I am truly blessed in many ways. Not only do I have a beautiful wife who I adore and who loves me, I have a great job and work for a good boss. Over a year ago, the McNay Museum offered its employees free memberships at Spectrum Health Clubs. They also extended reduced pricing to spouses for $30 a month.
Before we accepted, I asked my boss if it was okay for me to take extended lunches on workout days as long as I stayed late to offset. Since he also works out and tries to be healthy, he said sure. Mel and I signed up and I have been working out off and on since then.
Since we went back to Weight Watchers, I've tried to work out two or three times a week in addition to riding my bike on the weekends. Best laid plans....
Yesterday I hoped to cut out around 10 AM, work out, shower, and get back to work by noon. No such luck. I am part of a special committee of eight at work who meet every Tuesday morning. The last two meetings have run long, so by the time I got back to my office, I had a dozen emails to return and couldn't leave.
That shouldn't be a problem, you say? Why don't you work out after work, you say? My job is very stressful. Not brain surgeon stressful by any means, but by the time I get out of work, I am spent. That's why working out mid-day is best for me. That is when my energy levels are highest. Why don't I work out before work, you say? Because I already get up at 5 AM to be at work by 7.
Since yesterday was blown, I was looking forward to working out this morning. Instead, we were hit by the perfect storm of misfortune with my staff and due to circumstances beyond any one's control, half of them were out or missed part of the day. Two workouts down the toilet.
I still have faith, so I keep my workout bag and iPod Shuffle in the back of my truck just in case. Tomorrow is another day! Hopefully I'll be able to work out tomorrow and Friday to set myself up for a good weigh in Saturday morning.
Now that I'm older, I can't lose weight fast enough through cutting calories alone. I need exercise. Not only that, it lowers my stress levels so I don't scream at sales people or kick the dogs when I get home. (I exaggerate; I don't kick my dogs.) Pray for me....
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Monday, January 28, 2008
LET THE BIKE DO THE WORK
Of all the articles and tips I've read about mountain biking, "let the bike do the work" is very appropriate. As I've mentioned in the past, I ride a Marin Pioneer Trail hardtail mountain bike. Hardtail means it has no suspension in the back, or tail, of the bike. I do have a front suspension fork, which helps out tremendously on rocks and roots.
During yesterday's ride, I had ridden a rocky trail and was about to descend down an incline that gave Matt a concussion a few years ago. As I lined up for the descent, I remembered "Let the bike do the work". Kind of like "If you build it, they will come", from Field of Dreams.
Anyway, I rolled down the hill and hit the first large rock and relaxed my arms to let the front shock absorb the impact. Sure enough, my bike rolled down the rocks like a champ. I headed for another rock garden in the park and again, let the bike do the work.
It's amazing what a difference it makes after your ride. I didn't feel as beat up as I normally do after a two and a half hour ride. Now mind you, I was tired, but my arms didn't hurt from the constant pounding of the rock trails. Now if I can remember to do the same with my legs and arms at the same time, I'll be in good shape.
The best way to describe my riding style (if I have one), is controlled chaos. I am not tall, slender, and graceful like Bert; I am short fat, and barrel chested. I envision myself looking like a water buffalo in heat when I ride, because I ride ugly. I have a constant grimace like I'm in pain, but I'm actually just gritting my teeth to keep them from hitting during bumpy portions of the trail.
Since I am naturally a cabezon, my helmet always looks like it's two sizes too small, sitting on top of my head. Then there is always my early warning system, or like Bert calls it, "old man burping". I can't help it. When you get to be my age, things come out of your body when you least expect it. I would rather an uncontrolled burp come out than something from the other end, if you catch my drift. Anyways, before I got my bell, my burping would serve notice to hikers and other bikers that something ugly was around the next turn.
Maybe gracefulness on the bike is something I can learn. Those of you who knew me in my younger years know that I did some mean Tejano and country dancing back in the day. You have to be somewhat graceful to dance, right? Maybe there's hope for me yet...
During yesterday's ride, I had ridden a rocky trail and was about to descend down an incline that gave Matt a concussion a few years ago. As I lined up for the descent, I remembered "Let the bike do the work". Kind of like "If you build it, they will come", from Field of Dreams.
Anyway, I rolled down the hill and hit the first large rock and relaxed my arms to let the front shock absorb the impact. Sure enough, my bike rolled down the rocks like a champ. I headed for another rock garden in the park and again, let the bike do the work.
It's amazing what a difference it makes after your ride. I didn't feel as beat up as I normally do after a two and a half hour ride. Now mind you, I was tired, but my arms didn't hurt from the constant pounding of the rock trails. Now if I can remember to do the same with my legs and arms at the same time, I'll be in good shape.
The best way to describe my riding style (if I have one), is controlled chaos. I am not tall, slender, and graceful like Bert; I am short fat, and barrel chested. I envision myself looking like a water buffalo in heat when I ride, because I ride ugly. I have a constant grimace like I'm in pain, but I'm actually just gritting my teeth to keep them from hitting during bumpy portions of the trail.
Since I am naturally a cabezon, my helmet always looks like it's two sizes too small, sitting on top of my head. Then there is always my early warning system, or like Bert calls it, "old man burping". I can't help it. When you get to be my age, things come out of your body when you least expect it. I would rather an uncontrolled burp come out than something from the other end, if you catch my drift. Anyways, before I got my bell, my burping would serve notice to hikers and other bikers that something ugly was around the next turn.
Maybe gracefulness on the bike is something I can learn. Those of you who knew me in my younger years know that I did some mean Tejano and country dancing back in the day. You have to be somewhat graceful to dance, right? Maybe there's hope for me yet...
Sunday, January 27, 2008
RIDING BIKE TRAILS IS KINDA LIKE HAVING SEX WITH YOUR PARTNER
(Stay with me here) Riding mountain bike trails is like having sex with your partner - if it get's too boring, try it BACKWARDS! Ok, maybe that wasn't the best analogy, but it got your attention, right? Those of you who enjoy either on a regular basis will relate. For those of you who don't, I'll pray and light a candle for you!
Case in point - I was looking forward to riding my bike today all week long. I'm still not conditioned enough to return to Government Canyon to ride, so I decided to head to my old faithful - McAllister Park.
The last few rides have been nothing to brag about, and frankly have been a bit boring. So I decided to change things up a bit. Mel had to work this morning, so I decided to take my truck instead of riding from the house. I figured if I injured myself seriously enough to have to walk, I would rather walk less than a mile to my truck than 2 or 3 miles home.
Anyway, as I was unloading my bike, I decided that I would MAKE it a good day to ride. The weather was GORGEOUS! Temp in the high 40s, no wind, sunshine, in other words - BEAUTIFUL. As I mounted the bike, I was trying to decide which trails to take first.
I rode one trail to warm up, then headed down another, but decided I would go in the opposite direction than I usually ride. It changes your perspective and forces you to be more aware of your surroundings. Familiar landmarks were now reversed, so it made for an interesting ride.
My stamina is improving, as I rode for two and a half hours, yet only covered about 80% of the park. It was an AWESOME, pedal mashing, leg burning ride; better than I have had in weeks!
I look forward to losing more weight and improving my stamina even more, so I can try and tackle the trails at Government Canyon again in the Spring. Regardless, I fully enjoyed my ride, then Mel and I each polished off a homemade egg, cheese, and ham McMuffin that is only 3 points! (lowfat everything, but still delicious)
The best part of all - I earned eleven activity points for my ride this morning! I'm like a kid in a candy store....what should I spend my "bonus" allowance on? Six beers? Nah, I had four last night. Something sweet? Nah, I think I'll have an apple instead and "bank" my activity points to boost my weight loss this week.
For those who won't be able to get this posting out of your head the next time you get lovey dovey with your partner, I'M SORRY. It made for a good comparison! See you in your fantasies! lol
Case in point - I was looking forward to riding my bike today all week long. I'm still not conditioned enough to return to Government Canyon to ride, so I decided to head to my old faithful - McAllister Park.
The last few rides have been nothing to brag about, and frankly have been a bit boring. So I decided to change things up a bit. Mel had to work this morning, so I decided to take my truck instead of riding from the house. I figured if I injured myself seriously enough to have to walk, I would rather walk less than a mile to my truck than 2 or 3 miles home.
Anyway, as I was unloading my bike, I decided that I would MAKE it a good day to ride. The weather was GORGEOUS! Temp in the high 40s, no wind, sunshine, in other words - BEAUTIFUL. As I mounted the bike, I was trying to decide which trails to take first.
I rode one trail to warm up, then headed down another, but decided I would go in the opposite direction than I usually ride. It changes your perspective and forces you to be more aware of your surroundings. Familiar landmarks were now reversed, so it made for an interesting ride.
My stamina is improving, as I rode for two and a half hours, yet only covered about 80% of the park. It was an AWESOME, pedal mashing, leg burning ride; better than I have had in weeks!
I look forward to losing more weight and improving my stamina even more, so I can try and tackle the trails at Government Canyon again in the Spring. Regardless, I fully enjoyed my ride, then Mel and I each polished off a homemade egg, cheese, and ham McMuffin that is only 3 points! (lowfat everything, but still delicious)
The best part of all - I earned eleven activity points for my ride this morning! I'm like a kid in a candy store....what should I spend my "bonus" allowance on? Six beers? Nah, I had four last night. Something sweet? Nah, I think I'll have an apple instead and "bank" my activity points to boost my weight loss this week.
For those who won't be able to get this posting out of your head the next time you get lovey dovey with your partner, I'M SORRY. It made for a good comparison! See you in your fantasies! lol
Saturday, January 26, 2008
WEIGHT WATCHERS week 2
I had a good week this week, sticking to my allotted points targets and not having to use any of the weekly bonus points available. I also worked out twice this week in addition to doing chores at a low intensity level (every little bit helps).
It all paid off as I lost 2.4 pounds this week for a total of 5.2 pounds since we started two weeks ago! Now granted, it's not 11 or 12 pounds a pop like The Biggest Loser, but then again, I don't have access to a personal trainer or time to work out six hours a day. I live in the REAL WORLD.
Another 5 pounds and I will say goodbye to my FAT jeans! That's right ladies, you haven't cornered the market on fat jeans; guys have them too. Although some guys are in denial and choose to wear jeans that are two sizes too small and have their gut hanging over the waist - that ain't me...
Now Mel and I are off to Chili's for dinner and a couple of beers. I'll be able to have a guiltless chicken platter and a couple of beers and still be within my points for the day...YAY!
Plus, I plan to ride my bike tomorrow, so that should be another 10 or 12 activity points for the day...LIFE IS GOOD!
It all paid off as I lost 2.4 pounds this week for a total of 5.2 pounds since we started two weeks ago! Now granted, it's not 11 or 12 pounds a pop like The Biggest Loser, but then again, I don't have access to a personal trainer or time to work out six hours a day. I live in the REAL WORLD.
Another 5 pounds and I will say goodbye to my FAT jeans! That's right ladies, you haven't cornered the market on fat jeans; guys have them too. Although some guys are in denial and choose to wear jeans that are two sizes too small and have their gut hanging over the waist - that ain't me...
Now Mel and I are off to Chili's for dinner and a couple of beers. I'll be able to have a guiltless chicken platter and a couple of beers and still be within my points for the day...YAY!
Plus, I plan to ride my bike tomorrow, so that should be another 10 or 12 activity points for the day...LIFE IS GOOD!
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Weight Watchers week 1
Today was our first weigh in now that we're back on the Weight Watchers plan. I was a bit apprehensive because although I had stuck to plan the entire week and actually went to the gym twice, we had dinner with some friends from out of town last night at Mi Tierra downtown.
For those of you who aren't familiar with Mi Tierra, it is at El Mercado and is one of San Antonio's institutions. If you're ever in town, you have to eat there at least once just to say you've eaten there.
Mel and I decided to take the safe route and eat tortilla soup. It was served in a big bowl and we of course had some chips, salsa, and queso. The key was we didn't go crazy with the chips and queso.
Yesterday at work, I had a taste of chocolate cake, as it was someone's birthday yesterday and I didn't want to offend them by declining (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). Instead of a regular piece, I had a sliver and counted the points on my tracker.
The thing that works for me on the WW points plan is that I don't deprive myself of anything. Yesterday I had all the above mentioned, plus a couple of light beers at dinner and I still lost 2.8 pounds at weigh in! Yay!
I saw a guy at the gym that has been working out since I joined over a year ago. I almost didn't recognize him, as he has lost 165 pounds! He didn't have surgery, he just eats healthy and works out almost every day. He said for a while he hit a plateau, but started to eat 5 or 6 small meals every day and it boosted his metabolism. 165 pounds! Geez! That inspired me.
This morning I went for a bike ride and the wind chill was 25 degrees! It wasn't that bad once I hit the woods and got out of the wind. After weigh in, I took down the Christmas lights, pruned our front tree, and raked the yard. All in all, today I earned an extra 17 points in activity points.
I'm hoping to ride again tomorrow morning, before settling in for a day of watching football. I'm over the Cowboys debacle, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow's games. I'll post again next week after weigh in with my results. Pray for me to be strong next week!
For those of you who aren't familiar with Mi Tierra, it is at El Mercado and is one of San Antonio's institutions. If you're ever in town, you have to eat there at least once just to say you've eaten there.
Mel and I decided to take the safe route and eat tortilla soup. It was served in a big bowl and we of course had some chips, salsa, and queso. The key was we didn't go crazy with the chips and queso.
Yesterday at work, I had a taste of chocolate cake, as it was someone's birthday yesterday and I didn't want to offend them by declining (that's my story and I'm sticking to it). Instead of a regular piece, I had a sliver and counted the points on my tracker.
The thing that works for me on the WW points plan is that I don't deprive myself of anything. Yesterday I had all the above mentioned, plus a couple of light beers at dinner and I still lost 2.8 pounds at weigh in! Yay!
I saw a guy at the gym that has been working out since I joined over a year ago. I almost didn't recognize him, as he has lost 165 pounds! He didn't have surgery, he just eats healthy and works out almost every day. He said for a while he hit a plateau, but started to eat 5 or 6 small meals every day and it boosted his metabolism. 165 pounds! Geez! That inspired me.
This morning I went for a bike ride and the wind chill was 25 degrees! It wasn't that bad once I hit the woods and got out of the wind. After weigh in, I took down the Christmas lights, pruned our front tree, and raked the yard. All in all, today I earned an extra 17 points in activity points.
I'm hoping to ride again tomorrow morning, before settling in for a day of watching football. I'm over the Cowboys debacle, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow's games. I'll post again next week after weigh in with my results. Pray for me to be strong next week!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
BAD DAY PART II
This weekend sucked! After yesterday's debacle of a bike ride, I was sick as a dog with allergies. This morning I had hoped to ride, but again, the mountain cedar pollen count was astronimical, so I stayed indoors as much as possible.
Not to worry, I thought, since the Cowboys game would be on this afternoon. WRONG! They self-destructed in the second half. Actually, at the end of the first half when they let the Giants score with 41 seconds left in the first half.
A few bad decisions by Tony Romo, a dumbass center who won't hike the ball quick enough, and dropped passes by T.O. and Patrick Crayton, VIOLA! Cowboys lose! Shit, shit, shit!
Now all I can do is root for the Packers and Chargers to get into the Super Bowl. Oh well, at least I'll have plenty of time to ride and get my weekend honey-do's done from now until next fall.
Not to worry, I thought, since the Cowboys game would be on this afternoon. WRONG! They self-destructed in the second half. Actually, at the end of the first half when they let the Giants score with 41 seconds left in the first half.
A few bad decisions by Tony Romo, a dumbass center who won't hike the ball quick enough, and dropped passes by T.O. and Patrick Crayton, VIOLA! Cowboys lose! Shit, shit, shit!
Now all I can do is root for the Packers and Chargers to get into the Super Bowl. Oh well, at least I'll have plenty of time to ride and get my weekend honey-do's done from now until next fall.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
BAD DAY
Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
You know that song by Daniel Powter - "Bad Day"? That was me today. Last Sunday night I installed the bike computer I got for Christmas and was really stoked about riding this morning to try it out. Mel and I were going to our first Weight Watchers meeting of the year, so I wouldn't have time for a long ride, but I was stoked nonetheless.
I ignored the 40 degree weather and the Mountain Cedar allergy alert and filled my Camelbak, got dressed, and hit the road on my bike. Right off the bat, I noticed that the bike computer wasn't recording anything. No distance, time, or speed. "Shit", I thought. Oh well, I'll have to troubleshoot it when I get back home.
About half an hour into my ride, I noticed my front wheel was acting weird. I stopped to check and sure enough, the tire was losing air. Not a problem, I thought. I recently bought Slime tubes which are self-sealing tubes. It had already worked once before, so I quickly aired up the tube, but continued to hear the hiss of escaping air.
I spun the wheel and found the culprit, a small slit in the tire. It must have been caused by a sharp rock, because flats are usually a result of a puncture by a thorn. By this time, I realized that the tube wasn't sealing; it continued to leak air. I decided to pump it up some more and quickly ride to an area of the park with a bench so I could change the tube.
I found a bench and removed my backpack, which was sopping wet. Wow, I thought, how could I sweat that much in 40 degree weather? I didn't....my Camelbak was leaking water. "Shit, shit, shit!" I resealed the cap, which seemed to stop most of the leak and turned my attention to fixing the flat. I was able to change the Slime covered tube in about 10 minutes, so I didn't think the ride would be lost.
I replaced the wheel, put my wet backpack on, and hit the trail again, when I heard "thoop, thoop, thoop" from the front wheel. Slime tubes are notorious for making noise, as they actually have slime in them, which slides around inside the tube. Usually, I add more air to the tube and the noise goes away. Not this time.
By now I'd had ENOUGH. I decided to head back home, listening to the thoop, thoop, all the way. When I reached Thousand Oaks Ave, I was replaying the morning's incidents in my head, wondering if it could be any worse. It could....
I slowed as I saw the traffic light was red, hoping I could time the change to green. No such luck. As I came to a stop, I unclipped my right shoe, so I could stop and wait for the light to change. Any normal person would then lean to the right and support themselves on their free leg. Not me.
As my bike tipped to the left (with my left foot still clipped to the pedal), I tried not to make eye contact with the motorists stopped at the intersection. Too late. One elderly lady watched me fall to the ground with an expression that could only be interpreted as "you poor bastard; you must be having a bad day".
Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
One bad ride does not a weekend ruin. One bad ride AND a bad weigh-in can. I gained 8 pounds over the holidays. Now I'm a clumsy, fat, sneezing, watery eyed bastard who is having a bad day. Not to worry. There's always FOOTBALL! Unless the Cowboys lose, then you'll hear:
Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
No need to worry; no suicide watch for me. Tomorrow is another day, another ride, another football season. I'm just happy to be alive! I am truly blessed! Now I'm off to find some Claritin...
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
You know that song by Daniel Powter - "Bad Day"? That was me today. Last Sunday night I installed the bike computer I got for Christmas and was really stoked about riding this morning to try it out. Mel and I were going to our first Weight Watchers meeting of the year, so I wouldn't have time for a long ride, but I was stoked nonetheless.
I ignored the 40 degree weather and the Mountain Cedar allergy alert and filled my Camelbak, got dressed, and hit the road on my bike. Right off the bat, I noticed that the bike computer wasn't recording anything. No distance, time, or speed. "Shit", I thought. Oh well, I'll have to troubleshoot it when I get back home.
About half an hour into my ride, I noticed my front wheel was acting weird. I stopped to check and sure enough, the tire was losing air. Not a problem, I thought. I recently bought Slime tubes which are self-sealing tubes. It had already worked once before, so I quickly aired up the tube, but continued to hear the hiss of escaping air.
I spun the wheel and found the culprit, a small slit in the tire. It must have been caused by a sharp rock, because flats are usually a result of a puncture by a thorn. By this time, I realized that the tube wasn't sealing; it continued to leak air. I decided to pump it up some more and quickly ride to an area of the park with a bench so I could change the tube.
I found a bench and removed my backpack, which was sopping wet. Wow, I thought, how could I sweat that much in 40 degree weather? I didn't....my Camelbak was leaking water. "Shit, shit, shit!" I resealed the cap, which seemed to stop most of the leak and turned my attention to fixing the flat. I was able to change the Slime covered tube in about 10 minutes, so I didn't think the ride would be lost.
I replaced the wheel, put my wet backpack on, and hit the trail again, when I heard "thoop, thoop, thoop" from the front wheel. Slime tubes are notorious for making noise, as they actually have slime in them, which slides around inside the tube. Usually, I add more air to the tube and the noise goes away. Not this time.
By now I'd had ENOUGH. I decided to head back home, listening to the thoop, thoop, all the way. When I reached Thousand Oaks Ave, I was replaying the morning's incidents in my head, wondering if it could be any worse. It could....
I slowed as I saw the traffic light was red, hoping I could time the change to green. No such luck. As I came to a stop, I unclipped my right shoe, so I could stop and wait for the light to change. Any normal person would then lean to the right and support themselves on their free leg. Not me.
As my bike tipped to the left (with my left foot still clipped to the pedal), I tried not to make eye contact with the motorists stopped at the intersection. Too late. One elderly lady watched me fall to the ground with an expression that could only be interpreted as "you poor bastard; you must be having a bad day".
Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
One bad ride does not a weekend ruin. One bad ride AND a bad weigh-in can. I gained 8 pounds over the holidays. Now I'm a clumsy, fat, sneezing, watery eyed bastard who is having a bad day. Not to worry. There's always FOOTBALL! Unless the Cowboys lose, then you'll hear:
Because you had a bad day
You're taking one down
You sing a sad song just to turn it around
You say you don't know
You tell me don't lie
You work at a smile and you go for a ride
You had a bad day
The camera don't lie
You're coming back down and you really don't mind
You had a bad day
You had a bad day
No need to worry; no suicide watch for me. Tomorrow is another day, another ride, another football season. I'm just happy to be alive! I am truly blessed! Now I'm off to find some Claritin...
Thursday, January 10, 2008
OUCH!
Here are some pics of riders doing endos at Emma Long Park in Austin. Albert and his cousin Chris like to ride this trail and as you can see, it is pretty technical. As I told Bert, I ride trails knowing there is a possibility that I can fall; I'm not too crazy about riding trails where there is a PROBABILITY that I will fall.
Maybe someday I will feel confident enough in my riding ability that I will tackle trails like this, but for now I'm content with the trails at McAllister Park here in San Antonio.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
PUT MY MONEY WHERE MY MOUTH IS
January - the New Year, time for new beginnings. It also means my annual physical is three months away and I have to lose weight or my doctor will chew my ass out again. I hate that.
I can take digs about my weight from just about anyone, except my doctor. He practices what he preaches. He watches his weight and is very slender. I watch my weight (go up); I am NOT slender.
Anyway, January usually marks the time of year that Mel and I head back to Weight Watchers to face the medicine there. THIS year I decided to go one step further and post my progress (or lack thereof) here on my blog for all to see. I figured that would add to my accountability and give me extra motivation to succeed.
This morning after my ride, I weighed in at a whopping 235 pounds! That wouldn't be a problem if I was 7 feet tall, but alas I am not. My height on a big hair day is about 5'10", so that means I am obese by medical standards.
My recent low weight record was 208 pounds for Michael's high school graduation, so I have a WEIGHS to go to reach that mark. For now, my short term goal is 10 pounds. Weight Watchers' initial goal is for you to lose 10% of your starting weight, so my mid term goal will be 23.5 pounds.
I seriously doubt I could ever get down to my recommended weight of 168 pounds, but if I could ultimately reach 190 I would be extremely happy. So say a prayer, light candles, and wish me luck. I'll post my progress weekly.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
FREAKIN A!!!!!
Bert and I finished our last ride this morning and it was my best one in several weeks.
1) It was two hours long
2) I didn't fall down
I'm getting used to my pedal clips and my endurance is getting better. I still need to lose 20 pounds so my breathing won't be so labored. I was pretty proud of myself because I didn't shy away from any of the trails that Bert went on.
I attacked my nemesis, the infamous Mud Creek descent, and I won. We also had a couple of tough climbs (for me). I found the secret to keeping Bert in sight during a ride: make sure he has a cold and hasn't had much sleep. (Whatever works for me).
I guess I'll be flying solo unless I find another riding buddy. Hopefully Bert will find one that will push him as much as Chris does.
Take care in Cali, my friend!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
SAYONARA BUDDY- IT'S BEEN REAL!!
This weekend will be filled with mixed emotions for Melissa and me. Mel's cousin Albert has accepted a position with Qualcomm in San Jose, California and will be leaving early next week. Our house has been Bert's "home base" for the last couple of years since he left Texas Instruments; staying with us between contract assignments across the country. Bert's latest stay was his longest, as his last major contract ended in August. 
Although Bert had a bike when he lived in Dallas, he got rid of it before leaving DFW. After seeing me get caught up in the excitement of mountain biking again, he bought a Gary Fisher 29er and has been my riding buddy ever since.
I appreciate the patience he's shown this middle age wannabe, as he is a more advanced rider than I. He pushes me to my limits and then some more. He will have some primo trails to ride in Northern California; I am a tad jealous. Oh well, that gives Mel and me an excuse for a road trip once we payoff some bills.
I hope we get one last chance to ride McAllister Park this weekend; I'm sure he wants one last chance at Emma Long Park in Austin too with his cousin Chris before he leaves for NorCal. That will be his REAL workout; McAllister will just be a warm up.
Bert, it's been a blast riding with you buddy; I'm gonna miss you.
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