New bike, new position shots

I don't want to be considered a liar, so I figured I'd post pictures of my new bike (w/ me on them). For those who like to scrutinize, comment on my position, but don't be too hard on the scenery in our basement. We've only been in this house since August and haven't gotten to the basement yet...it makes a great area to ride the trainer and row on my erg.

Anyways, to the pics. The only thing changed in my position is I moved the armpads a little wider since my wrists felt twisted and my breathing constricted in the more narrow setup...I guess I'm not good enough to ride that aero yet...

Side angle at top of stroke

Side angle at the bottom of the stroke

Front side angle (not sure what I'm looking at)

Almost front shot (rotated). I personally like this picture, which is why I included it.

Side angle shot with super fast legs (really just a different camera setting, but it made me feel fast)

So, they're they are. Isn't it a beautiful bike...I agree. And thanks to my lovely wife for taking all the pictures of me, even though I'm sure she thinks I'm crazy for wanting pictures of me on the trainer. And, regarding the headgear, it's an Under Armour skullcap which I wear to help reduce sweat indoors and out. It fits comfortably under my helmet for outdoor riding. I have 2, and am not sure I can ride without them at this point. Just FYI. That is all

Not Keeping Up...

I just can't keep up with this blog the way I'd like to. I need to start putting it as a task on my to do list, then I might get it done.

For a quick update, I have my new bike...have ridden it only on the trainer so far. I am adjusting to the new position, but did 1.5 hrs earlier this week, almost entirely in the aero tuck without any severe discomfort. I feel like the numbness sets in quicker with the more aero position, but if I shift a little on the seat relatively often (every 10 mins or so) it works itself out temporarily. Even while sitting stationary on the trainer, it feels fast...so that's exciting.

I will add pictures, I promise, and people can look at my position and make comments if they feel the need, although I would be hesitant to make changes right now, since I have a good deal of faith in the shop where I had my fitting done.

My diet is still coming along...I'm down about 12-15lbs (fluctuating) since November and can feel the difference, especially with my running. I've been in kind of a run focus since I'm going for a new PR 1/2 marathon at the end of April, and have been killing the runs. My speedwork days are fun, and I've gotten 5.1 miles done at sub-race pace (7:15/mile) already along with being up to 8(ish) miles for my long run, and I'm still over two months out. My slow, steady run days are much faster than they used to be. I'm usually around 7:45-7:50/mile for my long runs...which has been my race pace in the past. It's good to see progress, especially since I've been running for 8 years now.

That was a decent enough update on the fly. More soon (hopefully)

My Tri-bike fit...and a New Bike!

I finally pulled the trigger and got the new bike I’ve been saving for...but no photos yet, since it’s not here. Unfortunately they didn’t have my size on hand and so now one is on order. It should be in by the middle of next week, then they have to build it, then I have to go in to get it fit and adjusted…THEN I can finally bring it home. I’m trying to be patient, but am very excited.

I decided that I am unique and need a unique bike that is unlike everyone else’s…just kidding. I joined the cool kids club and got the 2009 Cervelo P2 Ultegra SL. I was worried about not standing out at my races, but then I figured I’ll be going so fast I’ll have to draw attention (I wish).

Here’s how it went down:

I went in for a tri-fitting that I scheduled back in November and was planning on this trip being just for the fitting. I was planning on buying from the same store, but I was hoping to wait until their February sale to hopefully grab one of the remaining 2008 P2C Ultegras that they had just gotten in stock (in November) at a great deal. Turns out, people scooped them all up before the sale, so it wasn’t meant to be. Either way, the fit was interesting as it’s my first tri fit. They took some measurements, made an initial setup on the fit bike, had me start riding, adjusted until it looked “right”, had me give my input from a comfort standpoint, then plugged my position coordinates into their CPU. This gave them my perfect geometry, which they then compared to the brands they sell and looked at which bike they could get closest to my perfect position.
I kind of was hoping that I’d be a better fit on a Felt since I just think they’re a little sexier, but I am definitely going for comfort and function over looks…and cervelo fit the bill. Felts are apparently too small in the front end for me (unless I went with the Bayonet fork models, which start at $3600—too high). So, I looked around the store a little bit, then they ordered me my P2.

Originally, when I thought I could snag a deal on an 08 model, I had high hopes of race wheels and/or powermeters. However, the 09 was definitely higher on the price scale, so I no longer have room for those upgrades in my budget, maybe next year. I do have some more money I was planning on spending though, and so I think I’m going to use that to get my new baby setup the way I need it (hydration system, bento box, etc) along with maybe getting a new tri-suit since my old no longer matches my bike, as well as some training DVDs, an aero helmet, and some other random goodies. All in all, I think I’m making out well.

Training is going well overall…mostly run-focused right now. I know I’ll be hitting the trainer more once the new bike arrives to work on getting comfortable in my new position. And I need to turn my old trusty steed back into a traditional road bike and send my old clip-on off to their new home on my sister’s bike.

Back on track

Overdue for an update, I know. I kind of fell off the wagon (or got on, whichever is not the way you want to go) for my training and my diet over the Christmas/New Year’s periods. Big surprise, right? I mostly blame the inconsistent schedule and travel pulling me out of my routine for the lack of training, and the delicious holiday food for the diet slip. But, oh well, I’m not too far set back by it and I’m not yet into my 2009 training schedule, or at least I wasn’t until this week.

The holidays were good, as usual. I’m used to consistently enjoyable holidays of seeing friends and family, all of who I get along with, and this year was no different. I’m not sure there were any really standout moments, but overall it was nice. I did get a little exhausted after our 5 cities in 5 days tour from the 24-28th where we went from Cincinnati to Delphos, OH to Louisville to Columbus to Dayton and back to Cincinnati. At least they were regionally close, but that’s a lot of driving. Then, I worked 3 long days, and we were back off to Memphis to see Kentucky win another bowl game. That’s 3 years in a row, and although winning the Liberty bowl isn’t a huge accomplishment, I could get used to penciling in a bowl trip every holiday season, which is something I couldn’t count on a few years ago.

Anyways, back to Christmas. I’m still treated like a spoiled child (and maybe still am), so Christmas smiled upon me again. I didn’t have a lot of big requests this year and actually wanted more practical things like work clothes, running shoes, and the like. I ended up getting: plenty of clothes, a couple CDs and DVDs, 3 PS3 games, running shoes, money for tri-clothes (needed), a new Spinervals DVD and slick throwback USPS cycling jersey, and an insulated polar water bottle among other things. I know my family does way too much for us for Christmas, but they refuse to hear it when we try to tell them, so we just enjoy it while they still consider us children.

As nice as the holidays were and a mix up in the schedule was good to keep things fresh, I’m happy to be back to my routine. I felt a little lazy and kind of off when I wasn’t being consistent with diet, training, sleep, etc. I think the holidays made me appreciate the life Susan and I (and Derby) have right now. Not that I was unhappy before, but I was definitely missing being home under regular circumstances by the end of the holiday.

So, this week has been a return to training. I’m running again after my month off to heal my hip, so far so good. The return to running gave me a renewed motivation, and I’m officially on my mini-Marathon training schedule now. They also started a weight-loss competition at work this week, which will tie in nicely with motivating me to keep up with my diet. Nothing like the opportunity to earn some cash to help with the diet plan.

Well, I think I’m up to speed now. I’d love to start updating more often, but we’ll see how that goes. I’m not sure I even have that much to talk about. But, either way, happy training and new year.

December no Run Challenge Midterm Report, and Other Notes

So far, so good…I have successfully abstained from running since December 4th. I have January 5th marked in my planner as the day I will end the month-long no-running challenge. I have been holding up well the past 2 weeks, but the hard part is still to come. I’m not going to hunt through my training history and confirm this, but I think this will be the longest I’ve gone without running since I was a sophomore in high school, which would be 8 years ago. For someone of my size, hovering around 185-210 for that time period, it’s pretty impressive this is my first injury to speak of. The ice is doing a good job of motivating me to not want to run, but the temptation still hits me occasionally. I have substituted erging and a little time on the elliptical into the running workouts I would have been doing. Training is still going extremely well as a whole. My only worry now is that without any significant race until the end of April, I may explode from anticipation.

In other news, the countdown to my tri-bike fitting is 35 days…getting close.

Also, Christmas is fast approaching, and I’ve been kind of a Christmas bum this year. The bonus of being married in regard to Christmas time is…even though there are more people to buy for with 2 immediate families, gifts can be given from both of us. And with my wife’s natural female instinct to enjoy shopping, she strategizes and actually purchases most of the gifts we need. So, Christmas shopping has become much easier since I really only need to focus on getting gifts for her. That being said, I’m not done yet and haven’t wrapped a darn thing, but I’m close enough to not feel stressed about it.
I did, however, decorate the exterior of the house with lights and some other miscellaneous things. It looks pretty amateur, but not bad for a first time. It snowed yesterday and that definitely accentuates the Christmas look. I’m satisfied with it and was surprised that hanging icicle lights was much easier than I expected.

Our dog, who had to have an impromptu surgery yesterday to deal with an abscess, is now home even though I haven’t gotten there to see him yet. It was strange being in the house without him around even though he’s only been with us for 2 months. It’s amazing how quickly he became one of the family. Anyways, it will be good to be greeted at the door again.

That is all for now. I think I will post again to brag about all my Christmas presents like a spoiled 8 year old, but I’m not sure if I’ll get anything in before that. Happy holidays everyone.

December 4/30 complete...right?

Failure…but I kind of expected it. Having not had a run without some level of discomfort from the hips since the October marathon and having not fully addressed the issue yet, I was unrealistically optimistic at how my body would hold up through my attempt at the 31 day running streak in December. I made it 4 days before the hip pain settled in on Friday and I was hobbling around at work. At that point I finally made the smart decision and decided to pull out of the running challenge, get real rest by not running for a month, and taking square aim at the discomfort issue. I DO NOT want to be carrying this with me through next year with everything I have planned.

I was disappointed for all of 3-4 hours, and then realized this will be a good opportunity to cross-train on the ergometer (indoor rowing machine for non-“crew”-ers)and build a huge bike base along with the already consistent swimming and lifting I have been doing.

Other reasons to be excited:
It’s Christmas season, do you need more of a reason than that
My workout consistency is at an all-time high and I feel very confident about the upcoming year since this is normally where I lose motivation due to cold weather and no races near
My first achievable goal of 2009 is already underway and going very well…that being my diet. I am officially down below Clydesdale level now (and with the holidays too), although I heard sad news that there will be no more Clyde and Athena div in NAS IM races…so I guess I picked a good time to lean up. I still have until April 1st to reach my goal, but am already nearly ½ way…very exciting
I get a tri-bike fitting on January 20th…and a new machine soon thereafter
We’re getting to be like a well oiled machine at home as a newly-wed, home-owning, and dog-owning family. Of course, money is a little tight, but we’re being smart and taking things as they come, but still enjoying ourselves (and our dog). Even Derby is getting into a routine and isn’t pooing on the floors or carrying bags of flour around the house much anymore.

So, all-in-all, things are going pretty well despite the running setback. GL to the other streak runners out there, and Happy Holidays. Hopefully I’ll update again soon, but who knows…busy times ahead.

December 30/30 Challenge...or not

So, it’s December. The Christmas tree was put up last night and I will have my first experience putting out Christmas lights this weekend. We’ll see how that goes. Thanksgiving was a nice, relaxing weekend. I was able to spend plenty of time reading, watching TV, seeing some friends/family, and getting in some easy long and low workouts (when I wasn’t trying to referee between our dog and my parents’ dog). Considering I spent 4 days at my parents house, eating out for lunch and dinner basically daily (other than thanksgiving dinner, of course), I would say the weekend was a success. It was week 3 of my off-season weight loss plan and I basically held my ground, gaining .1 pound. I’ll consider that a success. Now I can pick up with the losses again this week. My motivation has been very high lately and I’ve been ignoring my excuses to skip workouts. Hopefully this will keep up at least through the new year. I think I should have no trouble staying on track until January 20th, so I look good when I get my tri-bike fitting. I’m counting down the days.

Anyways, December also marks the beginning of my possibly ill-advised attempt at a running streak. One of my big goals this off-season is to increase my running speed at longer efforts. I have a pretty aggressive ½ marathon goal for late April I’d like to hit. However, I’ve been officially, unofficially diagnosed with some IT band issues. Every run since my marathon in late October, I’ve noticed some pain or soreness in my hip. I’ve “consulted” with my dad and sister (both PTs) and they seem to think it’s the IT band acting up. They’ve advised plenty of stretching and some hip strengthening lifts, but not backing off on the running volume. They only advised taking it easy, especially on the pace. So I am still planning on running every day of December with the trifuelers, but am going to be paranoid about my hip, because obviously putting things into perspective, it’s not worth risking injury for some goofy fun.

So, we’ll see how it goes…