- I was so grateful to my family for encouraging me throughout this long process. Yes, I have been a bit obsessive (in thinking and talking and fussing) with this. I love them all very much.
- I completed the 35-mile race in 2 hrs 27 mins, which was faster than my 3 hour goal. For a new Clydesdale cyclist, this was a great achievement and I am very pleased with it.
- According to race stats, out of the 1,111 cyclists in my route, I ranked #555! Yes, I am the last person to be in the top half of my race. That is funny to me. Mom and Dad always said I was above average...barely, but still.
- I was happy to see so many people on race day, though I pretty much rode by myself, which was the plan. I didn't want to slow anyone down, or be slowed by anyone.
- It was great to see Alex and Jay at the start, my family with our "Mighty" family t-shirts cheering me on (cowbells are really loud when hit with a drumstick!), Cory rode with me for awhile, Neighbor Ted came along just at the right time to encourage me to finish strong, and then I saw Jay, Lynn and Laura at the finishing line. Ted, Cory, Lynn and Alex all beat their previous times and Jay ranked #25!!!
- Though I lost steam somewhere along mile 25, I rallied back during the last couple of miles. Felt great energy last night, long after the race. WHY?
- A highlight for me was seeing Alicia, wife of my friend Jim who died this past summer. She was looking for me at the starting line of our race and thanked me for thinking of her family and of Jim. I was surprised to hear that Jim had ridden a 110 mile race in Ohio some years back. That was inspiring to me and I thought of him often during my race. God is with her as she bravely faces each day without Jim. Jim would be so proud of her.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
El Tour...Middle of the 35-Mile Pack
My daughter says I have to post "something, anything" today about the El Tour de Tucson race that I did yesterday, but I am still enjoying the after-effects of completing it. I'll post more later, but here are some of the quick highlights:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
To my few followers, thank you for signing up!
There are only four of you today, but I am so very grateful that someone is out there. Sadly, I started the blog because I needed to dialogue (or whine) about my new efforts in cycling and hopefully, someone would encourage me along the way. That has already happened from you followers and some other drop-in commentors.
Big Wind - The handsome follower with the glasses was my first and will support me no matter what...and not just because he is my father...he also married a wonderful lady 49 years ago, who has posted many times here. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
SusieTri - My first non-relative (!) and a tri-athlete, competed in IronMan Arizona last week. Thanks for the encouragement and insight. How'd you do in Tempe, Susie? Looking forward to reading all about it.
Snod66 - My best friend from grade school (who lives several states away). Or could it be his much better half? Either way, the lack of any comments and the lack of an avatar image, somehow looks creepy coming from a close friend. The image somehow reminds me of the quiet kid in the back of the classroom that eventually winds up being interviewed by Chris Hansen on NBC's "To Catch a Predator". Don't just sit on the stool in the kitchen eating cookies and drinking sweet tea! Make a comment or something. At least, submit a picture of yourself, so that you aren't looking so shadowy.
And Dan just dropped in today. Looks like he just completed his first marathon! Very cool. Seems so daunting...I will likely stick to cycling. They say the "century" (a 100-mile cycling race) is the cousin to the runner's marathon. Maybe someday. Thanks for following along, Dan. Please pass on any advice...I'll put it to good use.
My thanks also to Duane and Cody who have jumped in with comments. And finally, my sweet Bookreader28, thanks for the fun and encouraging comments. I can't believe you really like Bon Jovi (but their Christmas song is pretty sweet!).
Big Clyde
Big Wind - The handsome follower with the glasses was my first and will support me no matter what...and not just because he is my father...he also married a wonderful lady 49 years ago, who has posted many times here. Thanks, Mom and Dad!
SusieTri - My first non-relative (!) and a tri-athlete, competed in IronMan Arizona last week. Thanks for the encouragement and insight. How'd you do in Tempe, Susie? Looking forward to reading all about it.
Snod66 - My best friend from grade school (who lives several states away). Or could it be his much better half? Either way, the lack of any comments and the lack of an avatar image, somehow looks creepy coming from a close friend. The image somehow reminds me of the quiet kid in the back of the classroom that eventually winds up being interviewed by Chris Hansen on NBC's "To Catch a Predator". Don't just sit on the stool in the kitchen eating cookies and drinking sweet tea! Make a comment or something. At least, submit a picture of yourself, so that you aren't looking so shadowy.
And Dan just dropped in today. Looks like he just completed his first marathon! Very cool. Seems so daunting...I will likely stick to cycling. They say the "century" (a 100-mile cycling race) is the cousin to the runner's marathon. Maybe someday. Thanks for following along, Dan. Please pass on any advice...I'll put it to good use.
My thanks also to Duane and Cody who have jumped in with comments. And finally, my sweet Bookreader28, thanks for the fun and encouraging comments. I can't believe you really like Bon Jovi (but their Christmas song is pretty sweet!).
Big Clyde
Can't think, Can't sleep...El Tour is now an obsession
My patient wife must be wishing she had her old husband back. He didn't exercise, didn't constantly mess around with new bike stuff for his new bike, and didn't constantly bring up the El Tour de Tucson race (coming this weekend).
I was that old husband in May (and through most of the summer)...but after almost 19 years of marriage, she is seeing me become increasingly obsessed with cycling. I don't think I am, because I know that my performance is still so very limited compared to even the casual cyclist. But I find that it is all that I think about...I find myself noticing the incline grade of roads as I am driving. I am now paying attention to which streets have bike lanes or wide shoulders, good smooth pavement, hills that I could climb (and the very steep hills that laugh at me).
For the record, I still don't think I have lost much weight. My doctor recently noted a 6 lb drop since I started cycling, but the bathroom scale hasn't really budged. But I do know that my quads are bigger and more muscular and the belly has less "jelly" to it now.
I will join 9,000 other cyclists this weekend in the El Tour de Tucson race and will ride 36 miles. Then, I will find the next race and sign up for it (so that I don't cuddle up on the coach with my El Tour participation medal for the rest of my life).
So, is it an obsession? It's an odd thing for me to describe...I wouldn't say that I love riding (it is hard, my progress seems slow and at such a low level compared to virtually everyone in the real world and blogger world)...and yet, I do love that I can see some progress each month, some weight is shifting (and burning away) and I love the feeling that I am actually doing something. Maybe a year from now, I will do the 66 or 81 (or 110) mile route of El Tour and will be a very different person. I am hopeful.
Which is why I guess I am obsessed. Hope is not found on the couch.
Keep riding!
Big Clyde
I was that old husband in May (and through most of the summer)...but after almost 19 years of marriage, she is seeing me become increasingly obsessed with cycling. I don't think I am, because I know that my performance is still so very limited compared to even the casual cyclist. But I find that it is all that I think about...I find myself noticing the incline grade of roads as I am driving. I am now paying attention to which streets have bike lanes or wide shoulders, good smooth pavement, hills that I could climb (and the very steep hills that laugh at me).
For the record, I still don't think I have lost much weight. My doctor recently noted a 6 lb drop since I started cycling, but the bathroom scale hasn't really budged. But I do know that my quads are bigger and more muscular and the belly has less "jelly" to it now.
I will join 9,000 other cyclists this weekend in the El Tour de Tucson race and will ride 36 miles. Then, I will find the next race and sign up for it (so that I don't cuddle up on the coach with my El Tour participation medal for the rest of my life).
So, is it an obsession? It's an odd thing for me to describe...I wouldn't say that I love riding (it is hard, my progress seems slow and at such a low level compared to virtually everyone in the real world and blogger world)...and yet, I do love that I can see some progress each month, some weight is shifting (and burning away) and I love the feeling that I am actually doing something. Maybe a year from now, I will do the 66 or 81 (or 110) mile route of El Tour and will be a very different person. I am hopeful.
Which is why I guess I am obsessed. Hope is not found on the couch.
Keep riding!
Big Clyde
Sunday, November 15, 2009
The last BIG ride before El Tour...36 miles!!
Great day for me today. I rode my bike 36 miles this afternoon, which feels awesome! When I started riding last May, I committed to riding the 36 mile route of El Tour de Tucson. But life and other commitments would get in the way, so my training was off and on. Until today, I wasn't sure if I could handle that distance. But today confirmed that I can do it. The race is 6 days away. Very exciting for me. My first race.
I did ride twice since my last post. I rode for about 13 miles on Thursday, going at a faster pace than normal, then went for a fun ride with my boy Joe on Saturday.
Back to today, my pace was slower than I would have liked, but I was trying to conserve energy for the longer distance and was battling some wind. Given that it is almost never windy here, a 7-10 mph wind can mess with me. Nonetheless, I did it (took me three hours, but I did it). Good times.
Keep riding.
Big Clyde
I did ride twice since my last post. I rode for about 13 miles on Thursday, going at a faster pace than normal, then went for a fun ride with my boy Joe on Saturday.
Back to today, my pace was slower than I would have liked, but I was trying to conserve energy for the longer distance and was battling some wind. Given that it is almost never windy here, a 7-10 mph wind can mess with me. Nonetheless, I did it (took me three hours, but I did it). Good times.
Keep riding.
Big Clyde
Monday, November 9, 2009
Today's ride...13.4 miles
Just a quick ride out this morning, with my friend J. I was a bit gassed from riding a longer distance yesterday afternoon, but kept a decent pace. Will do a similar, but more intense ride on Wednesday, then a long ride on Saturday...my last long ride before El Tour.
By the way, on yesterday's tiresome ride, I kept remembering that youtube video David After the Dentist. "Is this going to be forever?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs&feature=related
Big Clyde
By the way, on yesterday's tiresome ride, I kept remembering that youtube video David After the Dentist. "Is this going to be forever?"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txqiwrbYGrs&feature=related
Big Clyde
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Carnitas Fajitas + bike ride? No es bueno!!
First things first! My thanks to the many friends and family who have agreed to donate funds to the Tu Nidito organization that benefits children who have lost a parent in the Greater Tucson area. It will directly benefit the children of a good friend who we lost this summer. With donations and company matching funds, I am guessing we will raise about $500 for my race. As my friend Jim used to say, "Awesome!"
Secondly, after my longest ride of 28.3 miles last weekend, I did not ride again until a week later (this past weekend). I rode 6.5 on Saturday and 18.5 on Sunday. I focused on some speed intervals for the short ride and some hills on the second. However...
There are a few things that this new budding Clydesdale has just learned about activity and food choices.
1. If you ride your largest distance, you will likely feel tired for the next several days...this is normal, ride soon anyway. After my long Saturday ride, I didn't get back on the bike until a week later. When I did, my legs felt heavy and tired. I am thinking that I should have ridden a few times throughout the week (even short rides)...just to keep the muscles moving, etc.
2. If you decide to make up for that lethargic week, by putting alot of your miles into a Sunday afternoon, then avoid the big Sunday lunch at Macayo's Mexican Restaurant. The fam and I had a blast with our friends (14 of us!), but after some carnitas, chips & salsa, and a "Baja Pizza", we drove home asap and I jumped on the bike. I did not hurl, or even have a belly ache, but I (again) just felt like I had no fuel in the tank. No energy + long ride with hills = lackluster performance.
I guess I have to remember basic guidelines about using food as fuel, if you are going to exercise. I lost a great training opportunity this weekend and I haven't much time left before the race. Less than two weeks away. Need to make better choices in training and food.
Still, I am grateful for 25 miles this past weekend and I'll be out again early tomorrow morning.
Keep riding,
Big Clyde
Secondly, after my longest ride of 28.3 miles last weekend, I did not ride again until a week later (this past weekend). I rode 6.5 on Saturday and 18.5 on Sunday. I focused on some speed intervals for the short ride and some hills on the second. However...
There are a few things that this new budding Clydesdale has just learned about activity and food choices.
1. If you ride your largest distance, you will likely feel tired for the next several days...this is normal, ride soon anyway. After my long Saturday ride, I didn't get back on the bike until a week later. When I did, my legs felt heavy and tired. I am thinking that I should have ridden a few times throughout the week (even short rides)...just to keep the muscles moving, etc.
2. If you decide to make up for that lethargic week, by putting alot of your miles into a Sunday afternoon, then avoid the big Sunday lunch at Macayo's Mexican Restaurant. The fam and I had a blast with our friends (14 of us!), but after some carnitas, chips & salsa, and a "Baja Pizza", we drove home asap and I jumped on the bike. I did not hurl, or even have a belly ache, but I (again) just felt like I had no fuel in the tank. No energy + long ride with hills = lackluster performance.
I guess I have to remember basic guidelines about using food as fuel, if you are going to exercise. I lost a great training opportunity this weekend and I haven't much time left before the race. Less than two weeks away. Need to make better choices in training and food.
Still, I am grateful for 25 miles this past weekend and I'll be out again early tomorrow morning.
Keep riding,
Big Clyde
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
El Tour de Tucson - Dedication to Jim Smith
I am dedicating my ride in El Tour to Jim Smith, a good friend of mine, who died this past summer after a two year bout with a brain tumor. I worked with Jim, but then we became friends and really got to know each other. He was a brother in Christ, a loving husband and father and loved by so many people. During his final two years, we would meet at the hospital, rehab center, Starbucks and even at his office, when he was feeling better. He was always positive, always smiling and confident. Even when he knew that he was up against it and might not survive this, he just chose to find the upside and spend the rest of his days showing love and encouragement to all around him. You just felt better around him, this big smiling, happy guy who was tolerant, smart and kind to everyone. His favorite word was "AWESOME", which he used in just about every other sentence. This was his way of expressing his own upbeat attitude and giving encouragement to anyone near him.
I could not stop crying at his funeral. He was too good to lose and we all knew it. I cry when I think of him now. I started this blog because I know that I am not very disciplined, not athletic and would need encouragement, even from strangers. Thankfully, I have received that already. I know that if Jim is able to watch from Heaven, he is encouraging me now.
Recently, I learned that his four boys are benefitting from Tu Nidito, a Tucson-based organization that helps children who have lost a parent. So, now I am raising funds for Tu Nidito, which is affiliated with El Tour.
As I train and race in El Tour, I will think of Jimmy, his wife and boys and dedicate my efforts to him.
I could not stop crying at his funeral. He was too good to lose and we all knew it. I cry when I think of him now. I started this blog because I know that I am not very disciplined, not athletic and would need encouragement, even from strangers. Thankfully, I have received that already. I know that if Jim is able to watch from Heaven, he is encouraging me now.
Recently, I learned that his four boys are benefitting from Tu Nidito, a Tucson-based organization that helps children who have lost a parent. So, now I am raising funds for Tu Nidito, which is affiliated with El Tour.
As I train and race in El Tour, I will think of Jimmy, his wife and boys and dedicate my efforts to him.
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