Oldman

Locally Grown Produce

2012-01-30T13:47:00.001-05:00

It may not be a pretty store but the produce is local and cheap! $4
for 3 pints of strawberries,$2 honeydew, $1.50 watermelons can't be
beaten.

Fire side dinner in Florida

2012-01-21T20:18:00.001-05:00

Fire on a cold Florida note

2012-01-21T18:51:00.001-05:00

Cold Weather

2012-01-20T07:41:00.001-05:00

Living in Ssouthwest Florida I have grown accustom to warm(er) weather. So much accustom that 55* feels cold! So it comes as little surprise that I'm having difficulty getting out of bed in the early morning.

Whirligig

2012-01-19T12:33:00.001-05:00

We have had an osprey sit on the fore deck of the boat eating. While that sounds nice, he/she eats fish. Preparing to leaver the dock, I found an eyeball on the deck. So in an attempt to keep he/she away I have installed a whirligig. I placed it on one of the spikes of the starboard side piling. It spins with the breeze. So far the caps wuth spike on the pilings haven't work maybe this will.

Naples Half Finisher

2012-01-15T09:51:00.001-05:00

Naples half

2012-01-15T06:42:00.001-05:00

Nelson's Famous Banana Blueberry Bread

2012-01-14T12:04:00.001-05:00

Naples Half tomorrow

2012-01-14T11:07:00.001-05:00

Only 20 hours to go! Training done! Rest Day today!

View from my desk

2012-01-13T11:43:00.001-05:00

Taken by Tri-Oldman1

Today's rainbow

2012-01-11T07:21:00.001-05:00

Untitled

2011-12-15T17:42:00.001-05:00

Rockefeller Square at rush hour

2011-12-15T17:40:00.001-05:00

Christmas Tree

2011-12-10T17:44:00.001-05:00

Santa rides a Harley

2011-12-10T17:41:00.001-05:00

St. Anthony's

2011-12-05T11:52:00.001-05:00

Who's in with me? Before I sign up I want to make sure I am not alone this year...again!

First fire of the season

2011-12-04T18:25:00.001-05:00

Fragrant Flower

2011-12-04T08:03:00.001-05:00

One my runs I Run by three trees with these flowers. It smells like a
perfumery!

Roasted Butternut Squash with Sausage and Penne

2011-12-03T09:34:00.001-05:00

Old friends

2011-11-24T21:25:00.001-05:00

Blue Heron at the beach

2011-11-10T17:11:00.001-05:00

Good use of a kick board

2011-11-10T09:22:00.001-05:00

Untitled

2011-11-08T09:18:00.001-05:00

Tequila baby

2011-11-06T20:29:00.001-05:00

Ft Myers Beach Sand Sculpture Contest

2011-11-06T18:33:00.001-05:00

Sailing

2011-11-04T09:44:00.001-05:00

Eagle

2011-09-28T14:03:00.001-05:00

Eagle sitting in a tree crying

2011-09-28T14:02:00.001-05:00

Bird of Paradise

2011-09-23T10:05:00.001-05:00

Finally! The Bird of Paradise in our side yard decided to bloom. She has 5 blooms, yeah!

Margherita Pizza Omlet

2011-09-15T09:17:00.001-05:00

Breakfast

Pink Spoonbills

2011-08-26T10:11:00.001-05:00

Dakota after our Charleston carriage ride

2011-08-14T19:38:00.001-05:00

Ocean Pie & Fish & Chips

2011-08-12T20:21:00.001-05:00

English pub food

Churchill's Pub

2011-08-12T18:26:00.001-05:00

Fat tire ale

Happy Anniversary Champagne -- 18 years

2011-08-10T15:54:00.001-05:00

St Augustine

2011-08-10T15:52:00.001-05:00

Untitled

2011-08-10T14:55:00.001-05:00

St Augustine

2011-08-10T10:25:00.001-05:00

Katy

2011-07-23T21:07:00.001-05:00

A Big Fan

2011-07-23T21:03:00.001-05:00

Hippy a& me

2011-07-23T19:58:00.001-05:00

From the Zeppelin Biergarden Jersey City

2011-07-23T19:53:00.001-05:00

104* at noon

2011-07-22T11:12:00.001-05:00

I left cool Fl for this heat?

The Debt Crises

2011-07-14T11:43:00.001-05:00

THE DEBT CRISES

The recent book by David M. Walker entitled “Comeback America: Turning the Country Around and Restoring Fiscal Responsibility” has made us consider the national debt in relationship to the current market. Recent statistics show that current, as of 2011, the national IOU is ten times our current individual annual income or approximately $670,000 per household[1].

To give you an idea of how serious the debt crises is, the U.S. Federal Government in 2008 revenue from tax year 2007 was $2.52 trillion while spending for fiscal year 2008 was $2.98 trillion. Remember 2007 was a good “employment” year with high tax revenue from individuals and corporations paying taxes. The federal budget has only increased while the tax base has diminished with the current economic downturn.

However, federal budget deficit is not the only problem. Public debt is a looming problem as well. Public debt is obligations the U.S. Federal Government owes to individuals, institutions and intergovernmental holdings (intergovernmental holdings are Treasury Securities held in various government trust accounts such as OASI Trust Fund administered by Social Security. (More on this below). These obligations make up the public debt. The Total Public Debt is $14.38 trillion or 98% of our national GDP. Our GDP for 2011 is $14.66 trillion[2]! Let’s look at each for a moment:

1) U.S. Federal Government owes Individuals:

a) Social Security

The U.S. Government has no control over this spending as these programs are “mandated” by Congress. These mandated programs make up 60 percent of our federal budget. Social Security is the only program that has revenue, FICA taxes paid by the citizens. However, there is a large unspoken “off the books” liability in Social Security. The money placed in Social Security was spent a few years ago beginning in the Johnson Administration. Currently $2.4 trillion was spent and in its place the U.S. Government issued special securities backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. to be paid back when needed with interest. These securities are held in a locked file cabinet in West Virginia not a lock box. We don’t believe the government intends to pay the $2.4 trillion plus interest back to Social Security that’s why it is never shown as a liability on the books.

The second problem with Social Security is the current receipts are greater than the current expenses. In other words there are enough people to pay for those receiving a monthly social security check with money left over at the end of the year. However, the U.S. Government, in order to reduce the amount of the budget, counts this money as income to the U.S. government and spends it rather than placing it in the “lock-box” for future generations. This increases the future unfunded liability of Social Security. WOW!

The third problem with Social Security is the Disability Program. The Disability Program already “borrows” from the retirement and survivors program. The Disability Program costs are projected to increase, causing an already broke Social Security to be bust by 2020.

b) Medicare

Begun in the Johnson administration, Medicare cost has grown to the point that is 20% of the current federal budget or $599 billion! While each working person “pays into” Medicare, the total Medicare spending far exceeds its income to the point that the Medicare Chief Actuary stated that the Medicare Trust Fund will be insolvent in 2019. Another WOW!

c) Medicaid

While Medicaid is a joint funded program between the individual states and the federal government, the federal government’s responsibility adds to our current economic woes of approximately $210 billion a year.

2) U.S. Government Owes Countries, Corporations, Communities, and Common People

Treasuries are the United States debt instrument. Countries, Corporations Communities, and Common people own U.S. Treasuries that were issued by the U.S. to finance debt. When you buy a Treasury Bond in your portfolio you are lending money to the U.S. Government therein lies the debt to the nation. We now owe countries, corporations, and common people $197 billion in interest annually and rising.

3) U.S. Unfunded Obligations

Unfunded obligations are future liabilities for which the U.S. is responsible, yet, has not put the assets aside to pay. This includes the future baby boomers that will join the ranks of those collecting Social Security, government pensions negotiated in the past payable in the near future but never funded. These include government workers, military personnel and politicians. The U.S. Unfunded Obligations numbers seems to be hard to pin down as it is a moving target, ever increasing. In September 2009 it was $63 trillion and today it is $114 trillion and increasing.

Debt Laden Future

U.S. Stocks

The current economic woes of Greece may be a foreshadowing of things to come in the U.S. markets. Most economists are overwhelmingly skeptical that Greece can ever repay its mountain of debt, which has reached 340 billion euros ($486.7 billion) — or 150 percent of the country’s annual economic output. Many believe the European Union will rescue Greece without major disruption to markets and are using the drop in equity prices as a buying opportunity. But who will rescue the U.S.?

Gone are the days of an ever increasing S&P. The narrow trading ranges have become the norm in U.S. stocks. As recently as Wednesday June 15, 2011, the Dow Jones industrial average fell 178.84 points to 11,897.27, extending its loss since its 2011 peak on April 29 to 7.1%. Oil prices were crushed, too, with a barrel falling more than 4%.

U.S. Treasuries

Currently, the U.S. Treasury has Quantitative Easing 2(QE2) in affect. Quantitative Easing is the Federal Reserve Bank printing more money to buy back 70% of Treasuries issued in the recent period while foreign central banks such as China, buying the remaining 30%. The hope is that by purchasing treasuries from other banks and private businesses with newly printed money will increase the cash reserve in banks and business raising the price of the Treasuries and thus forcing the yield down making Treasuries unattractive to hold. The hope is the sudden influx of spendable cash. The banks or businesses now have cash rather than a long term investment; QE hopes the cash will be spent to stimulate the economy. The problem is the source is new printed money back by new issued Treasuries. QE is like taking a bucket of water from the shallow end of the pool and then pouring it into the deep end. The overall level of the pool doesn’t rise. The question is who will buy Treasuries after QE2? Who will buy Treasuries if there is a QE3 and QE10? At some point buying U.S. debt is no longer attractive especially as yields drop and price is artificially high.

Conclusion

The fix is not in! The U.S. government, and yes we the people, are unwilling to take our heads out of the sand to fix the debt problem. There have been suggestions such as reform Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid all of which have their own stigmas which make reform a political minefield. Some say revenue is the problem, meaning the IRS is not collecting enough taxes even to the point of suggesting a reform of current tax laws to provide more revenue. Of course the suggestion of raising taxes is another political minefield. And finally, there is the suggestion of lowering taxes as Ronald Reagan did to stimulate the economy and jobs thus providing more revenue as business and jobs flourish.

Since no one is willing at this time to do any of the above and no one in Washington is willing to stop spending as the recent stimulus plan showed. The U.S. markets will continue to contend with a debt laden U.S. economy well into the next decade. The current question of raising the debt ceiling has cause market angst as recently as April 2011, when the market dropped due to debt questions. Investors suffered their only double-digit percentage drop in the 27-month-old bull market and dumped risky assets such as stocks and commodities, and plowed their cash into safer U.S. government bonds.

In respond to that market decline on April 18, 2011 on NBC's Meet the Press, Treasury Secretary Geithner reiterated his view that "... if you allow people to start to doubt whether the United States of America will meet its obligations, that would be catastrophic, and we can't take that risk."

What is the relationship between debt and the market? To be sure, there is no love for the considerable mountain of U.S. debt by the market. With no one able or willing to deal with this crisis, the debt will continue to grow putting downward pressure on the market, our economy and ultimately the U.S. GDP. A trillion dollar stimulus package adding to our debt did not work, QE did not work, QE2 did not work and reform of mandate programs is not on the horizon. What we may be witnessing is the proverbial “fiddling while Rome burns”.

[1] U.S. Total Debt per citizens includes household, business, state and local government, financial institutions, and federal government divided by the number of U.S. families – The Federal Reserve

[2] US Debt Clock.org

Red Hot Hibiscus

2011-07-08T07:56:00.002-05:00

I planted this just a few weeks ago as I saw one in Anne's garden and
liked it. It is a Red Hot Hibiscus. I like for the leaf color so
the bloom is a bonus.

Wegetarian Wednesday Grilled Eggplant Roasted Red Pepper Pannini

2011-07-06T14:00:00.003-05:00

This was lunch for Wegetarian Wednesday. I grilled eggplant slices on the grill then built panninis using ciabatta bread, roasted red peppers and mozzarella. I then placed the pannni back on the grill using a cast iron frying pan as a weight to press it down. Cooked 4 min turned over and cooked 4 more min.

Great Give Away

2011-06-28T14:40:00.002-05:00

Hey boys and girls, Deborah Mele over at Italian Food Forever has a great giveaway. Just leave a comment to win!

Watermelon Bellini

2011-06-19T15:10:00.001-05:00

Fathers Day Watermelon Mojotos

2011-06-19T11:18:00.001-05:00

Sybil

2011-06-12T11:44:00.001-05:00

Our new plant. Like the movie where Sybil had multiple personalities.
This Sybil is multiple plants.

Bob the Bobcat

2011-06-12T09:29:00.021-05:00

Our normal Sunday morning, after my bike ride with the Flatlanders, is to sit on the lanai, read the newspaper and drink coffee.

We look out upon our island complete with arbor, bird feeder and bird bath. We enjoy the birds. Yes, like the plants, they all have names...Carlo Cardinali, Blu Bluejay, Woody Woodpecker and so on... They come to eat, drink, and be merry in our little island. We provide the bath free of charge.

Now I have just spent a lot of time the past two weeks adding new plants, trimming the bouganvilla and distributing mulch. Yesterday I added colius and crotons. It was all finished with a good watering and filling the birdbath with fresh water for the birds.

Now this morning we looked out while getting coffee to see our birdbath over turned. This is not the first time this is happened. Now keep in mind, this is a heavy concrete birdbath. I've seen many birds on the rim with out the slightest movement. Even Rocky the Squire (yes, we name the animals as well) jumps up to the rim to get a drink with out the birdbath moving.

So the questions is who, or better what, is dumping the bird bath?

Bob! The three legged Bobcat is the leading contender. Yes, we have seen a 3-legged bobcat walking by looking in our lanai door. He starred at JB as to say "What are you looking at woman!"

Our neighbor, several houses, up has a family of bobcats behind his house. He snapped a few pics here is the family at play.

So maybe Bob needed a drink?

Happy Hour

2011-06-08T16:00:00.001-05:00

Tessie Tomato

2011-06-04T09:22:00.014-05:00

The Before

I've been doing a bit of gardening as of late. The county in their infinite wisdom decided to take 15 ft of our property away to add to the barren wasteland behind our house. You see our county feels green grass is not native to Florida. So my beautiful island complete with arbor and weeping hibiscus tree looks awful. So, in an attempt to make my yard...unless the county takes it away, a little prettier, JB and I have been working on the yard

So we have planted new plants, placed a brick border around the island and added mulch. In one of the many trips to the local Big Box Home Supply Stores I came across a tomato plant. Now keep in mind I grew up in New Jersey, South Jersey to be exact. The Garden State, home of Campbell's Tomato Soup and fresh Jersey tomatoes. As a boy growing up, we always had fresh tomatoes in the summer growing in our garden. Every dinner included tomatoes in some form ... sliced, fried, baked, stewed, sauced.....even raw eaten with plenty of salt like you would an apple. So needless to say, the tomato plant was coming home with me.

Now I can't plant anything outside since I will not eat anything that has been watered with "reclaimed" water, you know water that comes from the streets were dogs poop and pee, from yards that have been treated with pesticides and run off from who knows what people use to powerwash driveways, roofs and homes. So the large clay pot at the end of the pool became home for the tomato plant.

So, JB loves to name our plants. We have Olivia Orchid, Patty Pedestal (she resides on a pedestal near the front door), Gabriella Gardenia, Betty Bougainvillaea and so on. So the wonderful tomato plant is Tessie Tomato!

Every day I water Tessie, just after I take my poolside shower after my morning run, bike, or swim. In Florida things including me, needs a lot of water. As I water her I check her growth and grown she has from that little plant I brought home. Every day I check her tomatoes, now 9 in all in various sizes but all green. Every day I plan menus that uses tomatoes. But most of all every day I look forward to the day I can eat one of "Tessie Tomatoes" tomatoes with plenty of salt with the juices dripping from my chin! Until then I'll just have to rely on my local farmer, Mr. Gonzales, to provide my daily tomato fix.

Monkfish over Dry Fettucine - lunch

2011-06-03T12:29:00.001-05:00

Pizza

2011-06-02T11:48:00.001-05:00

This last nights pizza before I baked it!

Great Give-Away

2010-09-30T11:14:00.002-05:00

Diana is giving away some goodies in a "pay it forward" fashion and I think it is a great idea. So please go visit her site!

The Twin Churches

2010-07-14T10:11:00.001-05:00

Sent from my iPhone

Posted via email from oldman's posterous

TheWeakend Report

2010-05-10T10:24:00.005-05:00

Since Dr. Steve doesn't like to see the sats for the weakend, I will not mention that I rode Saturday 40 miles in the blistering heat and 30 miles Sunday. Steve still holds that records for quickest shower and shave during the weak.

The Weakend Report

The was one of those hazy,hot and humid Southwest Florida weakends. Since it was so hot early rides are a must for me along with a lot of fluids. So I got up early to ride to the Lowes shopping center to meet the Estero Flatlanders for the Saturday ride. There were 30 riders of all shapes and sizes but most, if not all, look FAST. The Saturday ride started at a nice easy pace of 18 mph for the first 2 maybe 3 minutes then jumped to 22 mph. One we reached the 5 mile mark it was 25 -26. So needless to say once the group split with the faster riders, 28 mph +, leaving the slower riders in the dust, I was in the slower group.

I rode 20 miles with the B riders. By then I it was time for me to work alone as most of my training should be in aero position. I rode back toward home alone but all in all I felt it was a good ride for me, of course I used both bottles of Endurance and still felt thirsty.

Sunday being Mother's Day I planned to take J to the Mother's Day Luncheon at the Country Club so my long Sunday ride was shortened to 30 miles. once again I started out with the Flatlanders on 20 riders this time and again I dropped out to ride the final 15 alone.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month

2010-05-07T08:00:00.000-05:00

Although melanoma accounts for only about 4 to 5 percent of all skin cancer cases, it causes most skin cancer-related deaths. However, if detected and treated in its earliest stages, melanoma is often very curable.

In men, melanoma is most often found on the area between the shoulders and hips or on the head and neck. In women, melanoma often develops on the lower legs. For me it's been in odd locations...back, arm and lower back.

The chance of developing melanoma increases with age, yet it is still one of the most common cancers in young adults.

Skin cancer affects one in five Americans, and more than 1 million new cases are diagnosed each year. Of these cases, more than 65,000 are melanoma, a cancer that claims nearly 11,000 lives each year.

Melanoma often develops in a pre-existing mole that begins to change or a new mole. It is estimated that 20% to 40% of melanomas arise from an atypical mole. This is why it is so important to be familiar with the moles on your body and perform regular self-examinations of your skin.

When looking at moles, keep in mind the ABCDEs of Melanoma Detection:

1.) Asymmetry. If you could fold the lesion in two, the two halves would not match.

2.) Border. Melanomas often have uneven or blurred borders.

3.) Color. Melanoma typically is not one solid color; rather it contains mixed shades of tan, brown, and black. It can also show traces of red, blue or white.

4.) Diameter. While melanomas are usually greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller. If you notice a mole different from others, or which changes, itches, or bleeds even if it is smaller than 6 millimeters, you should see a dermatologist.

5.) Evolving. A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.

It is important to realize that a mole may have some of the characteristics described above and not be a melanoma. A biopsy is often necessary to distinguish an atypical mole from a melanoma.

Other warning signs of melanoma include:

Change in the appearance of a mole, such as the spreading of the pigment from the border of the mole into the surrounding skin
A mole that looks scaly, oozes, or bleeds
Itching, tenderness, or pain in a mole or lesion
Brown or black streak that appears underneath a nail or around the nail
Bruise on the foot that does not heal.

Here is a linky on How To Perform a Self-Exam

To Short For My Weight

2010-05-06T11:00:00.001-05:00

Joe Friel the author of The Triathlete's Training Bible has a great post regarding Power and Weight. Here is a linky if you are interested. Here is an interesting quote:

The typical, high-performance, male triathlete is in the range of 2.1 to 2.3 pounds per inch (0.38-0.41 kg/cm) with high-performance female triathletes generally being 1.9 to 2.1 pounds per inch (0.34-0.38 kg/cm).

So does this mean that I'm to short for my weight? My docs want me to lose weight - 20 lbs now but this means I need to lose 40 lbs. Wow!

Swimming Weakly

2010-05-05T14:32:00.006-05:00

Swimming is not my strong suit. Floating maybe but swimming...nope! I'm convinced that it has to do with many factors: 1. Upper body strength 2. Technique - hip rotation, balance & upper body strength and 3. Weight along with upper body strength!

I have been looking at ways to improve my upper body strength as a means to getting faster in the swim. I'm not one that likes the gym or weight room but I occasionally go do weights and find it BORING. I have been wanting a pull up bar for my garage for sometime. So in doing a little research I found an article called the Armstrong Pull-Up Program.

In the article Maj. Armstrong suggests a morning routine of push-up and I quote

Each morning perform three maximum effort sets of normal pushups. The pushup is one of the best, single exercises for strengthening the entire set of muscles that makes up the shoulder girdle. Major Armstrong described his morning routine in the following manner. “After rising, I would drop onto the deck and do my first set of pushups. I would then move into the head (bathroom) and start my morning toilet. I would return after a few minutes and do my second maximum effort set after which, I would go back into the head to shave. After shaving, I would return to the bedroom and complete the third and final set. Having completed all of the pushups, I was awake and ready for a relaxing shower. “

This routine should be followed during the entire training period. Since it takes most of us at least four weeks to reach our goals, you will probably find that you have inadvertently established a morning routine that is easy enough to keep as a lifetime habit, if not, you will at least appreciate the morning shower a little more.

It has been noted that this pushup routine helps to alleviate any soreness during the first couple of weeks. It is recommended that you use the pushup routine everyday during this period so that you feel more comfortable during your initial adjustment to this regime of exercises.

So I have embarked on a push-up program before investing in a chin up / pull up bar. BTW I did borrow my buddies pull up bar only to find I can do 3 pull ups! I have been doing the Armstrong 3 sets of push up with a maximum effort in the middle set. Plus I've added 3 sets of sit ups and 3 sets of raised scissor kicks in hopes of getting stronger in the swim. I'll let you know.

TODAY"S NO DRAFT RIDE

So today was No Draft Wednesday for Tony and I and anyone who wants to join us from the Flatlanders. We both felt a little tired from yesterday's sprint tri which Tony finished. As usually Tony pulled away doing from me doing his 27 mph plus after we passed another pair of bike riders. On the return a car making a u-turn nearly wiped me out! She had her window down and I yelled "You almost hit me!" to which she replied "Didn't you see me!" Well I guess it's all about her and I should have stopped to let her make her u-turn taking up two lanes plus the bike lane!

Today's Tuesday Sprint Tri

2010-05-04T09:00:00.007-05:00

So today we, (Tony and I), decided that every Tuesday we will do a Sprint Triathlon. A Sprint Tri for us is 1/4 mile swim 12 mile bike and 3 mile run. Since there is a bike rack at the pool that is out of the way but close enough to the pool to make it like a real race we thought this would be a great place to hold our first Tuesday Triathlon.

PRERACE:

I loaded my necessary stuff...running shoes, run hat, small towel, GU, and sunglasses into my backpack for the bike ride to the pool. As usual I did my 3 sets of sit-ups, chin-ups, push-ups and scissor kicks had a sip of PowerBar Endurance and was off on the bike at 0'dark:30 for the 2 mile ride to the pool.

At the pool I set up my transition area --- hey I know it is a pretend race but I thought this would be good practice --- run shoes, sunglasses here, bike shoes & yamaka skull cap there and a small towel over the rack. Since I always swim in a one piece bathing suit to keep the scars on my back from showing and keep the sunlight off my back, there is no need for a clothing change.

I went into the pool area to take a warm up lap or two and wait for the late Tony.

SWIM

Tony arrived 10 minutes late and took a warm up lap. We then discussed the course, 2 loops of the 9 laps of the Island Sound Pool, 2 laps Pelican Sound Bike Course and one loop Island Sound Circle along the golf course to the potty house and back to the Island Sound Pool for the finish!

Since Tony still can't operate his Polar watch, he did a countdown for the start and we were off on the swim. As usual, I started to hyperventilate after two laps trying to swim to fast. I then concentrated on swimming my own pace not trying to beat Tony. Before I knew it the laps were done ad it was out of the pool for the run to my bike with Tony just ahead of me.

TRANSITION

When I got to my bike I looked at the swim time, 10:20 and told Tony how slow we were in the pool. So now it is time to get my socks on my wet feet! OK I have a hard time biking and running sockless. But other than the socks, it was and easy transition --- yamaka, helmet, sunglasses and I was off on the bike.

BIKE

Our bike course is very challenging as we have to dodge people walking, people walking dogs on long leashes (some of you might remember our battle with Collie and Coffee Drinker), golf carts and people in golf carts walking dog with long leashes (it seems you get to much exercise walking a dog on a leash so you must use a golf cart with the dog on a long leash running or walking).

As I turned onto my street Tony, now ahead of me on his much fast Trek Madone 6.9 in spite of me in aero position - yelled about shorting the course... cut out 2nd loop at masters and no Pinehurst... so of course I'm now confused.

I found it hard to get my speed up above 20 mph... no just the course but my legs. I drank some Endurance and tried to spin my way to 20 but I found it difficult. After the first 3 miles my leg functioned properly and I was able to do 20 - 22 but with the turns and obstacles - people, dogs, golf carts, golt cart dogs - it was still hard. I think this is good practice as most Tri courses are not flat, and contain multiple turns. On the second loop I was just getting into the groove of riding when the ride was over... but the miles on my odometer was 16 not 12. HUH? we need to get the course fixed.

RUN

When I got the transition area at the pool I felt I didn't have time to run since I have to be back at the house no later than 8:05 to get showered, shaved and ready for work being out the door at 8:25! So on my first Tuesday Triathlon I was a DNF! I packed up my stuff and rode back to my house. Thinking about what I learned in my training tri.

WHAT I LEARNED

Course - hey we need to agree on the course ahead of time!

Start Time - we need to start at 0'dark:30

Transition - socks or no socks? The socks were difficult as always and they got really wet in the beginning of the bike as I was still wet from the swim. So perhaps try to ride and run without socks.

Bike - gotta get more time in the saddle

Run - need more time running

OK if I didn't work then I could train more.

Inviting Someone to Ride - Chris Lieto

2010-04-07T09:48:00.005-05:00

OK... I'm driving home from work last nite minding my own business when I see a guy riding a tri-bike turn into our community driveway. So being the friendly person that I am, I pull up along side roll down my window (I was running the AC for those up north) and say Hi.

Now the guy is riding a nice Trek TT bike wearing Discovery Channel shorts and a K-Swiss aero top. Nice wheel set too! He looks pretty fit but not as fit as Tony or Jack.

So I proceed to invite him to ride with us tomorrow at 7 am meeting at the Walgreen's at Williams Road. Hey it is 25 miles of fun then again on Friday plus Sat a ride of 45 miles and Sunday a 100 miler. He says I ride pretty fast... No problem we have a 28 mph plus group that will give you a good workout. He replies "I can pull at 28 for about an hour and a half....I train with Lance!" O... well come out anyway we would love to have you...BTW how are you? "I'm a Triathelete..." Kewl... we have a lot of people that rain here you will fit right in. I live on Masters Circle..." "I'm staying on Southern Hills Drive... I'm doing a local triathlon this weekend"... Great hope to see you out...

So I invited 3 times Ironman winner including US Ironman and 2nd place at Ironman Kona 2009 holder of of the FASTEST time on the bike Chris Lieto to ride with the Estero Flatlanders. I just hope he can keep up with us!

Flew Weak

2010-03-08T15:25:00.007-05:00

I wrote about my cold / flu last weak, boys and girls. I am still hobbled by muscle spams in my hip so bad Saturday nite I thought I would never walk again. But, thank the God of your choosing for Advil and Bio-Freeze! I can somewhat walk. So much so, I was able to do 2 miles on the elliptical and a mile on the dreadmill. A far cry from the half mary I was planning for this weakend, the Hooters to Hooters Half. Now if we could just get something like that for my headaches, maybe I should mention it to my brain surgeon?

J and I went to the Philharmonic in Naples for the Ravel to Rachmaninoff which included Rachmaninoff 's Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini performed by 23 year old Joyce Yang, wow! All I can say it was Naples Philharmonic at it's finest! The closing Bolero stole the show!

Tomorrow is a swim day with it being Paddle Tuesday and Wednesday is now famous since Tony crashed, broke 8 ribs and destroyed his Trek Madone, NO DRAFT WEDNESDAY RIDE! The fastest 25 miles before work anywhere.

Did I tell you I can't wait to start open water swim on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I think my dolphin friend misses me! We will start as soon as the Gulf reaches 70* which should be in a couple of weaks. So get your wetsuits ready.

This is 8th Ave where we swim at lunch time and I shower in the morning after ow swim

For anyone in the area we will be riding our Friday morning causal rides again, 25 miles at 24 -26 no drop. But bring your blinky and lights. We meet at the Walgreen's on Williams & Hwy 41 7:00 am sharp.

Cold or the Flu?

2010-03-01T15:52:00.005-05:00

I have been under the weather. It all started boys and girls last weak after I picked up some friends at the airport Sunday. They were spending the weak with me hoping to enjoy the sunny warm weather in Southwest Florida. Monday morning I went o'dark thirty to the dreadmill and ran. However, boys and girls, after 3 miles I stopped because I felt poorly like crap. Tuesday I woke up to a full blown cold flu and worked from home. Wednesday I went to the office only to leave early with Thursday not being able to get out of bed! Once again, on Friday I tried to work at the office only to feel like crap again. Along in there, I think Wednesday, I pull a back muscle in a coughing spell fit. Now my hip flexer hurts like hell and a walk funny. So that brings us to today when I tried the dreadmill again. No deal! 1 mile in an I knew there was no way I could do six miles at a 8 min pace. It just goes to show you when you have a good weak of training it is followed by a cold. Let that be a lesson to you boys and girls.... no good training weak goes unpunished.

Six Things We can Learn for the Olympians

2010-02-17T15:19:00.002-05:00

I was reading H2O Audio's Blog that link to an article on Newswise entitled Six Things We can Learn for the Olympians. I thought it was good and thot I would share it below:

“The Olympics symbolize the chance for all of us to push the boundaries of human potential,” said Chris Sebelski, assistant professor of physical therapy at Saint Louis University. “As I tell my students, if you want to compete at a high level, mimic the strategies of those at the top.”

1. Set a Goal and Break it Down
Olympic-level athletes train for their next gold medal as a part of a four-year process. After setting a goal to medal or set a world record, athletes and their coaches will break the process down into tasks and time periods with smaller goals that mark progress along the way, Sebelski says.

For instance, if you’re training to get in shape for a cross-country hiking trip, you might aim to walk three miles a day for the first two weeks and build up to ten miles a day by the end of ten weeks. Break it down, and you’ll find that a goal that seems unreachable is obtainable.

2. Cross-train
Olympians may be unrivaled within their skill-set, but they use other skills along the way. Cross-training reduces risks of overtraining and helps avoid injury. It also enhances muscle performance and stimulates the mind so you don’t become bored by too much repetition.

Cross-training is also useful to prepare for sports you can’t practice every day. If you’re planning a ski vacation and your goal is to graduate from blue runs to black diamonds, don’t be discouraged because you live far from the mountains. In the months before the big trip, prepare by going to the gym, focusing on lower extremity strength training, balance activities and cardio workouts, like the elliptical machine. All of these activities will help you get the most from your ski trip.

3. Workout with Others
Olympic athletes don’t train alone and they don’t train only with those at the same skill level.

Not only will you find that the spirit of competition and encouragement will keep your motivation high, but there are also training benefits to working out with others who compete at different levels.

If you’re a runner, mix it up and run with different people. Partner with someone slower than your normal pace, and on that day, you’ll stay out longer and practice endurance. Another day, run with someone faster than your average pace and experience a more intense cardio workout.

4. Create a Team
Olympic athletes are under no illusions that they can do it on their own, and you shouldn’t be either.

“While we’re enamored by the idea of an Olympic athlete as a hero, we forget that that person is standing on shoulders of so many other people. It takes a village to put one Olympian in front of the world,” said Sebelski. “We shouldn’t forget that we need those resources, too.”

Think about the people who can help you accomplish your goal. You might find that you’ll benefit from working with a trainer, a nutritionist, a physical therapist or a physician. Recognize that help is available in all different forms and find what works best for you. It might be a face-to-face session with a trainer, a nutrition class, or an online chat room of like-minded people.

5. Find your Motivation
You may feel silly rocking out to your Ipod at the gym, but remember how gold medalist Michael Phelps made music a part of his mental preparation, psyching up with Lil’ Wayne before he hit the water.

Take a page from Phelps’ playbook and embrace your inspiration. You can feed your passion by finding the method that motivates you most, whether it’s music, visualizing success or a pep talk from your coach.

6. Put on an Olympic Attitude
For most of us, our jobs, families and personal commitments mean we can’t devote as many waking hours to training as a world champion might. But you can adopt the mentality of an Olympian during the time you set aside for training, approaching that hour with the single-minded focus of a full-time athlete. The results will be encouraging, Sebelski says.

“Train for a couple of weeks with focus and discipline, and lo and behold, you’ll be surprised by what you can do,” Sebelski said.

Sebelski says that the sense of accomplishment and pride that comes from striving to improve upon your personal best is something everyone can experience.

“It’s been said that running a marathon is now everyman’s Everest. But that’s true for every sport,” Sebelski said. “You can train for the Sunday night bowling league, if that’s your passion. The bowling championship may be your Olympics.

“Regardless of the scale of your goal, you should have the experience, at least once, of training for and accomplishing a physical goal you set for yourself. Crossing that finish line is a feeling unlike any other.”

Cold and then Cold followed by COLD!

2010-02-17T11:58:00.004-05:00

Did I mention it has been cold? Here is Southwest Florida it has been right around 45* to 50* most mornings this month. Last week I only go one swim in as the pool is heated to 83* but with the air temp 50* I can't make it from the chair where I take off my shirt to the pool without freezing! I did make it the past Tuesday but tomorrow's swim is in question because it is going to be 42* at sun up!

Now riding is also the same. I only got two rides in last week due to the cold! Sat and Sun were suppose to be 45and 75 miles respectively but due to the cold the blankets called me back to bed! Well I did run on the dreadmill but after an hour or so I get BORED!

So let us just say that I have been focused on improving my running during the recent cold snap! Hey that's it....

On the other front, I have been putting off seeing my Brain Surgeon. Well it is the PET Scan ($9,000) and the MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiograph $3,000) as I don't want the argument with my health insurance. Since I have had any major events... just ignore it! but I did get a clean bill of health from the dermatologist. This is the longest I've gone without having a tumor removed... over a year now.

H2Audio Waterproof case for iPod Shuffle

2009-10-26T10:06:00.005-05:00

I bought one of these....Well it was for the 2nd Generation iPod Shuffle. This picture is for the 3rd Generation iPod Shuffle. Since I get bored swimming laps or in the gulf swimming buoys I thought this might help. It is from a company called H2O Audio that make all kinds of waterproof cases for iPods including a case for the iPod for scuba divers..... why would you need to answer the phone at 100ft below the surface? I'm just saying...

H2O Audio are really nice people. I tried several times to order the case online but couldn't get their site to work. After calling their order line I had a great guy (can't rememebr his name but I think it was Phil) helped me and solve the problem...free shipping and it was here in just a few days.

I used it last Thursday for the first time and again today and I must say it is great! Why did I do this sooner? Now I can listen to Louis Armstrong, Dean MArtin, and Queen while sewimming.

Joe FrielBlog: Seasonal Summary

2009-09-29T08:59:00.003-05:00

As you know by now (well maybe not) I’m a fan of Joe Friel. He has written the TrainingBible, has some great things on his website TrainingBible.com and has a great blog. While for those of us in Florida the season is not over, this is a good time to reflect on the upcoming final Tri's and the next year's races. Follow the linky Joe Friel's Blog: Seasonal Summary or here is a copy and paste of his post.

Seasonal Summary

Success in sport is just like success in any other aspect of your life. One of the requirements is careful planning. Deciding where you want to go in the future begins with knowing where you have been in the past. Recognizing trends and evaluating what you’ve been doing are both important steps on the path to racing better next year. This process can be accomplished in several ways. Talking with your coach or a trusted training partner is probably the best way. But lacking such people in your sporting life you can still accomplish the same end by answering some key questions. Here are some I often use. Your answers can lead in many different directions. Ultimately, the reason for such an exercise is to give you more focus when it comes to training and racing. It may even help you to decide why it is you devote so much of your life to training.

Here are five questions to answer at the end of your race season and before starting to prepare for the coming season:

1. What was the high point of your season? Why does this stand out for you? Was it what you thought it would be at the start of the season?

2. What was your greatest disappointment? Why did this happen? Is there anything you could have done to have avoided it?

3. Looking back, do you think you trained as wisely and as hard as you could have trained?

4. What is the one thing you most need to work on for next season in order to perform better?

5. What would you most like to accomplish next season? Is it a good stretch and yet within your reach if you do things right?

Tour de France Party Friday

2009-07-28T08:54:00.011-05:00

Friday nite our cycling group The Estero Flatlanders had a fund raiser for the Naples Shelter for Abused Women. It was held at a new wine bar in the Coconut Point Mall called The Grape!

Here is Tony 171 - famous for his ride across Florida 171 miles but that title will change short (more in another post). He's a Brit you can tell because of the accent.

There was plenty of food and wine so the Flatlanders of course had a good time!

Even Preacher Todd and his wife were able to join us.

Also in attendance were a few rowdy folk - Pat and Pat and Matt

British Mark brought along his girl friend. You can tell he's a Brit too!

Some of our long lost cyclist were in attendance - Richard and Joanna and Pam

The important thing is money was raise for a good cause while everyone had fun.

Window View

2009-07-15T15:59:00.001-05:00

Once again it might rain

Posted via email from oldman's posterous

Tour de France Party

2009-07-14T10:19:00.003-05:00

Hey any excuse to party! Everyone is welcome.

The Curse of Ziegfried the Tumbless

2009-06-08T09:33:00.008-05:00

OK I know I did the race. I crossed the finishing line. I didn't dream this or imagine it. However no results posted on the Naples Fitness Challenge Website for me. You see I suffer from the Curse of Ziegfried the Thumbless.

Ziegfried was a Viking who offended the King and thus was cursed by said King, sentenced to have his thumbs cut off. Do you know how hard it is to work with out thumbs? Thumbs are used for almost everyting we do. Test this by trying to pick up a cup of coffee without your thumb.

Now this curse was passed down the family line via my father's family (my mothers family are American indian). It affects everything in life such as when you buy something a part missing or broken, the new car will be a lemon, and usually whatever it is it will break at the WRONG time! If it wasn't for bad luck I wouldn't have luck.

So that brings us to the email from the Naples Fitness Challenge Race Director, Linda Gregory:

Thank you very much for participating in The 23rd Annual Fitness Challenge Triathlon.

I hope you had a great time.

We did have some timing issue with one wire on the transition area being cut by biking shoes and the finish timing device being unplugged accidental on the beach by spectators.

So some athletes will not have finish time listed. The FINISH TIME AFFECTED were from 1 hour 23 minutes to 1 hour 32 minutes this can be fixed and we can get your time listed in our final results. Thank you for your patience.

O well there it is again, The Curse of Ziegfreid the Thumbless

Naples Fitness Challenge

2009-06-05T15:32:00.003-05:00

This Sunday bright and early is the Naples Fitness Challenge. I went today at lunch with my friend Jack to pick up my race packet. To my surprise there was a water bottle along with a tee- shirt. Who would have thot that would be in the packet (OK I'll wear the shirt once or twice but trash the water bottle).

So this is the first time in along time that I haven't been recovering from surgery or on some kind of doctor's restriction so hopefully I'll do well! I've been doing open water swimming with Jack, who is training for Ironman Kona (yes I'm jealous) so my weakest sport has become strong I hope!

Update on Monday with pics.

Wiggins Pass Swim

2009-05-05T08:26:00.008-05:00

My friend Jack WON (lucky bastard) a slot for Kona Ironman, however in order to valid the slot he must complete another Ironman race, either a half or full Ironman. Of course Jack is doing a half this summer. So he has been swimming in the Gulf to get ready. Jack invited me to swim along. so today I met Jack at the parking lot of Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples at 7:15 for a quick swim.

The water was a cool 84* with slight rollers so we stared out into the current with the rollers to our back left and it was a tough 1/4 mile swim...into the current. I had forgotten to sight so I started out by swimming in a circle. I realized the error of my direction, stopped, regrouped and started over again. I then sighted every 50 strokes only to find Jack puling away from me!

The turn around found us going with the current so it was a very easy relaxing swim back to the start, kinda like swimming down hill! The only problem... I have a salty water taste in my mouth.

Tonight will be quick 5 mile run!

Livestrong Army Video

2009-03-18T13:37:00.004-05:00

Here is a video I thot everyone would like to see.

Back...Again

2009-03-18T10:07:00.006-05:00

OK I know it has been a long time away again. I can tell your from personal experience that Melanoma is no fun! I think it affects every aspect of your life specially your head! But then having a brain tumor I have an excuse! I am weekly checking my body for another tumor and have a few "spots" I'm watching even though my doc says they are nothing to worry about. I see my dermatologist next month so we shall see.... but no surgery until after St. Anthony's Tri April 26.

I've been training but not as regular as I should. I seem to get to a certain point then have another surgery and fall back. So now that I have been CANCER FREE for 3 MONTHS I am going to get on track. (Also I am just getting to the end of the medical bills). I've been swimming trying to get back into a training groove.

I've registered for the Naples Fitness Challenge and will be doing the Beach Bum 5k this weakend. I'm looking at doing the 8 race series Publix Family Fitness Triathlon Series but maybe I need a sponsor.

The weak in review

Mon - Wed - Fri = 25 mile morning bike ave speed 20.1
Tues - Thurs = 6 mile run ave pace - slow
Thurs = 30 min swim
Sat = golf
Sun = 45 mile bike with Badass Flatlanders (got dropped of course)

Most of the Stitches ....

2008-12-18T11:23:00.003-05:00

well not all the stitches came out just some of the stitches. I now have a large adhesive bandage to keep the incision site closed plus a few stitches. The doc says I can't exercise until Monday when hopefully the rest of the stitches come out.

today was a run day but shortened to 3 miles as I have the appointment with the doc.

Stitches Come Out ....

2008-12-16T16:05:00.003-05:00

My stitches come out on Thursday morning....and I can't wait. My Surgeon says I can start to exercise again! Plus they itch! UGH!

Here is a quick hit on the weak in review:

Training:

Monday - run day 4 miles
Tuesday - run day 6 miles
Wednesday - bike 25 miles
Thursday - Run 6 miles
Friday - Bike 25 miles
Saturday - Run - stood in garage and watched the rain
Sunday - Bike 42 miles

totals:

Run 16 miles
Bike 92 miles
Swim NADA
Waits NADA

No swimming or waits due to stitches. I can't wait for the Doc to give me clearance to start exercising again!

ON another note, I'm signing up for the Naples Half Marathon, Jan 18, 2009. It is one of my favorite races and you get to see how the poor people live in Naples - homes started at $5 mil! Who's in? Plus great pasta party the nite before!

Federal Bail Out Program Application

2008-12-02T15:26:00.008-05:00

Click to Enlarge

As the Big 3 go to Washington today, here is the Application for the Federal Bail Out Program via Carpe Diem, just in case you don't get yours in the mail. My Home Watch business is applying for $10 bill. I think that's enough to get us thru December.

Surgery Today

2008-12-02T11:10:00.009-05:00

Not my tumor - but this is what they look like

Today was the day for my wide excision surgery on my latest tumor. This one was on the small of my back or lower lumbar. The first surgery removed some of the tumor two weeks ago but the surgeon did not remove all the "bad" cells...or so the pathologist said in his report. So today was another surgery to remove more of me. About the size of a Popeye Biscuit.

Dr. Lipnick - my surgeon

After the surgery Dr. Lipnick told me no strenuous exercise like golf that involves twisting or straining the lower back. Of course I told him I run, bike and swim. He said running and biking is OK! Hey that's good.No swimming, hey that's bad.

So, I'm back at work - just a little sore. Next stop the Oncologist after we get the next pathologist report in TWO WEEKS - why so long?

So I ran 2 quick miles this morning before surgery - no swimming for at least 2 weeks! ugh. But the Naples Half Marathon is coming in January so let's concentrate on that race!

St. Anthony's

2008-12-01T15:55:00.004-05:00

Today the registration opened for St. Anthony's Triathlon. Tony and I agreed train together and do the race. So today was the day that the registration opened! It took trying all morning until finally! finally! At 12:30 I got to register, finally. HEY I'M IN FOR ST. ANTHONY'S! It's an Olympic distance race... 1.5 k swim, 40 k bike and a 10 k run. (that's 0.932 mile swim, 24.85 miles bike and 6.21 miles run for those metrically challenged).

But hey I'm in and I'm excited....until Tony calls to tell me that he decided NOT TO DO THE RACE! ugh!

O well I'm in! Who else is with me? Who's in?

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot

2008-12-01T11:12:00.009-05:00

It was a cold morning for the 13th Annual Gobble Gobble 4 Miler - Turkey Trot, 52*! But the Bad Ass Flatlanders rode the 20 miles down to the Venetian Village in Naples do the race then ride back. I on the other hand chose to take the car!

Here are some of the gang before the race!

After the race was the usual bagels but also Pumpkin Pie!

Monday Weakend Highlights

2008-11-24T12:53:00.008-05:00

Boys and girls, there were few highlights this weakend! But here are a quick list of a few...

Friday evening went to Mr. Bill's thank you "party" - a politician friend who was elected as Councilman for Burrito Springs.
Saturday - slept in late 10 am - well I did get up at 5:30 but it was blowing and cold outside, to cold to ride, so I went back to bed.
Sunday - rode with the Bad Ass Coffee Flatlanders - while I didn't get dropped at the airport, I did see that Nurse Mark was missing so I went to look for him. Never did find him. Rode 45 miles, he last 15 by myself. Ave speed 20.1 mph.
Sunday night - had a great fire in the outdoor fireplace!
Monday - ran with Tony rather than our usual Monday ride, Tony had an early appointment and we are doing the Gobble - Gobble Run on Turkey Day.

This week promises to be fun! Again a quick hit list:

Getting ready for the kids who are coming Friday for the weakend
Decorating for Christmas - prior to my birthday!
Doing the Gobble Gobble Run on Thursday

A quick health update, again a quick hit list:

The one of the recent biopsy on my back came back positive!
I have surgery on Dec. 2.
My boss wants me back at work right away!
I have a tooth ache.
The dentist wants clearance from my brain surgeon before doing anything. So it will wait until after my surgery.

Cold, Colder, COLDEST

2008-11-17T15:18:00.004-05:00

The weakend started out pretty good with the usual Saturday morning ride with the Bad Ass Coffee ride. the temp cooled off to a nice 60* at ride time. While I did get dropped off the A ride, the B ride ended up being pretty fast. English Richard, came back to check on Joanna in the B group and ended up pulling the entire route! He was like a machine pulling at 23 to 25 mph. It was great until I had to pull along the Mall Road....

After the ride, 42 miles, I did a quick 3 mile run. My calf muscles felt like they were going to cramp. Go figure.

Sunday was cold with a heavy (sailing term) wind form the Northeast! The temp as 52* but with the wind it felt colder. (We need a reef in the mainsail and a working jib). The A group started out at 22 mph INTO THE WIND and sure enough, I got dropped before the University hill climb.

Monday was the COLDEST. It was 45*! Tony did a no show but the Million Dollar Doctor, Steve had his new winter riding kit! Wow, best $500 he ever spent! We did the normal Monday ride for 25 miles.

Finaly Friday - Wolf Dog

2008-11-14T13:56:00.009-05:00

I have written about the problem we are having with Coyote's in the Wiley Coyote Eats Ca t post. But now there is a new problem Wolf-dog's! A wolf-dog is just that, part wolf and part dog. Wednesday, Lee County Animal Services caught a wolf-dog, placed it inside their van in a cage. The animal broke the steel cage and then the hinge on the van window to escape!

So now the hunt is on to find the wolf-dog. The local media is doing live shots in and around the area of the siting of the wolf-dog. But wait, for there's more....watch the upper left of the live shot as the wolf-dog makes a cameo appearance!

This week ends with my Friday ride... I was joined by Tony, Dr. Steve and a first time on the weekday ride Jen! Just a quick 25 miles.

Now swimming this weakend---ugh! but Saturday & Sunday with the Bad Ass Coffee riders.

To My Bank...

2008-11-13T15:02:00.003-05:00

Dear Sirs,
In view of what seems to be happening
internationally with banks at the moment,
I was wondering if you could advise me.

If one of my checks is returned marked
"insufficient funds," how do I know
whether that refers to me or ... to you.?

Quick Update

2008-11-13T11:08:00.002-05:00

Yes, I'm still alive. I know some of you have hoped otherwise! I had two more tumors removed last Wednesday. I'm recovering nicely THANK YOU! I see the dermatologist/oncologist/surgeon next Wednesday. Then on to the brain surgeon and eye doctor for repeat testing, ugh! Hopefully there will be a time when I don't have to see a doctor!

Congrats to Tony who did the Ride Across Florida on Sunday. Only 175 miles. Next year count me in!

Saturday and Sunday's ride was a little weak well a lot weak.... I'm not allowed to swim for a while.

Saturday - I started out with the A group. I thot I might get dropped at the first overpass- the only hill in the area is an overpass over interstate 75. As it was I kept up with the group for the next 10 miles when I got caught by a traffic light, the peleton went thru I got stopped because I was at the back of the pack. I finished the ride alone for a total of 40 miles average 19.7 mph.
Sunday - Both groups start together on Sundays with the split coming after the two parking garages at FGCU. The B group consisted of Nurse Payne and myself. So it was into the wind and a hard go. At the airport (RSW) we turned back to have a wonderful ride back at 26 mph! Why can't the wind always be at our back?
Monday - the usual ride with Nurse Payne 25 miles
Tuesday - was a run day with Tony. he was all recovered from his Ride Across Florida but I was feeling a little funky
Wednesday - the ususal ride Nurse Payne, Tony and Dr. Steve but Tony got a small wire caught in his chain which broke. ugh
Thurday - the usual run alone 4 miles.

Thanks KONA SHELLY for stopping by.... she just completed Ironman # 9 at Florida Ironman! Read all about it here... IRONM4N.

weakend and Stuff

2008-10-20T12:14:00.002-05:00

Had a great weakend training. Fri - Mon total of 125 miles on the bike in windy South Florida. the weather changed so it was rather pleasant.... 70* Sunday morning at 6:30 am!

Cool Weather

2008-09-24T15:10:00.003-05:00

The weather person on the 5 am local news said how COLD it was outside and it was going to be a "cool" day. But wait, don't turn off your air conditioner yet.... 88* is cool in Southwest Florida but not COLD!

Another Bad Day

2008-09-17T15:03:00.003-05:00

Well perhaps I should just take the weak off? You do remember Sunday and the long walk home? Well I rode on Monday the usual and flatted again! Only this time Tony and I changed the tube and continued on to finish our 25 mile ride....even had the last sprint in which Tony was to tired to participate..well 80 miles on Sunday will do that to you!

Last night after the Tuesday Nite Swim, I worked on the bike. Checked the tire inside, put new rim tape on the rim. checked inside and out put in a new tube, checked again.....

This morning got ready to ride and POP.... another flat only this time in the drive way. There is a small puncture on the sidewall. That must be it...

So today at lunch I went to the bike store to buy a tire... 52.95 Continental 4000 blue wall tire. So tonight it's replace the tire night!

Work has also become somewhat of a nightmare. I'm tiring to get IRS Form 5500's done for 15 of my plans. They are due to be mailed to my clients by Oct. 1.. so crunch time is on!

Out of Stock

2008-09-15T13:16:00.005-05:00

OK I went to my LBS (local bike shop) to buy some tubes to replace those blown apart this weakend. Only the were out of stock.... threaded, long stem, tubes. none available. ok HOW ABOUT non-threated, long stem tubes. Nada, nothing, not available. O, hey I found an old box here with one tube will that work for you...non-threaded of course.

HOW CAN THIS BE? YOU ARE A BIKE SHOP WITHOUT TUBES FOR ROADBIKES? HUH!

Training Update

2008-09-15T10:33:00.013-05:00

It has been a slow week training wise. Last Tuesday and Wednesday we had the rain bands from Ike, so it mess things up a little. But here is a quick overview of the week that was:

Monday:

BIKE - the weakday course
Just a quick 25 miles before work with Tony and Mark (Nurse Payne). The course we use is the Weakday Course which starts at William Road Circle behind the new Coconut Point Mall thru the Brooks via Coconut Blvd then down to Bonita Springs via Three Oaks Parkway (all bike lanes). We go thru some side streets to downtown Bonita Springs to Terry Street then back to the parkway which becomes a SPRINT ZONE thru the Brooks and finally the Mall and a final SPRINT ZONE to the circle.
Total Bike Miles 25

SWIM
I hit the pool after work for a few laps to give me 3,000 yards. Yea I know Mark Phelps does 8,000 as a warm up. but I'm old and he is a kid and 3,000 is enough for me. Total Swim 3,000 yards

Tuesday
RUN - the Tuesday Light Pole Course
I start out at 6:45 and meet Tony somewhere between my house and his. After two miles warm up we do light pole sprints... Sprint from one light pole to the next then jog to the next light pole and so forth for 2 miles then run a light 2 miles to finish back at my house. Total Run Miles 6

Swim
Another swim after work...see above.
Total Swim 3,000 yards

Wednesday

RIDE - the Weakday Course
Well it was suppose to be a ride morning as above but it was raining. It rained most of the nite, stuff from Ike So I went back to bed. Actually I got ready to run and just as I stepped out the door the heavens opened in this massive downpour! so I went back into the house, got a shower and went to work!
Total Ride Miles NONE

Waits
I know I spelled it wrong. It's just that is what I end up doing. Waiting. Moving from one machine to the next in the fitness center. I have to wait my turn! But I did some waits.

Thursday

RUN - the easy run course
This run and every Thursday run is a lone run. Just a slow easy run 6 miles is all I have time for to make it back for a shower and off to work by 8:30.
Total Run Miles 6

SWIM
Another boring swim in the pool....
Total Swim 3,000 yards

Friday

BIKE - the weakday course
I was up late talking on the phone to a friend who is dying of cancer. It started in her kidney. She never smoked, always exercised and ate well. Now cancer has gone to her brain and she can't walk. She is hoping to live until her grandson's wedding in November, but it doesn't look promising. Of course she is afraid of dying and has no hope of an after life.

So while talking with her, I was upset and drank to much wine and could not get out of bed...well I got up to ride but promptly went back to bed.

Saturday

BIKE - Saturday Bad Ass Course
Saturday is the weakly Saturday ride with Bad Ass Flatlanders Cycling Team. We do a ride similar to the above Monday ride but add a few more miles thru Bonita Spring making my total which includes riding from my house to the Bad Ass Coffee parking lot, for the ride of 40 miles. My average speed is 21 to 22... according to my bike puter.. The SPRINT ZONES are the killers though. I usually get dropped.

SWIM
I got a call from my friend Jack saying the gulf had 4' to 6' waves. He was heading out to surf but my swim was canceled. UGH! I didn't feel like the pool again!

SUNDAY

Sanibel Light

BIKE- Captive Island Ride
The Bad Ass gang was going to Sanibel then on to Captiva Island. A great ride of 80 miles plus. the ride accross the causeways is spectacular! I usually start out with them for the first half then leave the group to ride alone in aero but.... The group had 4 flats in the first 8 miles of the ride!

SO I left the group earlier and rode along only to have a FLAT! I changed the tube, started of only to flat again! UGH! Now I had no spare tube... what to do. Walk of course! So I started walking home. Along the way a guy stopped to give me a spare tube.... but I still needed an CO2 canister... so continue walking. I saw a guy who works at a LBS that I don't frequent any more since they put inferior parts on my Roo ride by on is bikle. He waived. Thanks Alex. It took me an hour and a half to walk/run home with my bike.

Total Bike miles.... 35 miles plus 7miles walking/jogging

RUN
Sunday run was canceled because of lack of interest from the above walking/jogging home to fix my bike.

OK here is what you've been waiting for Totals

Bike: 125
Run: 12
Swim: 9,000 yards
Waits: 1 time

Wiley Coyote Eats Cat

2008-07-30T10:57:00.006-05:00

We have been having a problem with coyotes. Recently a man near my home while walking his Shits-on-you dog (no not Collie and Coffee Drinker) was attacked by Wiley Coyote. Wiley Coyote it seems, thought the Shits-on-you was a snack on a string. The man beat off the coyote with his cane (read the story he re).

In the video above the poor kitty, Caesar, had an uncaring owner who left Caesar out all night only to wander into Wiley Coyote.

The moral of the story, Wiley Coyote is hungry and is moving into populated areas. Don't leave your animals out or they will be lunch orin Caesar's case, a midnight snack!

From Survivor Back to Patient

2008-07-29T11:23:00.007-05:00

Well I was cancer free for 7 months, not as long as the last time, 2 years, but it seems that I have a "green thumb" and can really grow tumors. This time it was only 7 months after being declared cancer free by my docs and 3 months from my last melanoma body scan check up.

I noticed on my calendar at home that it has been 4 years since my first cancer and lymphoma surgery. So I guess it has worked out better than it has for a friend I met, he lasted 8 months after his melanoma diagnosis and pasted away. I find it hard to say he "died", but like saying "I have cancer" I guess it gets easier..... have you noticed if you say you have breast cancer you get all kinds of support but skin cancer well that's no big deal hey it's only skin caner. Only melanoma is the fastest growing cancer.

I have changed my banner...did you notice.

The problem I'm having is a pain in my..... back. One of the biopsies was rather deep and IT HURTS! Well no matter, it is going to hurt more as I have to schedule wide excisions of both sites... they take out more tissue in the size of a large biscuit to examine how far the cancer has spread, how deep the tumor is/was and then proceed to the next step. The kids are coming to visit for the month of August, so I guess they can get me to and from the surgery and tend my dressings.

On the training front, I had an OK run this morning. Just a few miles in the humid heat. It just finished raining as I left for my run. I did get some pool time in yesterday with a fairly good bike so I guess an OK run is well OK.

Two More Lesions

2008-07-28T09:57:00.006-05:00

J's Birthday Flowers

This week I have been in somewhat of a funk. Even though last Saturday and Sunday I had big riding days. In fact I was second in the sprint on Saturday with the Bad Ass Coffee Cycling Team. My total mileage for Friday thru Monday was 170 miles total.

Wednesday was J's birthday and not wanting any bad news for her birthday I had to go to the doctors. So guess what, he had to take off two more lesions. These were on my back which is much better than the last one in Oct 07 which were on my arm. So now it is a another wait to see what the path report says. the doc talked about the new cocktail, CDV plus interferon and interleukin. I understand you are sick as a dog with flu like symptoms for a year. I don't think I want to do that.

The week update date:

Bike: 175 miles
Run 14 miles
Swim 3 hours

Saturday Tony and his wife went with J an I to Ruth's Chris' Steakhouse for dinner. A lot of money for an OK meal with poor service.

Sunday after the ride I felt AWFUL. I can't begin to tell you how sick and tired I felt. When I got up today I hoped that I would feel better but...alas is not so. I rode with Tony this morning. I asked to ride slow but .... it was suppose to be 20ish but ended up at 24ish with a big sprint at the finish. So now I'm really tired.

Almost Jailed

2008-07-15T13:05:00.005-05:00

My cycling buddy, Tony the Brit or Tony26 as the Bad Assers call him because even when the set speed is 22 to 23 he pulls at 26.... well we are riding our usual 26 mile weekday route. The route, 26 miles long, is along a newly opened road with, for the most part, good road surface and a bike lane until we turn to go thru Burrito Springs. Just a few side roads then down Terry Street, a four lane road without a bike lane, turn left at the traffic light and to rejoin the newly opened road with a bike lane. The only problem is we have to get over into the left lane then the turning lane to turn left at the traffic light.

Now Burrito Spring is just as it sounds, old Florida rednecks and those still wet from crossing the river....not to say that they don't have green cards, drivers licenses or even insurance on their cars which they don't and that's the Rednecks. As we get to the left some one scares the be jeepers out of us by honking their horn...not once, not twice, not thrice but over and over and over again!

Now an occasional horn doesn't bother me, being from the Northeast, but I was pulling at 22 mph with Tony26 on my wheel in the left lane of a REDNECK-MEXICAN Road. Kinda makes you nervous and waiting for the gunshot.

It appears that the person behind us in a lime green VW Bug wants to get past us to make the approaching traffic light before it turns red. We move left, the car squeezes by us on the right, beeping only to have the light turn red so the lime green VW Bug has to stop at the light as we roll to a stop in the lane next to it.

Now Tony26 is a calm rational Brit just recently allow to become a US Citizen - not that I had anything to say about it. All of the sudden he starts banging on the window and yelling at the woman driver "You almost caused an accident by hooting at us (yes he said hooting!)"She rolls down her window and starts yelling back.... "You don't belong in the left lane! Stay right or on the sidewalk!"

I of course am calm cool and collected yell back at her "We have as much right on the road as you...." With that I see a Lee County Sheriff's car turn on it's red lights and cross over 2 lanes of traffic pulling in front of the lime green VW Bug. The officer gets ot of the car and says to Tony26 and me "GET AWAY FROM THE CAR AND GET OVER HERE!" With that Tony26 start yelling a the officer! and yelling and yelling....finally the officer says as loud as he could '"STOP YELLING!"

TONY26 calms down and calmly tells his story to which the offier says ... "OK, you can go". He then takes his ticket book and walks to the lime green VW Bug. The last thing we here as the light changes to green for us to turns is the officer asking the woman...."May I see your driver's license and registration?"

I thought for sure we were going to jail......

July 4th Ride Pic

2008-07-09T09:27:00.006-05:00

Here is the Bad Ass Flatlanders Cycling Team at Ava Maria, FL the halfway point of the 80 mile ride know as Drop the Brit Ride.

What's Happening.....

2008-07-01T15:05:00.003-05:00

Here's quick update on What's Happ'n Now!

Rode Saturday with Bad Ass cycling group --- +/- 20 riders who meet at Bad Ass Coffee in Estero. Good ride of 40 miles got dropped on the Sprint- hey 31 is to fast.
Rode Sunday with BA --- well the first 20 miles then rode alone in aero as much as possible finished with 56 on the meter.
Rode Monday with Tony - btw he has new Zipp 404's - a little tired, well a lot tired but got 25 miles in with an ave of 21 mph.
Ran Tuesday -today - ran 8 miles and plan on swimming for an hour later tonight.
Ride 25 tomorrow and play company golf with a client.
Run and Swim on Thursday
Ride the "Drop the Brit Ride" or 80 mile Ava Maria Ride for the 4th

On the health front:

no new melanoma since my surgery last Oct 2007
Declared cancer free by oncologist in Dec 2007
Brain tumor declared - "the thing in your brain" by Brain Surgeon in Jan 2008 (meaning he doesn't know what it is or he doesn't know what to do or he's just crazy.

One More time

2008-06-16T10:07:00.004-05:00

OK... so I've been away for a while! Well a long time. It's a long story. Added to the fact I helped a friend develop a blog and it got mixed up with mine... no I didn't run for office in Bonita Springs...

Coffee Drinker and Collie are no where to be found.... I haven't seen them in a year!

But I've added a few new people that I'll write about:

The Scarecrow - a lady who has had to much plastic surgery and now hides her face when peolpe run/walk.cycle past her. She takes her Shitzonyou for rides in the car and/or golf cart.

The Pajama Girl - walks two large dogs most mornings with her hair wet and pajama's

Salesman - walks his Shitzonyou and carries a golf club to fend of Coyotes - yes we are having a major problem with Coyotes. They think small dogs are a snack on a string.