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Thursday, February 28, 2008

1200 Miles in February

Daily Miles: 39.6
Avg. Speed: 18.2
Feb Total: 1203.32
2008 Total: 2544.27

Went down to Virginia today for some work.

Still got the ride in though which was nice, and I got home earlier then I expected, which was even better.

Looking forward to taking it easy tomorrow.

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Out the Door at 0530, Home at 2100

Daily Miles: 44.6
Avg. Speed: 18.2
Feb Total: 1163.72
2008 Total: 2504.67

Another 13 hr day. Run down but still getting my miles in. It's going to be nice when this week is over...

Getting my jollies by sending Shelly the most brutal workouts I can find.

Traveling tomorrow, so another long day, but I should be able to get my rides in...hopefully...

Coming down the bikepath home was really amazing. The city lights and the low level clouds combined to make it look like sunrise. It was actually quite beautiful. The trail itself is quite creepy at night, and I imagine that this setting would be where they would film "Where the Wild Things Roam" or some other movie set in a creepy forest.

Anyway, I going to bed.

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Dead...

Daily Miles: 49.6
Avg. Speed: 17.8
Feb Total: 1119.12
2008 Total: 2460.07

Ugghhh. More of the same today. Working two full time jobs blows. Going to be happy when this week is over.

Trainer workout really took it out of me today. I'm feeling run down...need to concentrate on not getting sick...

Monday's Ride

Daily Miles: 42.6
Avg. Speed: 18.4
Feb Total: 1069.52
2008 Total: 2410.47

Don't really have much to say about Monday. It was dark in both directions.

Started a new rotation as part of my ELDP program at Lockheed. I think I'm really going to like it. We'll see...

In the mean time, I'm getting hammered working 12 hour days with my old boss and my new boss trying to get me to work full time on their respective programs.

Sooo tired...

Sunday, February 24, 2008

A Little Speed Work and Another Milestone

Daily Miles: 50.37
Avg. Speed: 19.1
Feb Total: 1026.92
2008 Total: 2367.87

So today was an early speed workout day. Unfortunately since most of the people around here haven't been riding a lot, the speed workouts are 4 mph slower then they should be. It'll probably be a few months before everyone's riding at my preferred pace (and I'll hopefully be riding faster so the cycle will continue).

Not to complain really though. I don't mind riding at 70% but I was really hoping for some tough riding. A long winter with a lot of base miles has left my legs itching for some wicked hard pacelines and all out sprints. It will come, but I'm getting crazy waiting for it. Maybe I'll go up and do the Derby or something...

Also, super excited that i hit my mileage goal for the month...with a week left in it...so that freakin rocks. Hope I can keep this pace up for 10 more months...

Friday, February 22, 2008

Fenders Freakin Rock

Daily Miles: 39.6
Avg. Speed: 15ish (Nice and Slow in the Snow)
Feb Total: 976.55
2008 Total: 2317.5

Today on the 20 mile commute to work, the roads were pretty much totally snow covered. I'm sure the fenders made a bit of a difference, but those things definitely paid for themselves on the way home.

Not only were the roads slushy, salty, and wet, but a steady rain made the ride home quite sloppy. However, I wouldn't have known. My ass stayed nice and dry (and warm), thanks to those SKS Fenders. I was a little skeptical that a light little piece of plastic could work so well, but the proof is in the pudding. They work. My seat and shorts are dry, and my feet are no wetter then the rest of my body and only wet from the rain.

Sure makes these miserable days a hell of a lot more bearable.

SNOW!!!

Daily Miles: 50.25
Avg. Speed: 17.9
Feb Total: 936.95
2008 Total: 2277.9

Not a bad 24 hrs. The ride yesterday wasn't bad, especially since i was able to get out of here to ride in the sunlight. It's amazing the difference in my mood and attitude towards riding in the dark vs. the sunlight.

Anyway, I was pretty stoked when I saw the weather report while I was hitting the trainer. "Snow tomorrow...sound the alarms...code red!" "Awesome!" I thought, this is going to be a great day.

I woke up this morning to 2 inches of snow. The only thing in my house more excited than me was our dog Sadie who goes absolutely ape shit in the snow.

I hopped on the bike and had an awesome ride. It might have been a little slippery, and I defintely took it slow, but the decrease in speed was more than made up for by the fresh tracks on the bike path...

Thursday, February 21, 2008

Over the Hump

Daily Miles: 44.0
Avg. Speed: 17.5
Feb Total: 886.7
2008 Total: 2227.65

Quite a long day today. I'm just not feeling the bike in this miserable weather. Once it gets nice out riding the bike is going to be sooo much fun! Looks like the weather's going to continue to deteriorate through the weekend. Ugh!

Also, in other news, I interviewed with Philly Car Share for a part time position so keep your fingers crossed that I can land the job to pull in a little extra cash to pay for my bike addiction.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Getting a Little Cooler Out

Daily Miles: 60.1
Avg. Speed: 19.1
Feb Total: 832.7
2008 Total: 2183.65

It's supposed to snow which means it will be a pretty slushy wet ride tomorrow. Looks like the fenders I finally broke down and ordered are just in time to be thoroughly tested.

It's a great idea to set goals like i have. I wouldn't have ridden half as much as i have if it wasn't for my 1000 mile a month goal...especially in this strange weather we've been having. It was a 40 degree temp swing in the period of 24 hrs. Really makes it hard to get into a rhythm...

Also...putting together the race calender for the upcoming road season, which definitely makes me super motivated. First race: 9 March, right here in Philly...hot damn am I excited to thrash...I hit my zone 4 HR just thinking about it :)

Monday, February 18, 2008

Rain...

Daily Miles: 39.6
Avg. Speed: 18
Feb Total: 772.6
2008 Total: 2123.55

So apparently the parts of the day during which I was not riding my bike were great! Unfortunately I work in a box with no windows so I have no idea if this is true or not.

I can assure you however, that I was poured on in both directions. While it was warmer in the morning, it was by no means "nice."

I suppose it could have been much worse. It could have been freezing raining, hailing, or I could have flatted. Of course none of these would be as bad as having to sit in traffic. So from this perspective, when compared to driving to work, today was another "nice" day.

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Getting Those Miles In

Daily Miles: 82.3
Avg. Speed: 17
Feb Total: 733.0
2008 Total: 2083.95

Went on another long Saturday ride again this weekend. 82 miles out through Valley Forge Park and into Chester County somewhere. Days like this are why I love to ride my bike. It's just fun.

Never really warmed up though which was surprising. I figured for sure that with the sun out it would warm up quickly, especially since we didn't head out until 11. Never got above 35 though...

Nevertheless, getting those miles in. If all goes well and I get a good ride in on Saturday, I'll hit my 1000 mile goal for February next week. Hoping for good weather!

2000 Miles In 2008!

Daily Miles: 44.25
Avg. Speed: 19.0
Feb Total: 650.7
2008 Total: 2001.65

Pretty excited about hitting this mark only halfway through the month of February.

That's a lot of gas saved (probably about 1500 of it was commuting) and even more than that, is the fun I've had riding the bike.

I don't care that I'm saving money, or that it's good for the environment (though it is nice to remind people of). I ride my bike because it's fun! I'm happy (and pretty lucky) to be able to get 40 miles a day of solo riding in every day instead of commuting by car ripping my fukin hair out in traffic!

Friday, February 15, 2008

Happy Valentines Day!

Daily Miles: 45.6
Avg. Speed: 17.2
Feb Total: 606.45
2008 Total: 1957.4

Yesterday was valentine's day, and a good day it was. It great seeing how my wife lights up on valentine's day. Seeing her happy makes me happy.

We went to dinner at Umai Umai, which could quite possibly be the best sushi restaurant in the city. And it's right down the street. The sushi is awesome and the staff is friendly and unpretentious. Plus, it's a BYOB.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

My Ride to Majorca Spain

Daily Miles: 25.0
Avg. Speed: 19.8
Feb Total: 560.85
2008 Total: 1911.8

I worked from home yesterday and didn't feel like riding outside so I did an 80 minute trainer workout that simulates a ride in Majorca Spain courtesy of Steve. I have a sneaking suspicion that the actual ride is a lot more fun. I think riding the trainer for long periods of time is the second most mind numbing activity there is (second only to commuting by car and sitting in traffic).

On another note, the Pretzel Group got together for a Pretzel party last night at Silk City, a slick little diner-turned-lounge just down the street. Good time. It was here that I reiterated my thoughts on nutrition. I came to realize after a few cheesesteaks and some tequila on Monday night followed by a good ride on the fixie that:

1. Cheesesteaks are energy packed
2. Tequila is better than Under Armor at keeping you warm
3. Combine the two and you have an "energy supplement" that is better than Endurox (and much tastier!)

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Worst. Ride. Ever.

Daily Miles: 47.0
Avg. Speed: ???
Feb Total: 535.85
2008 Total: 1886.8

God Damn today was rough. Cold was not a factor. It was 22 this morning and 28 this evening. That's not bad in my book.

What sucked today was the precipitation. I got snowed on this morning, but I was prepared, as I had decided to ride the 'cross bike. That made for an OK morning. Snow is nice in that it doesn't get you wet. You just brush it off when you reach your destination and you stay nice and dry.

However, the ride home sucked. The downside to the cross bike is its weight. And the seat is not designed for sitting for longer periods.

The bike aside, there was two inches of snow, covered by sleet and freeing rain. My ride home consisted of periods of driving ice into my eyes, followed by periods of sheeting freezing rain which quickly turned me into a pedaling ice cube. Horrid. Everything was covered in a thin layer of frozen water which i estimate added about 20 lbs to my already heavy commuting load.

Then I did another one of Steve's ridiculous workouts.

Fuck it, I guess shit like this builds character. At least I hope it does. Counting down the days until March 15th

Monday, February 11, 2008

Cold

Daily Miles: 39.6
Avg. Speed: 17.1 mph
Feb Total: 488.85
2008 Total: 1839.8

Felt the the world was tilted towards Jersey today. I went up a really steep hill the whole way to work (due to the 25 mph headwind) and I had the sensation that I was going down the same really steep hill home (due to the now 25 mph tailwinds).

15 mph average to work. 22 mph average home. Plus it was in the single digits in the AM and the teens going home. Dark in both directions. Whatever, gotta those miles wherever I can.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Daily Miles: 86.1
Avg. Speed: 15 mph
Feb Total: 449.25
2008 Total: 1800.2

Good long ride today out to Schwenksville. Crappy stop for food. But good ride coupled with good people makes up for the lukewarm gas station coffee and a bag of Combos.

Party at Mike's tonight. Should be a good time.

Gotta love the miles the long rides give you. 1800 and counting...

What Was I Thinking?

Daily Miles: 39.4
Avg. Speed: 19.0
Feb Total: 363.15
2008 Total: 1714.1

After a long week of training, my commute yesterday was blazing fast. Including the stops at the lights and going slow behind a bus in Manayunk, my average speed was 19 mph. If I was sore yesterday, I'm definitely feeling it today.

Now before you go saying "19mph pssshhh..." let me remind you that the avg speed includes all stops at the traffic lights, basically the total commute time, not just my time at speed. Not only that, but I weighed my bag at work, and I'm carrying 20 lbs each way as well.

So nevertheless, I'm tired. Ready to ride today on the nice bike sans bag...and eat some kick ass bakery products.

AND 1700 miles...w00t!

Friday, February 8, 2008

Tired, But It's Friday!

Daily Miles: 54.0
Avg. Speed: 18.6
Feb Total: 323.75
2008 Total: 1674.7

I've had one hell of set of rides this week. My legs are wicked tired. I've been stretching a lot, but legs are still real tight and a little swollen and tender.

Looking forward to a long slow ride on Saturday to recover. It should be a good weekend, despite a little rain and cooler temps.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

No Snow Here

Daily Miles: 44.0
Avg. Speed: 18.7
Feb Total: 269.75
2008 Total: 1620.7

Yesterday was a beautiful spring day (albeit in February). I had a great ride into work, and ended up taking the long way to enjoy the 60 degree weather at 530 AM.

Coming home I took the same old way. It was warm but i didn't get out of work until 6 PM and the 11 hr day had taken its toll on me. It's a shame to spend such a nice day in a windowless box and never enjoy what I'm sure was an awesome sunny warm day.

This morning was still unseasonably warm. (unlike in Madison, WI where I heard they got a foot of snow! Go Shelly!)

Loving the weather...

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Putting In Those Miles

Daily Miles: 55.0
Avg. Speed: 18.6
Feb Total: 225.75
2008 Total: 1576.7

Another 55 down. Left work early to beat what looked like a hell of a downpour on the Weather Underground radar.

Feeling pretty good. I feel like I finally have my diet balanced and I'm no longer calorie deficient. I sure do have to eat a hell of a lot of food though. I average about 4500 calories a day. Any more I feel fat, any less, I start losing weight like crazy and not in a good way. Speaking of calories, I think it's time to pick up 120 and have myself a Yuengling Porter.

Missed the Rain

Daily Miles: 39.4
Avg. Speed: 18.2
Feb Total: 170.75
2008 Total: 1521.7

I broke 1500 miles yesterday! Pretty excited about that.

These long days at work have got to stop. Riding in the dark in both directions really sucks, but at least the weather is great. It was supposed to rain yesterday, but I managed to miss it in both directions which was awesome. Rain is expected again today so we'll see if I can dodge the rain drops again.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

What's the Name of That Incredible Bakery?

Daily Miles: 81.0+10 on Sunday
Avg. Speed: 17.0
Feb Total: 131.35
2008 Total: 1482.3

Well, I started Feb off right with a great long ride yesterday.

The ride went basically due north through Doylestown, around a lake, over some real steep hills, and ended at a Bakery/Orchard in Bucks County that was incredible. The variety and quality both impressed. I have no idea what the name was...

I was totally underdressed on this ride though. It was forcasted to be in the 50s and sunny and it was in the mid 40s here in the city when we left. However, once we rode through Ambler, the temps dropped a lot. By the time we reached our destination, the temps were in the mid 30s with 100% cloud cover. I spent 40 miles or so shivering, but the coffee, donuts, and cookies were definitely worth it.

Friday, February 1, 2008

The Price

Daily Miles: 40.35
Avg. Speed: 17.3
Feb Total: 40.35
2008 Total: 1391.30

Last night my wife and I went to see The Price at the Walnut Street Theatre.

The theater's atmosphere is incredible. About the show, all I have to say is that I was really impressed. The four actors were incredible. The set was amazing. The couple behind us felt that the play didn't captivate them. I assume this is because of the lack of James Bond style action and the long dialogs.

I however, felt that the actors did an incredible job using their long lines to pinpoint the message of the play. I remained captivated during the entire performance. IMO it was the best play I've been to yet at the Walnut in our two seasons of subscribing.

That said I am really looking forward to Les Mis...