...am I ready...maybe...we'll see come 7:30am on Sunday morning!
If you are awake...send me some good vibes!!
Friday, May 30, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Saturday biking in NW Iowa
OK...forgot my camera, but then again I don't know if I could have held onto to take pictures anyway.
Saturday morning I woke up after driving to my parents and not getting there until 1:00am I was still tired. Knowing I needed to go for a ride I headed downstairs for breakfast.
Found some cheerios with fresh strawberries and then downed a banana.
As I was getting ready Mom asked how soon I was leaving. "very soon" was my reply. "Good as the wind is supposed to pick up today" was her reply. GREAT...I hate wind!
As I'm getting ready I can't find my sunscreen...of course my mother has none as she rarely burns! So I take my little stick and at least coat my face and tattoos. Yep, the important things!
Finally headed out at 10:00am.
As I head North out of Marcus on Hwy 143, I am already getting blown to the east because of the wind. I figure only 3 miles and then I'll have a tail wind...no problem.
As I turned east towards Cleghorn, I had a GREAT tail wind. It's not very often I get to go anywhere from 25-30mph!! Then I started to get nervous. What is the ride going to be like coming back....should I turn around? Nope keep going, it's only 8 more miles to Cleghorn, you can do it! Turning south into Cleghorn, I still had a slight tailwind, with a slight cross wind. Still able to keep it going at about 19-21mph.
Heading into Cleghorn I get a few weird looks from the Softball girls. I suppose it's not very often they see someone rolling into town in spandex and wearing a bike helmet. I'm guessing most don't even own a bike helmet...I know I didn't growing up!
Stopped at the pop machines at the community center to get a water to mix up my drink. GREAT...the dollar thing is working. Well, the next machine is cans and only 50cents...let's hope the dollar thing works. Got a Coke, stretched the legs and mentally prepared myself for the ride back.
Heading back out of Cleghorn, I was already dreading the next 8 miles. As I headed north the headwind was pretty strong, but not too bad....oh and this was slight uphill as coming in was obviously downhill! Only 4 miles until I had to head west into stronger wind. Not bad kept this around 12mph. Then I turned west...holy cow...where the hell did this wind come from. I managed to keep my bike on the road and go along at a pace of 8-10mph! Every mile intersection was a saving grace...it was awesome to finally see the cars on Hwy 143!!
Heading south back into Marcus was a pretty good tailwind with a slight cross wind...woo hoo only 3 more miles and back up to the 19 to over 20mph range!
As I got back into town, I needed to spin slowly for a little bit, so I did a loop around town. I was at 22m and wanted to get in 25m at least. I did the main perimeter around town and headed back to my parents...who live on the east perimeter. By the time I rolled into the alley I was just over 25m and pooped! Oh...and all of it done in 2 hours and 1800 calories burned!! My butt hurt bad...but it felt so good!!
Back to the no sunscreen...well, as the night went on, I kept getting more red and started getting the chills. NOT good!! I think I had a combo of wind burn and sunburn. I have never had a sunburn feel so tight and itch so bad! Even today it is still bright red on my shoulder blades as I had a T-back jersey on! Oh...and when I arrived back in DM, I found the sunscreen in the bag with Alexa's pull-ups...aauughh!
I also have to commend the drivers in NW Iowa! Every single person that passed me went all the way into the other lane and didn't come back over until they were far in front of me. It was nice to see all the friendly waves too. It's not very often you see a driver of a car waving at a cyclist! WAY TO GO!!
Saturday morning I woke up after driving to my parents and not getting there until 1:00am I was still tired. Knowing I needed to go for a ride I headed downstairs for breakfast.
Found some cheerios with fresh strawberries and then downed a banana.
As I was getting ready Mom asked how soon I was leaving. "very soon" was my reply. "Good as the wind is supposed to pick up today" was her reply. GREAT...I hate wind!
As I'm getting ready I can't find my sunscreen...of course my mother has none as she rarely burns! So I take my little stick and at least coat my face and tattoos. Yep, the important things!
Finally headed out at 10:00am.
As I head North out of Marcus on Hwy 143, I am already getting blown to the east because of the wind. I figure only 3 miles and then I'll have a tail wind...no problem.
As I turned east towards Cleghorn, I had a GREAT tail wind. It's not very often I get to go anywhere from 25-30mph!! Then I started to get nervous. What is the ride going to be like coming back....should I turn around? Nope keep going, it's only 8 more miles to Cleghorn, you can do it! Turning south into Cleghorn, I still had a slight tailwind, with a slight cross wind. Still able to keep it going at about 19-21mph.
Heading into Cleghorn I get a few weird looks from the Softball girls. I suppose it's not very often they see someone rolling into town in spandex and wearing a bike helmet. I'm guessing most don't even own a bike helmet...I know I didn't growing up!
Stopped at the pop machines at the community center to get a water to mix up my drink. GREAT...the dollar thing is working. Well, the next machine is cans and only 50cents...let's hope the dollar thing works. Got a Coke, stretched the legs and mentally prepared myself for the ride back.
Heading back out of Cleghorn, I was already dreading the next 8 miles. As I headed north the headwind was pretty strong, but not too bad....oh and this was slight uphill as coming in was obviously downhill! Only 4 miles until I had to head west into stronger wind. Not bad kept this around 12mph. Then I turned west...holy cow...where the hell did this wind come from. I managed to keep my bike on the road and go along at a pace of 8-10mph! Every mile intersection was a saving grace...it was awesome to finally see the cars on Hwy 143!!
Heading south back into Marcus was a pretty good tailwind with a slight cross wind...woo hoo only 3 more miles and back up to the 19 to over 20mph range!
As I got back into town, I needed to spin slowly for a little bit, so I did a loop around town. I was at 22m and wanted to get in 25m at least. I did the main perimeter around town and headed back to my parents...who live on the east perimeter. By the time I rolled into the alley I was just over 25m and pooped! Oh...and all of it done in 2 hours and 1800 calories burned!! My butt hurt bad...but it felt so good!!
Back to the no sunscreen...well, as the night went on, I kept getting more red and started getting the chills. NOT good!! I think I had a combo of wind burn and sunburn. I have never had a sunburn feel so tight and itch so bad! Even today it is still bright red on my shoulder blades as I had a T-back jersey on! Oh...and when I arrived back in DM, I found the sunscreen in the bag with Alexa's pull-ups...aauughh!
I also have to commend the drivers in NW Iowa! Every single person that passed me went all the way into the other lane and didn't come back over until they were far in front of me. It was nice to see all the friendly waves too. It's not very often you see a driver of a car waving at a cyclist! WAY TO GO!!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Watch out world
Yep watch out world 2 Jules are going on RAGBRAI...JS and I are going to be riding Sun, Mon and Tues. of RAGBRAI. JS has never gone so we are doing the whole camping experience. However we are not doing the find your bag amongst a semi load of others. We will be going with the Pella Cycling Club. Both of us are excieted. So watch out world 2 Jules are on the loose....
PEACE
PEACE
Monday, May 12, 2008
Trader Joe's?
So in visiting some of my favorite websites I keep hearing about this place called Trader Joe's.
Basically it's a large commercial health food store. The more people I talk to, the more I hear about people wanting to eat healthy, and I think something like this would be beneficial to our community. There are so many people that want to eat healthy and organic, but we just don't have much to choose from. Not sure how their prices would compare to the small health food stores in DM. But for us on a tighter budget, it sounds like it may be a good option.
Check out the link above and if you think it sounds like a good deal:
Click on the contact us tab, then the email us stamp, select Location Requests from the drop-down, and fill out the info and submit.
Basically it's a large commercial health food store. The more people I talk to, the more I hear about people wanting to eat healthy, and I think something like this would be beneficial to our community. There are so many people that want to eat healthy and organic, but we just don't have much to choose from. Not sure how their prices would compare to the small health food stores in DM. But for us on a tighter budget, it sounds like it may be a good option.
Check out the link above and if you think it sounds like a good deal:
Click on the contact us tab, then the email us stamp, select Location Requests from the drop-down, and fill out the info and submit.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Dan and Julies' Biking Adventure
My training partner Dan is graduating on Sunday May 11th and we had been talking about doing a long ride so I took off of work on Friday and we hit the Raccoon River biking trail. It was a perfect day for riding. Our intentions were to try to get in 100 miles. I know that was aggressive for me but I figured why not try. We got on the trail at Waukee....
Dan at the start of the trail in Waukee.
I made him take a picture with the porta pottie..one of the best comments i have ever heard was at BRRR..someone had come out of the Kybo and said "if you have never used a porta pottie you do not ride bike in Iowa"
There was very little wind Friday, for some reason all of the blustery wind just quit. I was thankful for that. We were averaging about 19-20 mph to Adel it was a nice ride. We stopped in Adel for a rest and to stretch then headed for Redfield. Once in Redfield we took a little break and talked to a man coming from the other direction. We had him take a picture for us.
Dont you just love what jog bras do for you. My boobs are not oblong and it looks like the girls were cold.
Dan and I both noticed that there are alot of brick factories along this trail. Going out of Redfield I stopped when I saw what looked like old fashioned brick baking ovens. I am not sure what they are.
What are these?
After the Redfield break we both noticed that our legs were very heavy feeling it took a while to get them warmed up so we didn't stop in Linden. Our next Stop was Panora. By this time I could tell that Dan was starting to drag. Did I tell you that he had been out drinking until 3 the night before? And had just finished finals and was going to graduate. I think he was coming down off of a big high with trying to get everything done. During our workouts we always took along propel and wafer cookies so he was downing those to see if it would help him.
Propel anyone
I asked if he wanted to go on and he did for a bit. We rode to the next town which was Yale, we had turned North and were facing some wind.
After a little break we headed back to Waukee. It was a long trip for Dan his knees started to hurt on him. I had packed some cheese, crackers, fruit and wine so we stopped in Linden and had a break. In Linden we ran into the group that we had encountered in the parking lot in Waukee. When we arrived at Waukee there was a group of bikers whose bikes were loaded down with gear. Dan asked where they were headed they said Jamaica. After looking at the map we decided it was Jamaica Iowa and that they were not really lost. Any way we met them in Linden they had been riding and stopping at each town drinking beer. They were pretty happy by the time we ran into them. One of them almost fell off of his bike. We found out that they were headed to Jamaica for the night then headed to Saylorville the next day. It was training for RAGBRAI. They were funny.
After some nourishment off we went. I almost became a hood ornament at one crossing after that Dan kept yelling clear or stop at the intersections. About 16 miles from the truck Dan basically hit the wall. I told him to get behind me and I would pull him. Again we had started to encounter the wind. Dan felt bad about having to draft and said that I could go on. I would have nothing of it. Before when we had been training and I had been hurting I would tell him to go on but he would not do it he kept saying we are a team. So I was not going to leave him for anything. I told him that we are a team and to let me help him for once.
We got back to Waukee and had put in 67 miles in about 6 hours. I didn't think that was bad for a day. I was tired but it is a good tired. Dan was really tired but being young he will bounce back fairly quickly.
I will miss not having him around to train, he has helped me alot. It was/is great having someone around to push you. We are going to keep pushing each other by e-mail. time will tell if the e-mail push works or not.
Until next time keep on keeping on.
PEACE
Dan at the start of the trail in Waukee.
I made him take a picture with the porta pottie..one of the best comments i have ever heard was at BRRR..someone had come out of the Kybo and said "if you have never used a porta pottie you do not ride bike in Iowa"
There was very little wind Friday, for some reason all of the blustery wind just quit. I was thankful for that. We were averaging about 19-20 mph to Adel it was a nice ride. We stopped in Adel for a rest and to stretch then headed for Redfield. Once in Redfield we took a little break and talked to a man coming from the other direction. We had him take a picture for us.
Dont you just love what jog bras do for you. My boobs are not oblong and it looks like the girls were cold.
Dan and I both noticed that there are alot of brick factories along this trail. Going out of Redfield I stopped when I saw what looked like old fashioned brick baking ovens. I am not sure what they are.
What are these?
After the Redfield break we both noticed that our legs were very heavy feeling it took a while to get them warmed up so we didn't stop in Linden. Our next Stop was Panora. By this time I could tell that Dan was starting to drag. Did I tell you that he had been out drinking until 3 the night before? And had just finished finals and was going to graduate. I think he was coming down off of a big high with trying to get everything done. During our workouts we always took along propel and wafer cookies so he was downing those to see if it would help him.
Propel anyone
I asked if he wanted to go on and he did for a bit. We rode to the next town which was Yale, we had turned North and were facing some wind.
After a little break we headed back to Waukee. It was a long trip for Dan his knees started to hurt on him. I had packed some cheese, crackers, fruit and wine so we stopped in Linden and had a break. In Linden we ran into the group that we had encountered in the parking lot in Waukee. When we arrived at Waukee there was a group of bikers whose bikes were loaded down with gear. Dan asked where they were headed they said Jamaica. After looking at the map we decided it was Jamaica Iowa and that they were not really lost. Any way we met them in Linden they had been riding and stopping at each town drinking beer. They were pretty happy by the time we ran into them. One of them almost fell off of his bike. We found out that they were headed to Jamaica for the night then headed to Saylorville the next day. It was training for RAGBRAI. They were funny.
After some nourishment off we went. I almost became a hood ornament at one crossing after that Dan kept yelling clear or stop at the intersections. About 16 miles from the truck Dan basically hit the wall. I told him to get behind me and I would pull him. Again we had started to encounter the wind. Dan felt bad about having to draft and said that I could go on. I would have nothing of it. Before when we had been training and I had been hurting I would tell him to go on but he would not do it he kept saying we are a team. So I was not going to leave him for anything. I told him that we are a team and to let me help him for once.
We got back to Waukee and had put in 67 miles in about 6 hours. I didn't think that was bad for a day. I was tired but it is a good tired. Dan was really tired but being young he will bounce back fairly quickly.
I will miss not having him around to train, he has helped me alot. It was/is great having someone around to push you. We are going to keep pushing each other by e-mail. time will tell if the e-mail push works or not.
Until next time keep on keeping on.
PEACE
Friday, May 9, 2008
Another good week
This was another good week of training for me. In addition to the regular cardio the website I'm using to track my food and exercise has started a Swimsuit Bootcamp for the month of May. It has really helped in doing some light strength training this week.
Sunday started the bootcamp and I did the video each day...sometimes twice if it was an easy one!
Saturday - taught swimming lessons - not vigorous, but holding kids up in the deep end gives you a good leg workout!
Sunday - When Kyle got back from the Waverly race I headed out for a quick loop....from our house, to the trail by targhetto, loop around to Sycamore Access and back up through Johnston via trail....15 miles....done in 57min! Not bad for having to slow for traffic on the trail and the roads.
Monday - day off - played with Alexa
Tuesday - treadmill run - 35min - 2.25 miles.....I really need help with running!!!
Wednesday - 33min swim - 1500yds
Thursday - 32min swim - 1600yds
Ride to Y - 5.5m - 35min....coach...ride home from Y - 5.5m - 29min. Ride home was dark and I was a little nervous so I think I cranked a little harder!
Today - hopefully get up to Boone at a decent time to go for a run...either on the trail or just up and down the road, depending on where Kyle wants to set up camp.
Have a great weekend!
Sunday started the bootcamp and I did the video each day...sometimes twice if it was an easy one!
Saturday - taught swimming lessons - not vigorous, but holding kids up in the deep end gives you a good leg workout!
Sunday - When Kyle got back from the Waverly race I headed out for a quick loop....from our house, to the trail by targhetto, loop around to Sycamore Access and back up through Johnston via trail....15 miles....done in 57min! Not bad for having to slow for traffic on the trail and the roads.
Monday - day off - played with Alexa
Tuesday - treadmill run - 35min - 2.25 miles.....I really need help with running!!!
Wednesday - 33min swim - 1500yds
Thursday - 32min swim - 1600yds
Ride to Y - 5.5m - 35min....coach...ride home from Y - 5.5m - 29min. Ride home was dark and I was a little nervous so I think I cranked a little harder!
Today - hopefully get up to Boone at a decent time to go for a run...either on the trail or just up and down the road, depending on where Kyle wants to set up camp.
Have a great weekend!
Sunday, May 4, 2008
What a Busy Week
What a crazy busy week. I cannot even remember what I did Monday, Tuesday I did my usual swim then tues night my training partner and I went to Des Moines and ran the Hy Vee route. It will be nice to know what to expect and not to have any big surprises. Wed we did just a short ride Dan was checking out a tri bike. Thurs I did my regular swim then went and did the Duathlon that PRC put on. I got there late and had no time to warm up. So the first two miles were tough however I didnt walk any of the first two. The biking was awesome. Bill has built a great bike for me. I just got low and relaxed and peddled. I was passing all kinds of people. However some of the people that i passed ended up passing me on the run. I would run then if I needed to walk I would count to 15 then run again. I came in 31 out of 38. It was a great experience. I need to do more of these.
Friday I could barely walk my ankle hurt so bad. I talked to my sister and she thinks that it is the shoes So I have invested in a new pair of shoes I hope to try them out tomorrow. I also took Sat off however I spent the day in Pella walking around town for tulip time. Sunday I rode down to my mom's in Pella. It was a tought ride strong head wind.
Well that is about all for now. I am going to try and up my running I hope to be doing 7 miles by June or shortly after.
PEACE
Friday I could barely walk my ankle hurt so bad. I talked to my sister and she thinks that it is the shoes So I have invested in a new pair of shoes I hope to try them out tomorrow. I also took Sat off however I spent the day in Pella walking around town for tulip time. Sunday I rode down to my mom's in Pella. It was a tought ride strong head wind.
Well that is about all for now. I am going to try and up my running I hope to be doing 7 miles by June or shortly after.
PEACE
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Punk Rock Cycling Training Duathlon
First off, thanks to PRC for hosting this training duathlon. I had fun, got a good workout and found out that I need to work on running!
The Duathlon was a 2m run, 12m bike, 2m run. It was tough! I really like swimming first instead!
OK...so the running needs some work. I didn't have a ton of time to warm up and got a cramp in my side on the first run. So a little walking to stretch it out. On the second run my calves tightened up. Yep, more walking.
I used to eat a banana a day....I think I need to start that again.
I LOVE my new BMC bike! Part of the course had a pretty strong headwind with some small hills and for some reason, wind/hills are NOT my friend! Other than that, I felt like I was FLYING on the other parts of the course. Definitely loving the bike!
They didn't do split times, but I did finish in 1 1/2 hours, mainly because I had to walk a bit on the second run. So I'm hoping that is a sign I will maintain/better my last years sprint tri time of 1h 46 min. As each course is different, I think I'll do alright!
I did finish DEAD last...so Congrats to JG for coming out, doing great, and finishing ahead of me!! I think we need to get together on her hilly routes more often and work on my hills on the bike.
The Duathlon was a 2m run, 12m bike, 2m run. It was tough! I really like swimming first instead!
OK...so the running needs some work. I didn't have a ton of time to warm up and got a cramp in my side on the first run. So a little walking to stretch it out. On the second run my calves tightened up. Yep, more walking.
I used to eat a banana a day....I think I need to start that again.
I LOVE my new BMC bike! Part of the course had a pretty strong headwind with some small hills and for some reason, wind/hills are NOT my friend! Other than that, I felt like I was FLYING on the other parts of the course. Definitely loving the bike!
They didn't do split times, but I did finish in 1 1/2 hours, mainly because I had to walk a bit on the second run. So I'm hoping that is a sign I will maintain/better my last years sprint tri time of 1h 46 min. As each course is different, I think I'll do alright!
I did finish DEAD last...so Congrats to JG for coming out, doing great, and finishing ahead of me!! I think we need to get together on her hilly routes more often and work on my hills on the bike.
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