Polk County Time Trial Series 4 of 5

There were actually 6 races scheduled but one was rained out.  Today's time trial was originally scheduled for last monday, but it was rained out as well and we were tired of losing out to the rain.  So...
Let me preface this race with the fact that I do NOT like time trials.  Maybe if they were shorter...7 miles maybe, but 10 is a beast of a not so good time.  Man, I wish I had the energy to yell at the course with my tongue hanging out and the blank stare I get as my legs and lungs have nothing left at mile 8:-)
This was a morning ride.  I actually thought this was a great idea as the heat is incredible in the afternoons, even with the rain.  It was to start at 7.  No sweat as I was up at 3:-)  So, I spent a few hours applying for a few jobs and it was off to the races.  I managed to pull out without my cooler of ice and water...darn.  So, back I went.  This was going to actually be a long day as after the time trial, the coach was going to have us do a few more for "fun" and mix it up a little for 60 total miles.  I would then come home and put in another 40 and have my century for the week.
I ended up arriving a little late and was only able to put in 5 miles of warm up.  Not bad, but no time to fool with stuff even if I wanted.  My number was given to me with me running 14 and Jason running last.  I had run up against Jason twice before.  He had put in good times and had beaten me twice on his time trial bike.  He then told me that he had a triathlon tomorrow so was worried about his time.  I thought he was sandbagging:-)  He looked good except for his shoes.  He was wearing running shoes...ha ha!!!  Sure enough, his wife came ripping in with just enough time for him to put them on and slot into place.
It was my time.  The guy in front of me was incredibly quick off the line and as much as I wanted to keep it real, it fired me up.  I was off like a shot, increasing my speed to 29 before settling in for the long haul.  There was about a 3 mile per hour headwind so not that bad.  I really wanted the 26mph average I had been working on and I was going to do it or bust trying.  The guy in front of me was hard to catch, but once past there were many riders to pass along the way.  Luckily traffic wasn't that bad.  I made it down to the turn around holding a 27 average and hoping I could keep it.  After ramping up again, the riders began to group up.  Not so much together as this isn't allowed, but almost like they were pacing with one another.  There were two times when I had to wait far another rider to pass so I could pass safely.  I was having doubts on my 27 average at the 8 mile mark.  It was starting to drop and I could hardly think straight.  All I could see was my knees and all I could feel was pain.  The good news was the finish was close.  I remember thinking only 1.5 miles left and looking again and not much had changed.  Then I saw the last rider in the group.  I had managed to catch and pass all the riders but one.  But, at that point, I had nothing left.  In fact, I actually stopped peddling across the line and this isn't like me at all.  I usually finish strong.  I, indeed, had nothing left.  The funny part is that I hit the rumble strips at the end of the road and my chain jumped off and I was able to fix it with my foot while moving.  I think my tension is off as this has been happening a few time the last month in high speed bounces.
I knew I had to keep peddling so I turned around and headed back out for a bit.  When I returned, the numbers were posted and I asked what my time was...22:51...YES!!  This is 40+ seconds faster than my previous time and gives me the record for the course.  For how long, is nobody's guess.  I am proud, though, of something I did and that is what matters. 
Jason did take it easy running a 24 something.  Still not bad, but a far cry from what he is capable of, I am sure.  I will soon find out as we are teamed up together in the Trail to Trail race next weekend.  This is going to be a fun event!  I am taking the 31 mile rod leg and Jason is taking the mountain bike portion.  Kent is even riding out for the night and paring up with a top junior woman rider for the coed race!  Go Bacchetta!!!
Then, off we went for a team time trial and some other fun stuff.  Thank you to Rebecca for the free coaching I received today!  It is always nice to ride with the people you would normally compete against and find out they are really good people.  The guy who sprinted off in front of me used to weigh 310 lbs 10 months ago and is now 205 and a powerful rocket.  So powerful that he broke his Zipp 303 rear out at the base of the hub at the end of the first time trial.  The carbon actually broke!  I hope he can get a new one. 
After I returned home, I jumped on the bike and out I went for another slower 40 miles.  My legs are done:-)

That's not mowing, that's farming!

It's been a busy week.  Jared and I have spent a tremendous amount of time together which is fantastic! And, along with other things like bike riding, running, and job searching, the week has been hectic.
We showed up for the time trial and it wouldn't stop raining.  It probably would have been fine except for the lightning, and the fact it was on an open course with cars and low visibility.  So...it has been moved to tomorrow.  This is fine.  Jared will be at his mom's for the day and I can finish a century on my own after the workout.
I guess the most fun part of the week has been Jared.  We have done so much together.  He is getting to the age where he can do everything on his own, but with you.  I don't have to sacrifice for his pleasure.  Even mowing was a blast.  He just jumped right on the mower and wouldn't get off.  It was great!!!  I need to find him some better ear plugs so he doesn't suffer. 

"That's not mowing, that's farming!" ADuhm

One of the fun things that we did together was work out.  He doesn't really like to run unless I force him so he took to the bike.  This is great as it allows me to run at a decent pace and he doesn't have to worry about getting left behind.  In fact it's the other way around with me telling him to slow down:-)  It fantastic that he can get some exercise and get away from the constant load of video games and Netflix.  He does read like crazy!  I came home from work two mornings this week with him reading in the chair after playing with the dog outside.  Fantastic!  I have a great son!

Jared "sneaking" up on his old man during my 6 mile run.

Won't the real Nobody please stand up?

This week was a busy one as I knew it would be; riding and running and parenting and dog fun all rolled into one week.  The bad part was the rain. It never seemed to let up! Almost every ride I went on the rain would soak me.  It was kind of miserable, but I knew if I didn't work out my mind would go crazy. So...that's what I did.  The last few weeks I've averaged about 300 miles on the bike and some good running miles.  And, this was no different. 264 miles and 15 running.  There really wasn't anything of note except the flat tires I received as I rolled 3500 miles on my rear tire.  So...off with the tire:-)
Noki was a snuggling fool this week and it was fun until I realized on one occasion he had rolled in some poo...I'll let your mind explore what was said in my head.  Jared thought it was immensely funny!

Full of Poo!!!

Jared is a funny kid.  He even started a Facebook page with my help, of course, for security issues. He has amassed a few friends and has posted some good pictures of his creations. Now to just get him on his bike more...
Yesterday (Saturday) was awesome!  I had made arrangements to go out to Largo and ride with Kent, again. We used to ride a lot together, but such is life...Anyway, this was going to be fun!  I arrived at the house early so we could make our way down to the St. Pete ride on time.  Off we went, making the first 10 miles along the trail in 20 minutes!  While we waited for other riders, we deduced I would need more grease or new bearings in my front wheel with all the squeaking it was doing...darn it.  I guess the rain takes its toll.

Getting Those RAAM Legs Working Again

The meeting group showed and we rolled down 1st Ave to the ride.  Large group...I had forgotten how large the Saturday rides were out of the park.  We had discussed going with the 24+ group if there was one. They called one out and then immediately called out the 20+.  Off we went all realizing there were two groups and at some point we would have to split up.  As we made the turn to the beach, Kent waved me up and we discussed breaking off if nobody wanted to go more than the 22 we were going.  As we made our way past the first toll booth, the faster riders started to lay it down. Kent and I rolled right onto the front and we pulled at about thirty to the stop light to turn left.  Kent asked if the speed was okay and the guy said it felt good.  Off we went with a group of about 5 df riders.  I took the first pull and then Kent took one.  The speed seemed fine until my next pull and after about a minute, The Df biker behind me asked if I could slow down.  I apologized and slowed to 26. He then said to slow more as we dropped everyone...oops.  I looked back only to see Kent behind him. It's funny how we are not in the "everybody" equation.  As we caught and pulled this same guy to the last light before Kent asked if the speed was good, He mentioned "no one" catching him to his DF buddies.  Funny how recumbent riders are not included...I actually DO think it's funny now.  It used to bother me. Or, maybe, it's a person's name?  Won't the real Nobody please stand up?
Anyway...I slowed to 24 and we rotated to the flag pole.  "Nobody" didn't catch us and Kent and I were looking for miles so we took a lap in the park while the other guy waited at the pole.  A ranger was nice enough to let me in the station for some cold water which was nice!
On our way back, Kent and I rotated pulls and chatted it up.  We rolled into St. Pete with enough time to chat it up with riders at the coffee shop.  Good Times!  Then, back we went.  We stopped at the house and agreed to meet Judy and her sister Pat for breakfast in Clearwater.  They asked if they could order for us. We said sure.  It was funny to pull up at the same time and having Kent ask if we could order for them:-)

Judy is loving the bike Kent built up for her for her birthday!!!

 After breakfast, we rolled back to the house and rode with Judy on her bike for about 7 or so miles. This gave Kent and I about 101 miles for the day.  After a nice shower and some fruit. Noki and I were off back home.  Noki had been visiting his girlfriend Mya and they had a great time. When it came time to leave, Mya wasn't going to let Noki leave on his own and Kent had to hold her while we left (I think they had it all planned out secretly to elope to Vegas together) and Noki gave a harrumph in the truck and wouldn't look at me on the way home.  As we got home, he quickly jumped in his bed and wouldn't snuggle.  Why does it seem funny when dogs are heart broken,  but not when we are?:-)

The Love Birds

So, it was a good week and I am looking forward to picking Jared up today and riding in the Polk County Time Trial series, Monday.  Be looking for a write up sometime during the week.  One of the top Time Trial riders in the state will be there.

Hands (paws) against the wall, please...

I need a break!  OK, but only for a day:-)  I've been on the go non stop for a while and I think it's starting to mess with my health a little.  How long can a person go on little sleep and a surplus of exercise and not come up short somewhere?  Between the hundreds of miles biking a week or the running or working and working on the house...I have realized that I am tired.  So...today is a break day.  I am going to watch a movie at home and stay at the house.  Cleaning will be inevitable, but what can I say...at least I'm relaxing, right?
There is a busy week ahead including more miles on the bike with a trip to ride with Kent on Saturday and exchange stories.  I also have a TT coming up next Monday so stay tuned to a write up.  I have only run twice this week and feel like I may have to start doing that again if I'm going to stay in running shape. Plus, the advantages of running and learning pain management are greater than biking.  This will help set me up for better riding in the future.  It is also easier to control my weight when running. 
I was able to get down to about 185 the last three weeks, but noticed a slight gain after only running a few times this week even with all the biking...
Anyway...break day!  Maybe I'll even see if I can catch up on the almost non existent sleep I get with a long nap.  I did want to leave you with this picture that I found incredibly amusing as I have one of these dogs and they are big time trouble makers...in a good way, of course:-)

I'm currently accepting captions in the comments section and will add the best one:-)

Nice Rides and Some Wine

Saturday couldn't come fast enough. I have been wanting to start building my mileage soon and what better way than to actually have some time to ride without worry. I was hesitant at how I was going to do it. I wanted to get a little speed out of the deal and don't really like riding the whole time alone, so I contacted another local recumbent guy, Allan Duhm, to see what he was up to.
He recommended the Bartow group out of the Bartow civic center on Saturdays. I showed up and was greeted by a great group of guys.  Allan showed up, but forgot his seat pad, so would try to meet us out on the ride.  The ride started out great.  My goal was miles and I wanted to try my best to not drop anyone and to work on nutrition.  We sat right near a 21 average for the first half of the ride and everyone did well taking turns pulling and rotating through. I was the worst as I had to be reminded of my speed and I thanked everyone for the reminder.  Great guys! We stopped a couple of times. The second, at a place called The Market somewhere out in BFE.  I was actually surprised that we received cell service.

At The Market

The funny part came when I went to pay for my Gatorade and used my card.  I wanted debit and everything went well.  I thought I could here the receipt print so I said thank you and the nice couple waved me out.  When I was outside, grabbing my bottles, the man said that it didn't take debit, but credit was needed.  I followed him inside to see a huge line of angry customers waiting for me to sign the receipt.  I apologized for keeping them waiting and the woman behind me gave a growl.  She had two big steaks she wanted to grill.  I told them I was 63 miles into a 100 mile ride and I was delirious and didn't know what I was doing.  They were all cool with that answer.

Enjoying the garbage smell!

Some of the group enjoying the milk cartons and the "Mountain" ice.

 After we refueled and enjoyed the nice little milk carton chairs, we proceeded on our way constantly checking in on Allan.  It didn't seem like he would make it.  By this time the temperature was getting hot and we were hot.  We pulled into the finish with a 20.6 average for 80 miles.  I asked if anyone wanted to go back out with me and the answer was a unanimous, "you're crazy".  Off I went.  The ride went fast and I finished with 102 for the day feeling good and accomplishing my goals.
After I drove home and showered, I was back off to my friend Tim's house to meet his family and caravan to the blueberry wine factory for some live music, dancing, and self catered food.

The best beer I've tasted!!

This turned out to be a great place to go.  The music was great and the people were really nice. Many danced and I enjoyed the beer and wine and the food we brought.  I think I enjoyed the beer and wine too much as I woke up with a huge headache and felt generally crappy. But, I knew a nice ride would make me feel better. So, off I went to meet the Publix 540A riders.  I was hoping for a nice 60 miles, but 75 was agreed upon.  This was a faster ride and I was feeling crabby.  At about the half way point, my body started to feel better and I was able to start making some break away chances.   Allan remembered his seat pad and was looking good.  He would make a break a couple of times only to be reeled in on the hills.  I took advantage of this on a nice roller and grabbed his wheel. A nice local young woman df rider jumped on mine and we bolted down the long downhill.  As we started back up and Allan started to slow, she made her move and I jumped on her wheel.  I passed her and then proceeded to pull at a strong pace. She looked tired so I asked what she wanted to do and she said that she only had enough for the one attack.  I said I would slow and let the group catch.  I then saw a local df guy who had openly cut me off twice during the ride, try to make the move to jump on us. I told her I was going and she could slow so ramped it up and watched him fall off.  I then saw Jason and another friend making the gap.  They looked stronger than the other guy and caught up.  We worked together, gaining speed and distance.  They kept up almost to Homeland where Jason yelled out he was stopping. He looked spent. I stopped just long enough to grab some water out of the hose and watch the others start coming into the station.  Allan didn't stop so I jumped on and we rode together till the hills into Lakeland where I pulled away and he went his own way back to the house.  I finished about two minutes ahead of the group and felt great about it.
I went home and showered and drove back over to Tim's to see the movie Battleship at the Mugs and Movies with his brother and niece.  It was actually pretty good!  Then it was time for me to finally go home and play catch with the dog and enjoy the time to clean and do laundry...big weekend!

Love This Dog!!!

 One thing is for sure and that is I'm glad no one will see me naked as after 300+ cycling miles this week, the tan lines I have developed are NOT attractive...even my hands...YIKES!!!

What a Race!

If you have been following my blog, you would have noted my intent to run the midnight run in Dunedin the morning of the 4th.  I have run this event one other time and remembered the event fondly.  There are a lot of people that run this and it is very well organized. Although, we did have to stay a very long time as my mom and I both won plaques that year.
As the time came to leave the house, I was having second thoughts. I have only been running for about three months and I'm not doing it to be competitive. It is more of a therapy type of thing and a cross training tool for my biking.  But, I knew that if I didn't leave, I would regret it. So, out the door, I went. As I arrived, I remembered how many people liked the event as I had to park in the parking lot the farthest away from the event in an unlit area.  This actually turned out to be a great thing as it forced me to walk a ways and keep warm as arriving an hour and a half early was advised.  I walked and retrieved the shirt and number and walked back and then walked to drink some water about a half hour before the race started.
There are two other events scheduled and the mile run is first up at about 11pm.  Watching these runners tackle this event brought back memories of my younger years running track in high school and I was glad they were running it and not me.  The 5k was next up and I started running 10 minutes before start time and stretching.  I stopped paying attention to the start and should have as it filled up and I was only able to fight my way up to the first third of the pack right behind a gracious woman with a flag who let me in front of her at the last minute. Bang!
We were off. Or should I say, we were slowly mingling.  It took me at least twenty seconds to get free and find a way out across the start and then run back and forth across the street to clear running. Once on my mark I picked a few people and just ran at there pace.  The first mile was pretty quick at 6:40 from the timing judge. This gave me a 6:20 or so first mile. I was doing okay, but knew from my own experience that I tend to go out too fast in these events so decided to slow a click. There was a really tall guy and a young woman in her mid twenties with a nice pace so I stayed with them for the next mile before he died and she picked it up.
I knew then that I would just have to run my own race and it felt good to finally be clear of the thousands of people and really cool to see so many on the return leg cheering me on as they ran their own race. I returned the cheers several times and loved it. Nearing the last bridge, I was overtaken by two really strong 10-12 year olds and felt somewhat old.  But new It was their time and they looked great challenging each other. Over the bridge we went and another teenager popped up. He looked ragged and when the water hand out came he lept at the chance, although a bad idea and it was funny he echoed my thoughts as he started to drink it and faded back choking.
The race was almost over and the last 200 yards were coming up. I kicked it up a little and noted 22:00 as I crossed the line.  This gave me about a low seven minute mile and I was very happy with that.  It was a zoo at the finish so I walked and stretched on the way back to the truck as a cool down and changed my shirt for the long drive home.  On the way, I enjoyed a banana and some water.
As I sit and reflect on the race this early morning, I am most happy with two things: That I did it and that I was able to do it where I had enjoyed so many good memories. It's a great run and I highly recommend it to anyone young and old.

Positives and Negatives

This last week has proven itself to be full of positives and the opposite.  The rain stopped, finally, Wednesday. And, I was finally able to get my bike out for a long ride.  My brother came out for the weekend and we rode everyday together except Sunday so we could spend his last day with Jared before he left.

Joe trying to convince Jared that the powdered water is over by the milk...

 I ended up doing 40 miles after he left as the chocolate bar I found hiding in the jar put me in the deficit for the week.  I hate finding those things...:-(
Joe and I managed to pull some honey from the hive and all seemed fine with the bees except the dearth was slowing them down a little so I removed the top super.
Today, before mowing the yard,I noticed no movement near the hive. I checked only to find no bees anywhere near the hive. I opened it up and found hardly anything...not even a dead one anywhere and only a few bees scrounging for leftover honey.   I just seem to be having the worst trouble with bees (damn females) and won't peruse the possibility of another nuc.  They are just too expensive to continue with no product to show for it.  I had almost forty lbs of it before the heat and it is almost all gone.

Only a few bees hanging around looking for the rest of the honey:-(

 The good news is that I put in a pretty good week riding and running.  180+ miles on the bike and just under 20 running for a 5 day period.  I'm looking forward to the midnight run in Dunedin, tonight.  Hopefully it will be all good news.  I am hoping to run and finish and make the hour drive home tired.  I haven't been timing myself at all when I run and feel all the better for it.  So, tonight, it's up in the air on how my time will be as I have no idea.  Wish me luck:-)