Is This A Sign?

My short daily runs have been going well.  My legs have stayed pain-free and I am picking up a little pace (that'a a relative term).  All in all, I'm happy with my progress.  There has been very little biking over the last few months, so my speed and endurance has suffered (memo to self:  Ride More!).

I've been invited on  a 40 miler on the Suncoast Trail this morning.  I have to admit, 40 miles is sounding like a long way for me today.  Never the less, I'm up at 5:30 gathering supplies and filling water bottles.  Then, out to the garage to get tire pressures adjusted before heading out.  Front tire - 120 psi, no problem.  Back tire - 20 psi and I hear a hissing noise.  Seems to be coming from the valve area.  Take hose off, re-attach, pump, hiss, repeat.  After getting frustrated with my pump, it finally dawns on me that the pump is fine - it's the tube.  5:50 a.m. - glad I have spares, time to change it out.  Funny how your mind doesn't process things clearly before 6:00a.m.

So, I'm sweaty and writing.  Wondering if the flat is a sign that I should cool off and go back to bed?  No, I'm going with the idea that the worst of my ride is behind me and that I won't get dropped.

I'll let you know how it goes!

Ken

Will Axe Sponsor Me?

It's become a bit of a joke around here that I will not use this particular bottle of soap unless I have done some training.  If I'm not training, the bottle sits in my shower and taunts me!  It just stays full while the other soaps get washed down the drain.  It scoffs at my laziness!

I'm not sure why this ritual has formed for me - but it has.  In all honesty, "Snake Peel" does a better job of making me feel clean after a long run or ride.  I think it must be the "Desert Minerals and Cactus Oils".  Follow my logic for just a second.  We all know that if you want to be a faster runner - you need to go out and practice running faster.  If you want to get better at riding long distances - just get on your bike and start riding.  So, given the "Circle of Life" (loved that movie), wouldn't it make sense that a soap with dirt in it (Desert Minerals must be some type of rock or dirt) would do a better job of getting dirt off than a soap with no dirt?  Don't answer that . . . it does for me!

The good news of this blog is that the bottle in the shower is about to be emptied and I've already bought two new bottles!  Happy training and everyone have a great weekend!  

It's Been A While

To say the least, my triathlon year has been a disappointment.  When 2010 arrived, I had great plans and was very much looking forward to a long season of training and racing.  Well, my hamstring had a different plan.  It seemed that no amount of stretching and "babying-it" could keep me running pain-free.  I ran St. Anthony's very slowly and immediately decided that I was not fit enough for Florida 70.3.  With that dream gone - I pretty much abandoned any hope for spring and summer races.  That's the bad news.

Now for the good news - I have run 5 times in the last few days and I'm pain-free!  Well, almost pain-free.  My hammy is fine - it's now my lungs that are screaming for me to stop!

I'm now looking forward to some racing in the fall.  I have a long way to go to get back in racing shape - but as long as I keep my goals in mind, I will be fine:

• Don't sink during the swim.
• Don't fall during the bike
• Don't stop running until you go under the big balloon thing!

It's All About The Pants!

There are good weekends and great weekends. If you are a fan of Blues music, this is a great weekend to live in Clearwater, Florida! Friday night started with Mike Zito and Tab Benoit. I have followed Tab all over North America, so it’s a real treat to have him come to my neighborhood. Tab was the Friday headliner and he didn’t disappoint. I’m still amazed that performers like Tab don’t get more commercial attention.

On Saturday, the show starts mid-afternoon and goes until late in the evening. For the day, there were two acts that I wanted to see. The first was Chris Duarte. I have some of his music and he’s a great musician. Chris did not disappoint. I have to admit, there were times that I found myself paying less attention to the music and more to the psychedelic pants that Chris was wearing!  Chris was playing loud - but the pants were louder!  I would love to know if you get the pants on the first day you decide to become a blues musician - or if they come later in your career??  Either way, he rocks!

After Chris Duarte finished-up, it was time for Robert Cray. Robert was. . . . . . . well . . . . . . Robert was mellow. He did what he does, but there were no cool pants. There was no “too big” necklace with a huge rock on it. There was no Asian looking base player. There was no “Mr. Meoggi” 2nd guitar player. Nope – there was Robert Cray, standing stiffly behind the mike, singing his songs. I missed the announcements, but before I arrived, it had been made clear that Mr. Cray would only allow pictures during the first two songs. Just to be sure, there was a guy with no neck to walk around and glare at the fans.

Robert played well – but the response was tepid compared to Friday night and the response for Chris Duarte. I’m guessing that Robert Cray is the tortured artist that feels he’s not understood by the masses. I think Robert needs fun pants, a smile and to dump the guy with no neck!