lot of interest, so we're going to "pilot" a club and see what kind of turnout we get. Lastly, due to time constraints, I am not planning on chaperoning ski club this year. This might mean that I won't ski this winter, it's just to expensive and time consuming. Hopefully, we'll have good snowfalls this year, so I can resume xc skiing again.
On the family front, things couldn't be better. Tina is teaching Pilates and now playing soccer in a women's over 30 league. The boys are doing well in school and thriving both academically and athletically. Tristan wrapped up his first season of soccer and Kyler had a great experience playing U9 Travel. His team, The Explosion, won the league championship. Kyler was voted "Most Versatile Player" and "Best Offensive player" by the coaches. Both boys also did well in the Race for Education. Tristan ran 3.25 miles, and Kyler ran 6.25 miles. Kyler's performance was the best in his class/third grade and he received a trophy for his efforts. He also entered the "6 Mile Club." Up next for us is the Jingle Bell 5K run in December.
That's about it as we head into the holiday season. Hope all who check in from time to time are doing well.
I have no events on the horizon, and have been limiting my training to get over two injuries. I haven't ran in three weeks, however, I have gotten back on a regular swimming routine, and I have been biking when daylight and weather permit. I have also been hitting the weights, which has become a good alternative to running right now. I really feel it is making a difference in my recovery, and I think I will come out of the winter stronger, and more prepared to start up training for spring triathlons.
Work has been going well; I can't believe there is only about 30 days left in the first semester. On one hand that is nice, but on another, it serves to show how life is accelerating. I'm still teaching World History and Global Perspectives. I enjoy these subjects and certainly hope I can finish out my career teaching them. That is possibly only 6 years away. I really need to start considering what I'm going to do with phase II of my life. Besides academics, another teacher and I are going to start up an informal triathlon club at school. There seems to be a lot of interest, so we're going to "pilot" a club and see what kind of turnout we get. Lastly, due to time constraints, I am not planning on chaperoning ski club this year. This might mean that I won't ski this winter, it's just to expensive and time consuming. Hopefully, we'll have good snowfalls this year, so I can resume xc skiing again.
On the family front, things couldn't be better. Tina is teaching Pilates and now playing soccer in a women's over 30 league. The boys are doing well in school and thriving both academically and athletically. Tristan wrapped up his first season of soccer and Kyler had a great experience playing U9 Travel. His team, The Explosion, won the league championship. Kyler was voted "Most Versatile Player" and "Best Offensive player" by the coaches. Both boys also did well in the Race for Education. Tristan ran 3.25 miles, and Kyler ran 6.25 miles. Kyler's performance was the best in his class/third grade and he received a trophy for his efforts. He also entered the "6 Mile Club." Up next for us is the Jingle Bell 5K run in December.
That's about it as we head into the holiday season. Hope all who check in from time to time are doing well.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Legends of the Fall
The title of this post could relate to my "fall" back in August while participating in the Livestrong Ride. To this point, I am still having shoulder issues which has curtailed my swim training. In fact, I have not swam in 3 weeks.
In addition to a dinged up shoulder, I have been having all the symptoms of a "sports hernia" again, however, it has subsided somewhat, because I have been resting. Resting is something that I don't do well.
Despite resting, I have participated in a few athletic endeavors including the Race for Education with both of my sons at their school. Kyler, 8 years old, was able to get into the 6 mile club. We averaged around a 9:40 mile. Tristan, 6years old, was able to run 3.25 miles. I was quite proud of both of them. Up next for Kyler and me is another 5K in November. Other than that, I have ridden my bike a little bit and been out hiking.
The fall has been pretty nice, but there has been a lot of rain. Soccer has kept me busy, both coaching and spectating. School, as usual, is also a source of constant focus and energy depletion.
That's about it right now.
In addition to a dinged up shoulder, I have been having all the symptoms of a "sports hernia" again, however, it has subsided somewhat, because I have been resting. Resting is something that I don't do well.
Despite resting, I have participated in a few athletic endeavors including the Race for Education with both of my sons at their school. Kyler, 8 years old, was able to get into the 6 mile club. We averaged around a 9:40 mile. Tristan, 6years old, was able to run 3.25 miles. I was quite proud of both of them. Up next for Kyler and me is another 5K in November. Other than that, I have ridden my bike a little bit and been out hiking.
The fall has been pretty nice, but there has been a lot of rain. Soccer has kept me busy, both coaching and spectating. School, as usual, is also a source of constant focus and energy depletion.
That's about it right now.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Marathon Season Week 3
It's over. I have decided not to run the Harrisburg Marathon, because of an injury that has become aggravated by the increase in mileage. I plan on resting, then beginning an off-season weightlifting plan to prepare me for the Spring. I will also run, bike and swim, but at a reduced volume.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
