Wednesday, May 31, 2006

What's the freaking number?

Man, I have been on one serious weight loss roll. The little magic number was 191 lbs this morning. I guess two miles is the magic number for running off a weekend binge?? Really, it is simple, less in, more out, you drop weight.

Crap, I have my second century coming up this weekend. It is four days away and I see no time in my future for training. I have put almost 300 miles of saddle time on the board this month, but can I ride once a week and still tear off a 100 miles in one day? We shall see. Later.

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Almost Forgot....

I did get a nice little ride on Sunday. I got out early to avoid the heat. I departed around 7:30 am and it was already in the 80s. Plus, I was in Southern, IL, which actually has some real Hills!! Besides the damn sweet burning my eyes it was a great ride. I need to pick myself up some type of sweat band to wear under my helmet.

The Stats: 37.8 miles, 2 hours 14 minutes ride time, 16.9 mph avg speed with 33 mph max, 85 avg cadence with 113 max, 143 avg heartrate with 166 max, and 1883 calories burnt.

My second century is coming up this weekend, The Udder Century, in Union, IL. My schedule looks busy this week with limited time for training, but I am still pumped for it. Later.

Tuesday Already, Part Deux??

After a long hot holiday weekend filled with the in-laws, beers, and crappy camp ground food I cant believe it is weigh-in day. Well, call it officially postponed until tomorrow. My fat arse has to get on the treadmill tonight to limit the damage. Later.

Tuesday, May 23, 2006

Tuesday Already?

Life seems to move so fast once you hit your 30s. Yeah, yeah, yeah, blah, blah, blah. OK, it is Tuesday so I weigh-in then report the results here like I have since January 4th. Let us not waste anymore time......192.6 lbs. Despite my best efforts to sabotage my diet last week I still lost a freaking pound. I think I got this thing figured out. I have put myself in a position where I can now eat a bit more then before and still lose weight. Crazy, I know. Today, I had a real chocolate candy bar and it was goooood. Don't worry, I know this stuff can creep up on you. One today, one tomorrow, and bam, 238 lbs.

As a result of the candy bar issue I had to get out on the bike. Besides the day of my century back on May 7th this was the nicest weather I have seen while out riding. Pure sun with 72 degrees and light winds. I ran the same route as Saturday to see if I could top that time. Despite running a higher heart rate average and feeling like I was kicking arse, I came in just over Saturday's time.

The Stats: 31.4 miles, 1 hr 49 mins, 17.2 mph avg with 23.2 mph max, 141 avg heart rate with 168 max, 85 avg cadence with 99 max, and 1496 calories burnt.

I love riding. Later.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

My Bike Says Hello!

Got my butt, literally, out on the road bike yesterday for the first time in over a week. Excuses? Crappy cold rainy weather and stupid work and stupid bills which make me have to stupid work.

I had my first roadie encounter while on this ride. I very fit dude with aero bars came flying up on me while I was chugging at 16 mph into a crappy 15 mph headwind. We chatted a bit and I could see he wouldn't mind having a ride partner. However, this guy was serious and he dropped me before I could even try to grab his wheel. Maybe next time?

The stats: 31.6 miles, time 1 hr 46 minutes, 17.7 mph avg with 23.8 mph max, 138 avg heart rate with 159 max, 83 avg cadence with 103 max, and 1417 calories burnt.

It was a short quick ride, but I really felt it. It was a workout. I think that is my fastest average speed to date! Cool and the gang.

Ok today, no ride in sight, but we got yard work galore and car washing duties lined up. Later.

Friday, May 19, 2006

Pearl Jam


Pearl Jam
Originally uploaded by aham23.

I took a ton of pics, but being under the influence (BEERS) and low light very few turned out. This one did and it is pretty cool. The band really rocked it out for two plus hours.

The set list was awesome. They played some classics from Ten and tore up the new stuff. The new album is Rock-N-Roll all the way and they seemed to play these tunes with energy and passion. Check out the set list.

Set 1: Release, World Wide Suicide, Life Wasted, Severed Hand, Comatose, Given To Fly, Low Light, Corduroy, I'm Open, I Got Id, Even Flow, Unemployable, Daughter/(W.M.A.), Present Tense, Do The Evolution, Jeremy, Save You, Porch

Encore 1: You've Got To Hide Your Love Away, Better Man, Come Back, State Of Love And Trust, Black, Alive

Encore 2: Go, Blood/(Atomic Dog), Indifference, Baba O'Riley, Yellow Ledbetter

The Beetles tune was played accoustically by Eddie Vedder, not the dog, himself. It was pure magic. In fact, Encore 1 was my favorite part of the show. A Beetles classic, State of Love and Trust, Better Man, and my all time favorite, Black. Wow, that was awesome.

Today is bike to work day! Did you remember? I spotted 4 roadies who did on my in to work this morning. I give them props as Traffic is Crazy Heavy during the Burbs Morning Rush. I mean my trip to work is 20 miles and it takes me one hour.

I didn't bike to work, but hope to bike after work. Later.

Wednesday, May 17, 2006

Late Reporting...

You can put it on the board..............YES!!

193.6 lbs. is the magic number for the week of May 15th, 2006. I am closing in on 190 lbs. With that being said I am poised for a let down in the coming weeks.

Maybe even next week. See, it is Wednesday and I have NOT worked out since Sunday! I have not been on the bike since last Thursday, but that mainly is do to really crappy cold and rainy Midwest Weather pattern. AND, my diet has gone to crap. Check my Fitday and you will see.

Last night I attended the Pearl Jam concert at the United Center in Chicago. It was totally rocking and kicked all forms of arse. They played for well over two hours and played some of my favorite less played Pearl Jam tunes. Black had to be my favorite of the night.

What goes with being at a rock concert? Yes, BEERS. Lots of BEERS. I got home and in bed at 1am and was up at 530am getting ready for work. Ouch, I am hurting today. Had to have McDonald's this morning to help fight the feeling and just polished off some Buffalo Wild Wings for lunch. Calories, Calories, we love Calories! It's crazy, but I feel like crap for binging or indulging or whatever you want to call it. It is like I feel if I cheat just once I will instantly gain back all the weight????

Man, I am tired. Later.

Friday, May 12, 2006

Some Funny Stuff

Very funny video I found over at YouTube.com.


Thursday, May 11, 2006

Corn?


Corn?
Originally uploaded by aham23.

Nope, this farmer is growing grass. Who knew you could make a living selling grass. Lawn grass that is.

Safety First?


Cockpit in Motion
Originally uploaded by aham23.

Really, can this be safe?

On The Road Again


My Route
Originally uploaded by aham23.

With bad weather looming for the rest of the week, I sprinted out for a quickie yesterday.

The beautiful flatlands of the Midwest. From this pic would you guess I was 40 miles from the Windy City?

The Stats: 26.4 miles in 1 hour 30 minutes, 17.5 mph avg with 23.3 mph max, 81 avg cadence with 98 max, 137 avg heartrate with 159 max, and 1180 calories burnt!!

Later.

Wednesday, May 10, 2006

The Sudden Century Route

This is the route for my little ride this past Sunday. Also, despite most opinions there was some elevation changes. OK, not much, but still it's some. I can not take credit for the map or chart as I found them posted by GTDBiker (Mr) over at bikejournal.com. I just thought there were cool to see.

The Route, The Chart, The Post


Later.

Tuesday, May 09, 2006

What To Do Now?

So, I have radically changed my eating habits, began exercising regularly, lost close to 40 lbs in five months, and just completed my first century. What is a guy to do next?

Well it is Tuesday, so first I weigh-in, 195.8 lbs. Check below and see that is almost 3 lbs for the week. Then I get my arse on the treadmill after work for 3 miles of basement fun. Finally, I cook up some chicken and veggies for dinner.

In other words, I keep keeping on man. Life is good. Later.

Monday, May 08, 2006

The Story

I frequent bikeforums.net and read a lot of "My First Century" post. Well, my time has come and this is my story.

First, let me provide you a quick background. I purchased my road bike last June at a time when I topped the scales at 235 lbs. By the end of summer a long, hard ride was 20 miles and it would wipe me out. I managed around 300 total road miles by the end of 2005.

January 2006 I began what I call, "Cleansing 2006." I am eating less and healthier, running, biking and lost close to 40 total pounds, currently weighing in at 199 lbs. My longest ride prior to Sunday was 47 miles.

Background complete, now my story. I headed out at 6:30 am for Downtown Joliet, IL to sign in for the JBC Sudden Century. This would be my first group ride and first organized ride of any kind. When I say group, I mean I have never even had the pleasure of riding with one single other roadie.

I pulled into the downtown area and there were roadies, bikes, and lycra everywhere. I immediately began to get nervous or was that MORE nervous. I had preregistered so I only had to check in. At check in I was asked what route I would be doing?? The pressure! I requested the cue sheets for the 70 and 100 mile routes. Seeing my first ever cue sheet sent the nerves skyrocketing. I mean, check the pic below, it seems so confusing. I had to ride my bike 100 miles while reading the directions?

Luckily, I had planned to meet up with a fellow bikeforums.net member who was an experienced roadie. However, I was running a bit late and there were roadies everywhere. Everyone seemed to be waiting or looking around for someone. Then I spotted CyLowe97 dart off on his blue Felt in the Hampsten/Cinghiale jersey he said he would be sporting. I caught up with him and introduced myself and the century began.

I never would have finished the ride solo and riding with CyLowe97 was awesome. I learned some group riding etiquette and the fun of drafting. Just the general conversation eased my nerves and thoughts of six hours in the saddle and 100 miles!!

The weather was fabulous with sun and light winds. We stopped at all the rest stops 25, 45, 75, and 85 miles. Average stop was say 10-15 minutes with the 75 miler being the longest and the 85 miler being the shortest. I had a contact issue that required one other stop at a gas station.

Miles 45 to 75 were the toughest for me. This was a loop out in the middle of no where that lead us from the rest stop then back to it. My neck and shoulders really began to tighten up and ache. I have a chronic neck/shoulder issue and figured it would be the one thing to limit my riding. I managed not to panic and once we stopped at the 75 mile rest stop I stretched it out enough to make the finish.

I am really surprised how well my legs felt, reacted, and feel today. I never felt like I lost them, or was going to. I attribute that to the running and weight loss I have achieved over the past 4 months. I think I felt the best during the last 20 miles of the ride.

Anyway, we rolled back into downtown Joliet around 2:30 pm, I think. Despite there being NO finish line or crowd of fans cheering me on (didn't anyone get the memo, this was my First Century?) I felt a great since of achievement. I had just done something I never dreamed I could do. I road my bike 100 miles in one day!!

The Stats: 101.7 miles in 6 hours 15 minutes, 16.3 mph average speed with 26.5 mph max, 136 bpm average heart rate (71% max) with 164 bpm max (85% max), 77 average cadence with 103 max, and 4835 calories toasted.

Later.

The End


Mission Complete
Originally uploaded by aham23.

I thought a Century was 100 miles? Looks like I am an overachiever.

Stay tunned for the standard "My First Century" ride report!

Left Or Right?


How Far?
Originally uploaded by aham23.

Wow, seeing my first cue sheet I was a bit intemidated.

The Century Fuel


The Fuel
Originally uploaded by aham23.

Pre-Ride prep for my first century. Will I really eat all this while riding a bike?

Cliff Bars, GU Energy Gels, and Fig Newtons. Plus, riding gloves and cool Tifosi Riding Shades.

Saturday, May 06, 2006

Warm Up

Took a nice little spin this morning as a warm up to Sunday's Century. It was cold, very sunny, and light winds. I rolled out 9 miles and headed back in. Everything felt great and I think I am ready for tomorrow (maybe?). I plan to get all the gear ready tonight and head out around 6am and be on the road by 7am.

Todays Stats: 19 miles in 1 hr 10 mins, 16.2 mph avg with 22.7 max, 80 avg cadence with 95 max, 120 avg heart rate with 157 max, and 712 calories spent before 10 am.

Friday, May 05, 2006

On The Road Again...

Finally, after 6 days off the bike I managed a little me-and-the-bike time yesterday. I know you are wondering........Yes it is still very windy in the Midwest.

I planned to get at least 40 miles in and should have done 60. See, I have a Century coming up this Sunday. Yep, a planned and organized group ride of 100 miles in one day! I do not think I have enough training or saddle time to do the full 100 miles. They do offer other routes of 30, 50, or 70 miles. I think my goal will have to be 70. We shall just wait and see what comes.

Ok, the ride, it was nice and sunny, 55 degrees, and windy! Some Ride Stats for your pleasure:

47.5 miles, 2 hours 49 minutes, 16.8 mph average with 28.1 max, 80 average cadence with 113 max, 134 average heart rate with 156 max, and 2130 calories fried.

Not too bad for a rookie. Weather is crappy and cold today. I plan some low intensity treadmill time today for recovery and hopefully a short ride tomorrow morning in prep for the Century, err, 70 mile ride. Wish me luck. Later.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

It's Official....

According to CaloriesPerHour.com I am healthy.

The result of your BMI calculation is: 24.8

BMI Category: Below 18.5 Underweight
18.5-24.9 Normal Weight
25-29.9 Overweight
30-39.9 Obese
Above 39.9 Morbidly Obese

Are YOU ??

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

I want to RIDE MY BICYCLE!

NOW. But first the number please, 198.4 lbs !!!!!! I have made it to the promised land of sub two hundred weight! I really have no idea how I am doing it. OK, I do. Controlling calorie intake and cardio 4 to 5 times a week. Some of the cardio comes in the form of 20 to 40 mile bike rides that just eat up those evil calories.

This past weekend was crappy weather wise. With the rain and the winds I got NO rides in. Not one single mile. This is going to make my up coming Century this Sunday a bit of a toughie! I hope to get at least one 40 mile ride in this week if I can jet out of work early.

Finally Check Out My Awesome Weight Loss Run:

1/3 236
1/10 232
1/17 233
1/24 229
1/31 225.5
2/6 226
2/14 223
2/20 218
2/28 217
3/7 216.5
3/13 214
3/20 213
3/28 210.5
4/4 207.5
4 /11 206
4/18 203.4
4/25 201.4
5/2 198.4


Later.