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Saturday, February 28, 2009
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Brave New World
It is amazing to me all the ways to stay connected these days...besides the old favorites of sending smoke signals, writing a letter, picking up the phone, we have email, text, social networking, blogging, micro-blogging, and the options increase almost daily. Boy I am exhausted.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Birthday Blog - Part 1
So today I am officially "older" but don't they say that the 30s are the new 20s. And the 40s are the new 30s? So using that logic I am basically a teenager again, or something like that.
Well being that I am old and you have to suck every ounce out of your birthday I got up early and went to breakfast with Carri at Chick-fil-a. Nothing like starting your day with some chicken goodness. (Sidebar: I really like Chick-fil-a it is certainly my favorite fast food place, I mean flowers on the table, a pepper grinder, those are touches of class that you do not see normally in a fast food place).
Next I headed to Target to try to find some sweat pants as I had a Christmas Target gift card burning a hole in my pocket.
Not only did I find sweat pants on clearance I also got two military style shirts and a goofy straw hat on sale. I have been looking at these hats the past few years at ACL Festival but the price ($40-50) always scares me away. So drum roll please after using my $20 gift card my total out of pocket was $0.76. What a bargain shopper.
BTW I know this post is in complete opposition to my last Year Without post but give me a break it is my birthday.
Well being that I am old and you have to suck every ounce out of your birthday I got up early and went to breakfast with Carri at Chick-fil-a. Nothing like starting your day with some chicken goodness. (Sidebar: I really like Chick-fil-a it is certainly my favorite fast food place, I mean flowers on the table, a pepper grinder, those are touches of class that you do not see normally in a fast food place).
Next I headed to Target to try to find some sweat pants as I had a Christmas Target gift card burning a hole in my pocket.
Not only did I find sweat pants on clearance I also got two military style shirts and a goofy straw hat on sale. I have been looking at these hats the past few years at ACL Festival but the price ($40-50) always scares me away. So drum roll please after using my $20 gift card my total out of pocket was $0.76. What a bargain shopper.
BTW I know this post is in complete opposition to my last Year Without post but give me a break it is my birthday.
A Year Without - Recap
As some of you may know last year I attempted to go a full year without buying new clothes. This might not seem like a big deal but if you have seen my closet you know this is actually a much bigger thing than advertised. I used to buy tons of clothes and like to constantly have something new. But what I noticed is even with tons of new things I consistently wore the same things over and over again anyway.
So last year I made it a goal not to buy anything new with a few exceptions as noted here. And all in all I think I did a pretty darn good job.
All that I bought was 6 short sleeve polos, 3 pairs of pants, and dress socks. All of these items fall into the category of business casual clothes for work and were items that I needed going into my job at HMH. I also purchased a LIVESTRONG long sleeve tech tee after the ride in October.
For gifts I received two tee shirts, a mid-weight pullover, a Ravens jersey, and some cycling socks. Also as part of the autoship program with Hammer Nutrition I received free bib shorts.
So all in all 11 new tops, 3 bottoms, cycling bib shorts, and socks.
Also I attempted to continue giving to Goodwill as I have in the past. This year the pickings were a little bit slimmer but I still managed to give away:
10 button down shirts
10 tee shirts
4 tech shirts
In 14 items, Out 24 items. Not bad. At this rate by this time next year Carri might actually get half of our closet. But don't bet on it.
So last year I made it a goal not to buy anything new with a few exceptions as noted here. And all in all I think I did a pretty darn good job.
All that I bought was 6 short sleeve polos, 3 pairs of pants, and dress socks. All of these items fall into the category of business casual clothes for work and were items that I needed going into my job at HMH. I also purchased a LIVESTRONG long sleeve tech tee after the ride in October.
For gifts I received two tee shirts, a mid-weight pullover, a Ravens jersey, and some cycling socks. Also as part of the autoship program with Hammer Nutrition I received free bib shorts.
So all in all 11 new tops, 3 bottoms, cycling bib shorts, and socks.
Also I attempted to continue giving to Goodwill as I have in the past. This year the pickings were a little bit slimmer but I still managed to give away:
10 button down shirts
10 tee shirts
4 tech shirts
In 14 items, Out 24 items. Not bad. At this rate by this time next year Carri might actually get half of our closet. But don't bet on it.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Painfully Slow
This year I am really focusing on cycling and for the first time will be following a program that does not only include specific mileage but also incorporates specific HR zones to cycle within. In the past I have generally just gone out and ridden based on feeling and never payed attention to recovery days, interval days, hill days, etc.
Today I did my first ride strictly in Zone 1 which for me is below 125 BPM. Everything I read states the importance of this easy ride every week. Let me tell you though this was one of the hardest rides I have ever done as it was painfully slow. I'm talking watch paint dry, granny with a walker passing me slow. I did my best but lost focus for less than a minute and put on just a MPH or two and my HR crept up to 140. Focus, Tim, focus.
Overall my average HR fell in the correct zone but I need to get rid of the few spikes. Tomorrow it is back to the fun stuff and hills.
Enjoy the ride.
Today I did my first ride strictly in Zone 1 which for me is below 125 BPM. Everything I read states the importance of this easy ride every week. Let me tell you though this was one of the hardest rides I have ever done as it was painfully slow. I'm talking watch paint dry, granny with a walker passing me slow. I did my best but lost focus for less than a minute and put on just a MPH or two and my HR crept up to 140. Focus, Tim, focus.
Overall my average HR fell in the correct zone but I need to get rid of the few spikes. Tomorrow it is back to the fun stuff and hills.
Enjoy the ride.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The Beauty of Knee Warmers
Today I rode for the first time with knee warmers and let me tell you I really liked them. I have ridden in the past with tights but they just seem to really not work for me as they kind of defeat the purpose of wearing bib shorts in the first place, since they cut into the gut, and right now I am carrying around a little extra of that. But knee warmers fit underneath the bibs and gave me the perfect amount of coverage for today's ride which was in the upper 40s.
Perfect in my opinion.
Perfect in my opinion.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Warm and windy in January
This week we had three very nice days and I was able to get out and ride all three of them. It has been awhile but I am so happy to get back on the bike. Right now I am slow and the powerful wind is not helping but riding into the wind in the early season will only make me stronger later in the year. Also all the additional weight I am carrying sure makes those hills tougher but when I lose the weight my power to weight ratio should skyrocket.
Downhill - 46.7 mph
Uphill - 4.6 mph, yikes
Downhill - 46.7 mph
Uphill - 4.6 mph, yikes
Thursday, January 8, 2009
It's been a long time
There was a time that I really enjoyed blogging it was a way to get some thoughts out there, keep friends updated on my life, etc. but for some reason I let life get in the way of keeping the world updated. Well hopefully for 2009 that will all change and I will go back to chronicling snippets of my life.
Here are some random musings to get me started.
- I really love Austin weather, even though it is absolutely crazy. A few days of 70s/80s this week and also a few 50s, gotta love it.
- Out of all my athletic endeavors cycling is clearly my favorite. This year I am completely focusing on it and actually trying to train properly. Hopefully it will all work out.
- Fail to plan, plan to fail: My new favorite saying.
- Funemployment is still fun. Let's see if I say the same thing if it is prolonged.
- I do not miss running but I do miss my running group.
Not much else for now, but I think this was a good start.
Enjoy the ride.
Here are some random musings to get me started.
- I really love Austin weather, even though it is absolutely crazy. A few days of 70s/80s this week and also a few 50s, gotta love it.
- Out of all my athletic endeavors cycling is clearly my favorite. This year I am completely focusing on it and actually trying to train properly. Hopefully it will all work out.
- Fail to plan, plan to fail: My new favorite saying.
- Funemployment is still fun. Let's see if I say the same thing if it is prolonged.
- I do not miss running but I do miss my running group.
Not much else for now, but I think this was a good start.
Enjoy the ride.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Is it 5 pm yet?
Please clock quit going backwards and let the weekend get here. I have some fun things planned and want to get to them. So please quit teasing me and get there already damn you.
Monday, October 27, 2008
LIVESTRONG Challenge Report
First and foremost let me thank everyone that donated towards the 2008 LIVESTRONG Challenge. Through your generous donations I was able to raise over $1,000 for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Now on to the report.
5am - Alarm goes off
6am - After having a protein bar, drinking plenty of water, and packing up the car it was time to head out to Dripping Springs for the ride. From our house to Dripping it is generally about 30 minutes but there is construction out there and it goes down to a single lane so we wanted to make sure we got there in plenty of time.
6:50am - Got to the parking lot and began gearing up.
7am - Carri and I began the walk to the start area which was about a mile away from where we parked.
7:20am - Realize that walking is not gonna cut it and hop on the bike to make sure that I get to the start on time, while Carri walks the rest of the way.
Off into the early morning I ride.
7:21am - Realize the start is just barely over a rise from where I left Carri 200 yards back. Oops.
7:22am - Hear that the ride has been delayed by 20 minutes with a new start time of 7:50.
7:25am - Meet back up with Carri and enter the starting area to wait for the start.
7:50am - After the National Anthem and a brief speech by Lance Armstrong it was time to head out on the course.
The route this year is the same as last year and even though it is much prettier than the route they used before moving the ride to Dripping Springs it is also much more difficult with tons of hills and often times country roads that are in varying states of disrepair. Luckily for the past two weekends I have driven out to Dripping and ridden the majority of the route so I was pretty familiar with the surroundings. This proved to be very beneficial both from a physical and psychological standpoint.
Nothing overly exciting occurred on the ride which is always nice. The rest stops were nicely stocked with an assortment of goodies and everything needed to recover. I only wish they would have had something salty as near the end of the ride I did start to feel the beginnings of cramps but was able to finish before they set in.
Approximately 11:30am - Came through the finishers shoot with a time on bike of 3 hours and 28 minutes and an average speed of 18.4 MPH. I was pretty happy with that since this is not a race, I did not ever really sit with a group and draft, and the terrain out there is so hilly.
Approximately 11:50am - After I had finished, drank some liquids, and changed I heard a pretty big commotion about someone else finishing.
Geez, Lance if you want to participate in the Grand Tours again you should not let a recreational rider such as myself finish before you on a semi-hilly course. I thought you were the King of the Hills. What gives? Good luck on that comeback, buddy.
[Editorial sidebar: Mr. Armstrong completed the 90 mile route, while Mr. Stansbury only completed the 65 miler.]
After the ride I grabbed a few slices of pizza, a bag of potato chips, and a beer and then it was home for a well deserved nap.
Once again I want to thank everyone that donated as well as Carri who played her role of support crew to perfection.
5am - Alarm goes off
6am - After having a protein bar, drinking plenty of water, and packing up the car it was time to head out to Dripping Springs for the ride. From our house to Dripping it is generally about 30 minutes but there is construction out there and it goes down to a single lane so we wanted to make sure we got there in plenty of time.
6:50am - Got to the parking lot and began gearing up.
7am - Carri and I began the walk to the start area which was about a mile away from where we parked.
7:20am - Realize that walking is not gonna cut it and hop on the bike to make sure that I get to the start on time, while Carri walks the rest of the way.
Off into the early morning I ride.
7:21am - Realize the start is just barely over a rise from where I left Carri 200 yards back. Oops.
7:22am - Hear that the ride has been delayed by 20 minutes with a new start time of 7:50.
7:25am - Meet back up with Carri and enter the starting area to wait for the start.
7:50am - After the National Anthem and a brief speech by Lance Armstrong it was time to head out on the course.
The route this year is the same as last year and even though it is much prettier than the route they used before moving the ride to Dripping Springs it is also much more difficult with tons of hills and often times country roads that are in varying states of disrepair. Luckily for the past two weekends I have driven out to Dripping and ridden the majority of the route so I was pretty familiar with the surroundings. This proved to be very beneficial both from a physical and psychological standpoint.
Nothing overly exciting occurred on the ride which is always nice. The rest stops were nicely stocked with an assortment of goodies and everything needed to recover. I only wish they would have had something salty as near the end of the ride I did start to feel the beginnings of cramps but was able to finish before they set in.
Approximately 11:30am - Came through the finishers shoot with a time on bike of 3 hours and 28 minutes and an average speed of 18.4 MPH. I was pretty happy with that since this is not a race, I did not ever really sit with a group and draft, and the terrain out there is so hilly.
Approximately 11:50am - After I had finished, drank some liquids, and changed I heard a pretty big commotion about someone else finishing.
Geez, Lance if you want to participate in the Grand Tours again you should not let a recreational rider such as myself finish before you on a semi-hilly course. I thought you were the King of the Hills. What gives? Good luck on that comeback, buddy.
[Editorial sidebar: Mr. Armstrong completed the 90 mile route, while Mr. Stansbury only completed the 65 miler.]
After the ride I grabbed a few slices of pizza, a bag of potato chips, and a beer and then it was home for a well deserved nap.
Once again I want to thank everyone that donated as well as Carri who played her role of support crew to perfection.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Monday, October 20, 2008
It's been awhile
I used to love to blog but lately it seems I have been so bogged down with life that I do not have a minute to capture my thoughts. How depressing.
Big week ahead with a Happy Hour to support a friend's charity, Oklahoma State vs. Texas in football, and then the Livestrong Challenge on Sunday morning.
Should be a great week.
Big week ahead with a Happy Hour to support a friend's charity, Oklahoma State vs. Texas in football, and then the Livestrong Challenge on Sunday morning.
Should be a great week.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
One Last Chance
Last night was the second to last Run Far Time Trial of the season.
My times have been generally pretty consistent with only one or two big misses. Last night I decided a proper warm up to get my legs ready for the 8 mile course was needed. It is amazing what warming up properly can do for your performance.
A new PR of 20:23.15 and 23.5 MPH average, plus I left a couple seconds out on the course as I am still not 100% comfortable on the tri-bike.
The last time trial of the season is in 2 weeks and I will be looking to go under 20:20, and think that is doable with another 2 weeks of training.
Wish me luck.
Enjoy the ride.
Tim
My times have been generally pretty consistent with only one or two big misses. Last night I decided a proper warm up to get my legs ready for the 8 mile course was needed. It is amazing what warming up properly can do for your performance.
A new PR of 20:23.15 and 23.5 MPH average, plus I left a couple seconds out on the course as I am still not 100% comfortable on the tri-bike.
The last time trial of the season is in 2 weeks and I will be looking to go under 20:20, and think that is doable with another 2 weeks of training.
Wish me luck.
Enjoy the ride.
Tim
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Running is an Evil Mistress
Pretty much this whole summer I stopped running as out of all the aerobic activities it is probably my least favorite. However, it is one of the best cardio exercises out there. I recently signed up for the Nike Human Race 10K and even though I am not trying to run a good time, I know I will be disappointed in myself if I do not at least do some training. So today it was out for a four mile run. One of the things I am working on is trying to run on the balls of my feet as compared to being an extreme heal striker. Even though I feel I am much faster running on the balls I can only seem to maintain this for 2 to 2.5 miles before I revert back to my "normal" running style. I assume that since it is a new style I am working different muscles and they tire quicker.
Oh well I guess I am pseudo back together with my wicked ex-mistress running.
So today was 4 miles at roughly a 9:20ish pace, very slow compared to my running friends but not too bad for me, especially since I am just getting back into it.
Oh well I guess I am pseudo back together with my wicked ex-mistress running.
So today was 4 miles at roughly a 9:20ish pace, very slow compared to my running friends but not too bad for me, especially since I am just getting back into it.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
I am...
Your results:
You are Iron Man
| Inventor. Businessman. Genius. |
Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
New Goal
After taking the summer off I have decided that next year will be the year of the triathlon for me. I am going to buckle down and really train with a goal of completing 1-2 half Ironman's next year. Yeah for goals.
Yeah Running...
I still hate you but that did not stop me from going 3.1 miles yesterday as an initial training run for the Nike Human Race on August 31.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The calm before the storm
Fourth of July weekend is usually a really busy time for people and folks make tons of plans. But not me, not this year. This year I am trying to just relax as the next few weeks are gonna be crazy.
Here is my July.
In town until 7/9
7/10-13 in Wilmington, NC for my brother's wedding
In town 7/14
7/15-17 I have a conference in Reno, NV
In town 7/18-19 and Carri's brother will be here visiting
7/20-25 I have a conference in Las Vegas, NV
So from 7/10-25 I will be in ATX for a grand total of 3 days, and on 7/26 I sleep
Here is my July.
In town until 7/9
7/10-13 in Wilmington, NC for my brother's wedding
In town 7/14
7/15-17 I have a conference in Reno, NV
In town 7/18-19 and Carri's brother will be here visiting
7/20-25 I have a conference in Las Vegas, NV
So from 7/10-25 I will be in ATX for a grand total of 3 days, and on 7/26 I sleep
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