ZAP!

There it is January 1st. Like hitting the reset button on your calendar. I don't feel much different. But it's '07, the year of the Ironman. Who knows what else this year will bring. Kids will turn 5 this year. Travel? Yes! Let's not get too far ahead of ourselves with predictions.

Now, for the stuff I think I know... In accordance with the Ironman training, and just general improvement. I'm fashioning new rules. A few are restatements of what I have long thought anyway.. Here goes.

1. 25 is the new 15. The goal here is to make 25 miles a short ride. This will mean getting up earlier for my Tuesday / Thursday rides.
   
2. Run at lunch.. It's either that or eat. Why not? It breaks up the day and every 30 minute run helps my frequency and overall miles without necessarily killing me. This is also the only way I'll see 4 or more runs per week.
   
3. Stick with what worked last year on the swim. Consistency (3x per week) and drills. I never got fast, but if I can get out of the water after 2.4 feeling fresh, it's a win for me.
4. Rollers and trainers don't move. Thus they are not subject to rule number one. The alternate wording to this rule is "30-60 minutes on the trainer or rollers is better than none".
5. See previous blog entry for notes on "what is my goal?" in regards to my weight and eating. My confidence is so-so. But if I'm going to do it, then January 1 is the time.
6. In the midst of all these "easy" to write down fitness related goals. I'd like to do this all more efficiently/effectively. So, I can make more time for friends and family.
7. Here's one I should add to the list.. but I know better. "Go to bed earlier, and get more sleep."

At that, I'll cut this entry short.

Resolutions.

As you may have read, I've got an Ironman coming up in September. So, it's getting toward go time here. I'm looking at a 9.5 month journey. Ironman or bust. At minimum, if I'm gonna lose some weight it needs to be very soon. Secondly, it's time to ramp up some workout frequency, if nothing else. Third, thank goodness I finally got a gym membership. I can start hitting their pool bright and early. All I need is a local 5k to start a baseline (a.k.a run an LT test). Then I'm set.
More on the weight. This would be weight loss plan # 587 of 2006 (or maybe plan #1 of '07). I'm ramping up already, but I can see it's going to be a tough battle. Basic premise is I can't do the 1/2 way "don't deny yourself stuff" weight loss plans. I'm going to have to go whole hog on each item I eat. The questions before I eat will be:

1. What is in this food?
2. Why am I eating it?
3. How much am I going to eat?
4. Does it help me get to my goal?
5. If I keep asking these questions will I forget about this table of free chocolates sitting behind me at work while everyone else is off the entire week? (OK, maybe I won't ask that every time).
   

At this point I'm not expecting miracles. I'm not giving up ice cream again. I'll just want some serious moderation on the frozen dairy treat, and zero to VERY LITTLE other "bad food". I'm gonna have to up the H2O intake somewhat. Then we'll go from there.

Last but not least, once in a blue friggin' moon I gotta hit a group ride. No? It's about time to pickup my bike roof rack from the LBS. Then I will be able to drive my bike somewhere so as I could ride it in alternate locations away from home.

See you next year.

Merry Christmas!

What a fun morning with the kids! One more day and I'm not on-call for work anymore.. Back to my normally scheduled workouts and mayhem. Merry Christmas!

Grateful

One too many or one too few sake' (or saki) makes me reflect...

I have every reason to be grateful for the life I lead. Taking vacation to ride my bike. Spending time with my children on a daily basis. I'm grateful for a wonderful family. An understanding wife. I'm grateful for my good neighbors. I'm grateful for a good job that I enjoy. I'm grateful I've managed to make some wonderful friends in life (even online). Grateful for my brother and his family visiting from a far off land. Here is an open "thank you" for the life I have.

We miss you Dad.

Equipment Review -- Pearl Izumi Winter Cycling Getup

In celebration of me getting older, I decided to fork out some cash on winter cycling clothes. I've been doing it on the cheap for enough years (see blog entry from a few weeks back). So, here are the "results" after a week or so of riding this stuff outside.

I rode outside about 5 times in the new "getup". I rode in 18 degree weather, and plenty of 32-38 degree weather.

Without further ado, here is the new equipment list:

Pearl Izumi Gavia Jacket:



The number one thing about this Gavia jacket is it's warm but not bulky. I'm used to winter riding in clothes that act as resistance training against the wind. The jacket stretches to fit tightly. It doesn't bulk out or flap around at all. It has wind protection in the front and vents where you need them. Underneath, I have a standard cycling jersey and a long sleeve base layer for really cold days. The only thing I regret about this jacket is I didn't get one sooner. I have been eyeing up jackets like this for a few winters. Dang!

Pearl Izumi AmFIB Tight:


I went in looking for the jacket, and got carried away. This brings me to the pants. I'm normally fine with regular bike tights. When it's really cold, I need some extra wind stopper in the nether regions. As it turns out, the LBS had some wind stopper equipped pants. They keep my legs warmer than I think I really need them to, but I'm not hot in them. Warm legs does help the blood flow in the area I'm really concerned about. They provide more of an even protection than I was looking for. I really wanted super wind stopping power in the crotch, and regular leg protection. End result though, I'm plenty warm in these. I would wear them on the coldest of days without fear. I do wear regular bike shorts underneath. I have yet to get really rained on in cold weather, but these feel like they would hold up very well in such a situation (crossing fingers).

Pearl Izumi Cyclone Glove:

I would like to say I went three for three on the Pearl Izumi clothing. But, I think I made a mistake on this one. To no fault of the manufacturer, I just chose a glove that isn't as warm as I need it to be. It fits great. I just need something with a bit more weight to it. I wanted to get by with a thinner, more lightweight, but still warm glove. Well folks, here is no place to skimp on weight. I suspect these would be great gloves in 45 degree weather for me. So, I'll be sticking with my older, poofier gloves on cold days.

In addition to the great stuff from the manufacturer, I really have to give a thumbs up to the local LBS here. Wheel and Sprocket was very knowledgeable and helpful. Bike clothing online can be cheap, but I had excellent help from the LBS. I feel I couldn't have gotten that online without at least a few returns. (EDIT) I went out today in about 40 degrees F. I went meduim hard effort, enough to stay fairly warm. These gloves were perfect for that!

Last, but not least. If your out on your winter ride without a stack of Cliff bars, consider stopping by the local Great Harvest Bread Company for a little snack. MMMMMMmmmm.

Enough shilling for one day. For what it's worth, I am not sponsored by anyone. Nor did I receive money or goods for this review.

RaNdOm NeWs FrOm ThE pAsT WeEk Or So..

First, I made it... I hit my birthday party without more than 2 spoonfuls of delicious frozen milk treat. And even since then Kopps has been gumming up their flavors with good for you things like nuts and turtles.. So, while I've had the stuff since.. I haven't been piling it on like I useta.. Mission accomplished.

Secondly, balance. It's been off kilter whilest I look for a brand new car. I found said car. And if I can give any advice to those looking for new cars out there.. Figure out what you want then just go get it.. Enough with all the Interent research/quotes/emails to dealers and such... And don't let them sell you the true-coat. Turns out I'm very happy with my new black civic sedan from David Hobbs. Shameless plug.. but there was no kickback for that link. Glad it's over.

I'm takin' the week off.. who's riding? I need something to slap me back into routine... Didn't I sign up for some Ironman or something like that next year? Someone remind me in April.