Accidents

Today was a hot and humid morning with the temperature at 74* when I left the house for my 7 mile run. As I started my run today I thought of how accidents can happen while your training, perhaps because my butt muscle was hurting and has never hurt before today. Or perhaps because Jeff of boingoblog wrote about running in a very rural if not remote area alone.

So what can happen? Most notable dehydration, heat related illness and even exhaustion. I take PowerBar Endurance with me on most of my runs over 5 miles especially here in Florida because you get dehydrated so quickly.

Equipment failures can happen, I have had I don't know who many flats, once while on a trip miles from the hotel where I was staying, with out a cell phone. I try to keep my bike in the best of condition even taking her to the bike shop regularly for maintaince and replacing worn tires after 4,000 miles. Yet accidents happen. As happened to Chris Sandowski of Kona fame pictured above. As you know he was hit by a motorcycle at the 107 mile make of the bike course.

(See Chris's full story here).

So when I think of Kona how hot and humid it is with the winds along Kings Highway and the afternoon thunderstorms, I think hey southwest Florida is a pretty good place to train since the weather is some much like Kona, however I remind myself of Chris Sandowski, accidents can happen even in Kona.

Weekend Report

Saturday

It was a glorious morning Saturday with the temp just right for running. I did one loop of my regular bike route and the warm up route to make it 14 miles. Then a quick shower and preperation for the dinner party that I had Saturday nite.

D48

The rest of the day was spent getting ready for the dinner party (Dinner for Eight or D48) but my eight people ended up being nine. So I didn't want to put the second leaf in my table so I put two people at the head of the table to may everyone fit. Since my theme was Italian...My menu was totally Italian. Here's what I made... Mozzarella and tomatoes with fresh basil & EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), breasetta on crustini, mixed green salad with a strawberry vinergrette, and for the main course.. Oldman's Mediterranean Chicken (chicken breasts with black & green olives, sundried tomatoes & raisins), Risotto Milanesse and Carrots with Italian herbs. I served a Tuscan red wine Monte Antioch. Dessert was Cannolis with coffee....

Sunday

I met Tony for our weakly LSD ride. The morning temp was just right for a nice ride. We just did an easy tempo for 55 miles although I did see 24 mph on the straight-a-way. The rest of the day, after I cleaned my china and stemware putting the dining room table back together etc., was spent relaxing around and in the pool. I didn't feel like doing much of anything.

Flag & Pole

Across the street from our office building is a small park. Just the other day the town of Naples erected a new flag pole with a large American Flag. Since you can see it from our office kitchen window, I have suggested that the employees all gather every morning for the a reading from the Bible followed by the Lord's Prayer, then the Pledge and singing of God Bless America. Like we used to do, or at least I did, in Kidnergarden. Oh over the top huh? Can't pray, read the Bible or Pledge any more? Couldn't we just sing?

Seen on the Drive to Work

Every notice the weird things you see on the way to work. It makes me wonder sometimes about people and life. Why just today I looked in my review mirror and saw a gray Lexus behind me (I know nothing special). Except in the passenger seat the person was some what reclining...Not all the way back but almost. Her face was covered in bandages! White tape! Like a mummy. SO..I figure she just had a face life and her dutiful husband was driving her home. I tried taking her pic...but it didn't work out. Weird.

It was another beautiful day this morning. So I ran my regular 7 miles. Nothing exciting. Swim at lunch, Pilates after work.

Randon Thots Wednesday

So I took a walk this morning to the Post Office to mail some of the office mail. As I entered the P.O. I noticed the above sign "No Dogs Allowed Except Seeing Eye Dogs" Wow I didn't know those seeing eye dogs could read or maybe they put the sign there for the blind person to read so they would know it is OK for their dog to lead them inside?






So today was a cycling day and another day I didn't feel like getting out of bed! But I forced myself and found that it was another beautiful day! The temp was just right. I started out in the small ring spinning at 80 bpm to get to 18 mph...so once I got loose it was a good ride. Of course Tony was late so I did the first loop without him. He had to submit an order for his business. so what's more important cycling in the morning or doing work in the morning? cycling of course! So I did 25 miles with an ave of 18.6 mph.

So I spoke with J, my once fiance, she told me there was no reason to get married since 1. I have a brain tumor, 2. I have cancer, 3. I get lyphomas, and 4. I have no money. And here I thot love and good looks was enough! Only two life threatening issues what wrong with that?

Numbers

Since I work for an investment firm numbers are a big part of my job. What's the annualized return of your composite portfolio compared to its benchmark? The return of an individual account for a given month? All numbers. Along with that are the financials of the firm. How much did we spend verse how much did we earn? Profit? Loss?

So this week began our financial audit, ugh! Today two auditors will be with me for the next 3 days. Double Ugh! Perhaps the worse part of the audit is that I have to entertain them during lunch, since we provide a working lunch. So I may or may not be able to slip out for a swim at lunch.

Also because of the audit, I have to get up earlier than normal to get my run in, 5 am. Another number. It was a beautiful day, nice breeze about 7 knots and a great sunrise at 6:43 am. Number. One of those morning your glad you you didn't miss by sleeping in. Even the whiperwills were happy today with their chant "WHIPRRRRRWIL!"

My run started slow with my normal hamstring ache but it worked out at about the two mile mark (number) where I picked up my water bottle (yup I'm back to running with a bottle of endurance since its getting warmer in the morning). It seems it takes 2 miles to loosen up. Numbers?

My run took me to the trail thru the woods along the river but I didn't see any wild life. As I ran thru the woods I wondered about the Panther. A few months back I came accross a Panther on the trail. She went one way I went another. I heard on the news that a Panther was killed crossing the Highway 41 road near my house and I wondered if that was her.

So my 7 miles took me 58 minutes. Not fast but relaxing for a busy numbers day.








Happy Birthday







Today is Kermit the Frog's birthday! Happy Birthday Kermie!

Reflecting back on this weaks training, it has been just that weak! Goals and goal setting re-evaluation time for me. I need to get serious with my training plan. So the goals for this weak are as follows:

Bike: 3 x 25 miles plus 1 lsd of 50 miles total 125 miles

Run: 3 x 7 miles plus one lsd of 14 miles total 35 miles

Swim 3 x 3k yards plus 1 lsd 6k yards total 15k yards

Weights Twice

Pilates Twice

So this weaks schedule looks like:

AM Lunch Time Afterwork
Mon: Bike 25 Swim 3k Weights
Tues: Run 7 Swim 3k Pilates
Wed: Bike 25 Run 7 Weights
Thurs Run 7 Swim 3k Pilates
Fri: Bike 25 Swim LSD
Sat Run LSD
Sun Bike Lsd

Numbers for Last weak:

Bike: 100 miles
Run: 15 miles
Swim: 3k yards
Weights: none
Pilates: None





Phriday Phun

Today's high is to be in the low 80's with very low (for Florida) humidity since the cold front went thru last nite. The temp was 68* when I left the house for my ride this morning. The birds were singing, I could hear a whiperwill off in the distance. I had to chase a bunny out of the garage since he was waiting for me to open the door so he could hop, hop, then run into the garage. So it is a beautiful day and why can't I have a beautiful ride?

I started out in the small ring to get warmed up for the first two miles spinning at 85 bpm. Then I met Tony who had already done one loop so he was warmed up. I changed to the big ring trying to maintain 80 bpm and my right leg started aching! ugh whats with this? It finally worked its way out when we got to the straight-a-way but no blistering spee. The fastest I could maintain on the straight-a-way was 26.8 but it was my first pass. Maybe to much cinco de mayo last nite?

Well the ride ended to soon since I had to go to work...20 miles at an ave 18.6 mph. Swim at lunch today.

When I got to the office and walked from the parking garage to the building my leg cramped! ugh..it felt like a lake of sodium but I drank my fluids and I'm sure after last nite I've had enough salt!

This weekend looks like some work around the house and a long run on Sat 14 miles and a LSD ride on Sunday perhaps 60 miles. Hopefully I'll get to the beach Sunday afternoon for some open water swimming. The water temp is 80*.

Phriday question...


Any body know anything about interferon treatments? I'm told they last 1 year? Starting with 5 weeks of iv threapy then self injections for 1 year.

Insanity 

Cinco de Mayo

Today is Cinco de Mayo, which isn't so much a big deal here in the States as it is in Mexico. With Florida's large Mexican and Chicano population we are more aware of it and celebrate...Well any excuse to drink Corona! Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican Army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla hence the now famous Mexican battle cry "Battalla de Puebla"! Here's a quick Mexican history lesson.

After the Mexican loss of the Mexican-American War 1846-48 (Remember the Alamo!) Mexico was literally bankrupt and suspended payment of it's foreign debt for two years to England, Spain and France. None of those countries wanted to allow Mexico to miss a payment so they each sent troops to collect the debt by any means possible. Eventually Spain and England gave up but Nappy, Napoleon III, in response to Americas Monroe Doctrine stayed occupying Mexico!

Finally in 1862 the French army made its move but General Ignacio Zaragoza led 5,000 Mestizo and Zapotec Indians and beat the French in the Battle of Puebla on the 5th of May or Cinco de Mayo! So it's not their independence day which is Sept 10, 1810...52 years earlier...but kicked France's a$$ day. Which is a good reason to celebrate!

So I'm going to a Cinco de Mayo Party tonight! Whohoo! Maybe I can find a dance partner! Anybody do the somba?

On a better note, I ran today only 4 miles but inspite of the humidity it was a good run...In 41 minutes. I was hoping to swim at lunch but they say lightening and thunder storms ....outside pools in FL..so no swim.

Random Thots Wednesday

Health News

I'm feeling much better today,I slept in late again so that extra hour sleep seemed to help. I have a headache, just a little nausea, and oh yea two dizzy spells. I was able to ride 15 miles today with an ave speed of 17.6. The docs still don't know what's going on with my brain tumor. I'm set to see an eye doc for the blurry vision.

Cingular Customer (I Don't) Care Department

I had to call Cingular (lowering the bar) regarding our office Treo's..we are having trouble accessing the voicemail via the programmed voicemail key. It needs to be reprogrammed by Cingular via an over-the-air signal... After talking to no less the nine people in 2 hours I'm convinced the Cingular doesn't care. I've been hung up on, transferred without warning, gotten people that have no clue... CUSTOMERS I DON"T CARE so don't call again. BTW It still doesn't work! Cingular, lowering the bar!

Seen on the Road






Twice now I've seen the local Mercedes Benz dealer's "Courtesy Car" except its a Dodge Caravan...What's with that? Not even a Mercedes SUV! Hey if I had a Mercedes S600 I'd want a loaner car not some one to drive me to work in a Dodge van.

Update

Do you ever have that blah feeling? My cold lingers and so I haven't been able to train as I would like which also brings on the blahs. My daughter came for the weekend (why is it when people think your going to die they feel the need to visit?) so even though I didn't feel good I pushed my self to do things with her. We spent some of the time playing tourist. Such as Friday night I packed a picnic dinner and we went to the beach for sunset. I must say it was a beautiful sunset (see pic above).

But I just feel blah...blah... I slept in today hoping the extra hour sleep would help. But nope... blah...so I have a call in to my oncologist to have blood drawn to make sure everything is in balance. Ugh. I'm going at lunch so no swim today... blah.

So my plan is to run tonight after work!

Fitness vs.Illness

Why do I feel sick today? I was awake at 2:30 am with a sore throat and headache. I've felt this cold coming on. It started after I got home from New Jersey on Monday night. The stracthy throat feeling. Then the achy joint feeling. The question is did I get it from over training? Contray to popular opinion there is a fine line between fintess and illness.

So I've had some good runs and rides. Tuesday even though I was tired I was able to run 7 miles. Perhaps I should have done less and then I wouldn't be sick? Yesterday I rode in the rain, did that cause me to be worse? NAH... I didn't run today and I feel guilty and sick. But it was all I could do to get out of bed to get to work on time let alone run at 5:30 after not sleeping.

So what should I do run/ride/swim thru a cold? Take some time off and drink orange juice? Maybe some chicken soup? I hate being sick like this!

Random Thots Wednesday

Would you believe these two guys are riding in an open metal bed truck going 70 mph? This pic was taken on Interstate 75 last nite on my way home. It is against the law in Florida for animals to ride in the back of a pick-up but not humans. I guess Mexicans are expendable. I can't tell you how many times these truck have what they call here in Florida "roll overs" and the guys in the back are killed. Is it any wonder?



Scratch my back with a lightening bolt,
Thunder rolls like a bass drum note.
Heaven only knows who's in command.

Bare foot children in the rain.....
Jimmy Buffet


The thunder rolled last night into this morning with heavy heavy rain. Southwest Florida got 2 inches but my rain gauge said 2.5! So it was riding in the rain today. Boy is my rear end wet.... it comes off the tire and up my back ugh... so much for going fast today only 18 mph ugh! So I only did 15 miles today..am I forgiven for not doing 25?


I saw two more dead snakes...I wonder why they come out in the rain? To wash or or get a drink?

I think I'd like to do the Top Gun Tri in Aug... BTW check out the video on their website.

May be I could buy a new bike...I'm getting a bonus this week so LBS whata got on sale...Litespeed Blade?

It was Justin's first birthday on Sunday. Here's a pic of him getting ready for breakfast.

He's Back!

I'm back from my New Jersey trip. It was great seeing my grandchildren but I didn't get any training done. So today's run I was expecting to be great but...hey it wasn't!I struggled for the first 2 miles. My legs felt like lead, but then it got better and I got my 7 miles done.

OH BTW....

My oncologist, Florida Cancer Specialist, called regarding my Friday appointment. It's a standing appointment that I have for my treatment for my melanoma. The "person" said "We would like to move your appointment because when we made a calander change and your appointment didn't get blended in". I asked what does that mean..blended in? Your blender didn't work? I was to thick I couldn't get mixed in? HUH? That rates right up there with my Brain Surgeon, Dr. Lusk, he said my brain tumor was "weird"...as in strange, odd or you just don't know?

Going Home

New Jersey here I come! Tonight I leave for NJ to visit with Eric, Katy, Max and Justin. David is in from Rome as well and all for Justin's first birthday on Saturday! Woohoo!

Since you can't come let me tell you a few things I like about the Garden State:

1. Fresh veggies in the summer...Tomatoes, corn, peaches, etc... you can't beat the fresh veggies and fruit. Alas I'll have to come back in July.

2. Good Food!...none of this chain resturtants like Carabba's, Roy's or PF Changs. No you've got the real homemade in the kitchen not sent frozen from the plant, restaurants. Talk about good pizza, chinese, mexican, french, etc. Good food. Real food.

3. Normal people...not these rich siliconed fake people of Florida.

4. Spring weather...I'm tired of 80* every day, I'm looking forward to some nice cool spring weather...maybe even some rain!


So look out Jersey here I come!

Random Thoughts Wednesday

I'm trying something new. I seem to have a few ideas, or thoughts that are not enough for a post of their own. You know those ideas that you get but never go any where. It might help to get started on them if I have them written down. So I'll call it RandomThoughts Wednesday. Here's this weaks random thoughts:

Supreme Pontiff aka Pope Wanted

Must be baptized believer, able to speak and read Latin, look good in a dress and funny hat. Free housing including, retirement plan out of this world. Promotion to Saint possible.

OK, Ok take the sign down... Pope Found!!! (Did I get passed over again?)



So the American liberal press is not happy. Just tune into MSNBC Chris Matthews... (writer shouting) HEY CHRIS, YOUR CATHOLIC, WHAT DID YOU EXPECT? A POPE THAT IS IN FAVOR OF GAY PREISTS, ABORTION, DIVORCE AND TURNING ST. PETERS INTO A MOSQUE? DID YOU WANT A NON-BELIEVER TO BE POPE? MAYBE JESSIE JACKSON? AL SHARPTON? PERHAPS OSMA? WHERE DID YOU FIND THESE FAILED LIBERAL CATHOLICS TO GO ON YOUR SHOW....OH JIMMY CARTER RECOMMEDED THEM...CARTER'S A BAPTIST WHAT DOES HE KNOW!




Lance is Retiring

It seems that Lance heard about Tony and my record 29.8 mph on the Straight-A-Way last week and has recognized the threat we pose to his future. Therefore while the getting out is good, Lance is gone.

Tyler Hamilton GUILTY of cheating

It seems in spite of Tyler's protest he was found guilt of blood doping. Was this after the broken clavicle and he was able to finish the Tour or was it during the Tour last year? Does he return his Olympic gold metal and not appear on the Wheaties box? In a time of AIDS, STDs, etc why would someone shoot some one else's blood into their veins?

Going Away

I'm going to New Jersey Thursday night for my gandsons 1st birthday and also see his parents.
While I'm there I'm going to meet with a brain surgeon about my brain tumor.

Tumors

Speaking of Tumors, did I mention that the tumor that was removed from my back last July is growing back? I decided to leave it alone...


Things to Think About

Today was a run day, however my RIO's headset is broken. Apparently I sweat so much I short out the headset. So I had to think....what do you think about when you run?

1. I see two birds, a hawk and a mocking bird, fighting..so I think about: Why do thy call it a dog fightwhen two birds are in flight and fighting? why not call it a bird fight? If dogs flew what would you call their fights...I'm glad cows don't fly!

2. I see a dead black snake approxiamtely 2 ft long in the road...so I think about: Why did you sun yourself in the middle of the road? Remember that dead opossium from the other day?..I wonder what was eating him because now he's just bones...

3. At the 2 mile mark my left calf hurts...I think: Hey my calf never hurt before. Is it clipless pedals on the bike? Maybe I should stop. Naaaaa. Maybe I need more salt...take a drink of PowerBar Endurance and that will help...

4. As I enter the trail thru the woods and cross the wooden bridge over a small stream...I think: Ewu..... that smells like a stinky fart! EWUUUU that smells bad. I'm glad my house isn't next to this stream. I wonder if I'll see the panther today?...or the bobcat?...

5. As I come out of the woods at the 5 mile mark, I see another runner coming towards me....I think: Hey another runner, good pace but his shirt isn't wet so he just started, he's going to run along with me...nope he's behind me...drafting?...he's passing me...should I pick up the pace...what's my pace? no way my GPS stopped....I think the GPS needs new batteries...does the smoke alarms at home need new batteries? I'll run behind him...he's pulling away. He just started I'm sure...he's not wet like me...

6. As the runner ahead of me turns into the tennis courts, I think: See I told you he's not a distance runner, he's stopping...but where did he come from? He's not even wet...doesn't he sweat? How does that work? no sweat?

7. Half mile from the finish, I think: Hey I feel pretty good this morning. Maybe it was the yogurt smoothie with strawberries and whey protein that helped...Run faster now..there is the finish tape...look there's the tv cameras...OLN TV...the crowd is roaring...faster...I can see the clock...I'm going to qualify for Kona..faster... sprint....I raise my hands to break... opps it was just a training run...well it's good to practice pretending to breaking the tape just in case!..

So goes another 7 mile training run without music... What do you think about?

Stopped for Speeding

Cyclists Stopped for Speeding

Estero, FL.

Two avid cyclists while riding thru Pelican Sound Golf and River Club Monday morning were stopped by the community's security patrol for going to fast on bicycles! security reported the two were exceeding the bicycle speed limit, what ever it is, and they were going to fast for the area. The posted speed for the community is predominantly 25 mph and a few roads are posted at 15 mph. There are no posted signs prohibiting bicycling in the community.

The pair dressed in cycling garb and riding high performance bicycles, were grilled by Captain Sounder of the Pelican Sound Security Patrol to determine if the two cyclists were community residents. The pair had no identification and refused to give their names. The pair remain nameless at this point.

While no tickets were issed by Captian Sounder, all though an infraction report was filed and an ongoing investivation was initated.

The Straight-A-Way

Every bike ride needs one! A section of road where you can go flat out. Where you can test your ability to really haul a$$. The daily course that Tony and I take has just that, a section of our ride that we travel twice in our ride. We call it the Straight-A-Way!

The Straight-A-Way is a one mile section of road that was abandoned when our community was built. One the one side or the road, usually our left hand side unless we go the opposite way than usual, is our community's golf course. A long par five hole and a long par three hole. The opposite side in a fence that divides our community from our neighboring community. They have it fence to keep out the rift-raft from the other community. Their homes are only $2 million and up!

So our goal on the Straight-A-Way has been to get to 30 mph. Usually I pull Tony for the first 3/4 of a mile then he passes me at which time I jump on his wheel to get pulled along the finial 1/4 mile. Today the first pass was a sign of things to come. The wind was right, it was a nice cool morning with low humidity and since we were making a first pass we don't push but we did see 27 mph! Could thirty be far behind?

We never discuss the Straight-A-Way until after the ride. It's just understood that we are going to try for 30. The mile before includes a right turn then around a circle followed by another right turn, up a small hill and on to the Straight-A-Way. Along the circle Tony will pass so I can be pulled and have a brief rest. Then as we turn and go up the hill I stand in the saddle to pass Tony, grab a quick sip of drink and we are off. But none of this is discussed or mentioned, we just know what to do each doing his part.

As we approached the second pass I thought this might be the day...look out Lance. Thirty miles per hour seems fast on a bike. We took the circle and the small hill as usual. Often as we turn onto the Straight-A-Way there are people walking in the road or jogging and or some occasions a golf course maintenance worker on a golf cart or gas cart. People like to walk 3 and 4 abreast on the Straight-A-Way even though on the left side there is a nice wide sidewalk, but that's another story.
Today on this the second pass there is no one. The road is empty, another good sign no dodge'em, no dogs on long leashes, no recreational bikers talking on cell phone going so slow you think they are going to fall over. No the Straight-a-Way is empty. Today is the day!!!!

I decide to keep it in the big ring and not drop to a smaller cog but just try to keep my cadence up then at 100 bpm change gears to a smaller cog. I watch my 'puter 22...then 23...80 bpm...84... I can see the end of the Straight-A-Way which ends with a 90* left turn.... 26.. 26.8 Tony is ready top pass...he is along side 90 bpm...I change gears and try to pick up some speed to get on his wheel... 27....28.... I can see the end...push 29.8! Push harder...but no it's done....29.8 mph...not there yet! ugh you mean we got do this all over again?

Well it was a nice 25 mile ride inspite of the fact we didn't hit 30 but then there is always Monday....Sunday we escape the community to do a long slow ride.

Beautiful Day in the Hood

It's a beatiful day here...



It was 64* this morning for my run, but once again I felt like crap! Hey I went to bed early after fixing myself a good dinner of grilled boneless pork chop, buttered noodles, steamed carrots and a tossed mixed green salad and one and only one glass of chardonay. I can cook!

Once again I didn't want to get out of bed. Is it depression? What do I have to be depressed about? melonoma/cancer or is it growing lypoma's like it's nothing, or is it a brain tumor or perhaps all of the above?

I went for my run anyway but was just a little late this morning, at the two mile mark I had trouble with my pace so I slowed down a bit and finished my 7 miles at a 9 min pace, ugh!

Well I live in paradise and like my mother said, before she lost her mind, you've always got your health! I think I'll go to the beach tonight to troll for sharks. I love open water swimming on the way home from work!

Distance Swim

Coming this weekend is a local favorite race the 8th Annual 24 mile Tampa Bay Marathon Swim Here's a brief except from their press relase:

CLEARWATER, FL--Another world-class field of marathon swimming stars will assemble for the Tampa Bay Marathon Swim on Saturday, April 16. The 24 mile swim race starts at 7:30am from the Sunshine Skyway at the Holiday Inn Sunspree Resort (800 227 8045) and ends at Ben T. Davis Beach on the Courtney Campbell Causeway. The race course covers the entire length of Tampa Bay and is held each year to celebrate Earth Day and the revitalization of Florida's largest estuary.

Since this event was first staged in 1998, it has drawn competitors from across the United States, Great Britain, Dominican Republic, Guatamala, Germany, India, Canada, and the Cayman Islands. A record fifty-seven participants have entered this year's event, either as soloists or as relay swimmers. Here are the twenty individual swimmers and the ten relay teams that will compete for honors:

I'm sure all of you want to do this race with me next year!

Windy Day

This mornings ride turned into a battle against the wind. There is a small cold front going through just north of Naples. This caused a slight breeze according to the weatherman, yea 18 knots! On the first loop I was able to do 16mph into the wind and 23 mph with the wind! It seemed like more into the wind than not...


As we started our second loop, Tony noticed his son was still waiting for the 6:10 am bus. At 7:30 the bus still hadn't arrived...It broke down and a replacement bus was on the way. So Tony had to drop out to take Chris to school soooo the second loop was alone into the wind! Not fun....



Flowers 

My flowers in the yard.

Sunset

Sunset 

I suppose everyone has one of those days. You know were you don't want to get out of bed. I didn't sleep well last nite, so when the TV went off and the coffee pot alarm sounded saying the coffee is ready, I wanted to go back to sleep.

In the words of Garfield, Why can't morning come later in the day? 5:30 am comes early! But I do have everything timed so I can get my training in so I pushed myself.... maybe I shouldn't but I did. Yea I know listen to your body so when it tells you to rest take a day off. But what about pushing yourself to new limits?

So it was a run day, I started out slower than usual but then it happened...right after a 1/2 mile, I turned the corner and there is another runner! Guy about my age not as good looking as me and runner is going my way. He doesn't say hi or wave or nothing...so I just follwed along behind him, nice pace. We are running in line and like a cyclist I'm drafting him...can you do that? Now we are running at an 8:10 pace. Surely he knows I'm there.

As we run along I see the usual people I say hi to in the morning. The shower girl taking her two large dogs for a walk..shower girl because she looks like she just got out of the shower threw on sweats and out the door with the dogs. The skinny lady and her husband...man is she thin...weird thin too, the walker ladies, the weights guy (he carries weights) and Chris in his red Vette going to work...but the runner doesn't acknowledge anyone...

So now at my 1 mile mark, I'm still behind the runner, macho kicks! Oh no in I've got pass him... I pick up the pace..hey he picks up the pace...now according to Timex Bodylinx 7:45. so we run along a little more, me just slightly behind but now to his side now.... I know he knows I'm there...he can hear me breathing... ok..my 2 mile mark...I started out to fast but that's what happens with mucho....did I tell you I'm tired, I didn't sleep well last nite?

Now it's time to pass the runner and look him square in the face and make him say HI! Increase pace to overtake and ....he stops! Dead stops... I go by and continue on to the end of the cul de sac we are on knowing he is watching me run by him so I have to maintain my pace because I'm going to turn around at the circle and run by runner again!

As I turn around and start back now my pace is causing pain... I look down the street and runner is gone! Vanished...poof gone!

So as I slow down my pace and run my final 5 miles I contemplate runner. who is he? where did he go? why didn't he say Hi or get off my a$$? HUH?

Did I mention I was tired? Now I'm really tired! I can't wait for sunset so I can go to bed!

Neat Car -btw right hand drive Rolls  I thought all the rich people in Naples went home. I saw this neat looking Rolls when I walked to the Post Office.

Missing Man Formation

Sunday's ride was the missing man formation






No not that missing man formation flown by F-16s, the Sunday bike ride was missing a man, Tony! I started out on my usual route expecting to find Tony alone the way. I even went to his house when I didn't meet up with him alogn the way, but no Tony. So I back tracked to the start of my route doing it over again and goin past my house one more time. Again no Tony. So I started my usual route that goes by Tony's house yet again. No Tony.

As I pasted his house the garage door was down and there were no signs of life at 7:30 am. So I just did my normal bike ride alone. I passed the joggers and walkers. Avoided a weaving biker who couldn't ride in a straight line becuase he was going to slow. I saw the road kill on the side of the road but no Tony.

I stopped at 30 miles only becuase I was bored riding alone around the same loops that we do every day. I had forgoten my cell phone (yea I know I promised to always take a cell phone) so I didn't escape the local compound.


So today, there on the very beginning of my daily 25 mile ride was Tony! He was out yesterday riding but couldn't find me. He even went the opposite way on our route but couldn't find me. He saw the same joggers and runners, even the same road kill but he could find me! The missing man formation of bike riding.


The Missing Man 


THIS WEAK IN REVIEW

Run: Tues 6 thurs 6 Sat 8 Total 20 miles
Bike Mon 25 Wed 25 Fri 25 Sun 30 Total 105
Swim NADA
Walk Sun 3 miles

Not great but it was something!

Who's In for $20?

Someone (jon) sent this Popapalooza 2005 brack pool. Who's in for $20?

Here Lies a Moron

I was thinking about what I don't want written on my tombstone....Here Lies a Mornon! What made me think about this is a book I'm reading "Deep Survival: Who Lives. Who Dies. and Why" by Laurence Gonzales.

In Gonzales chapter "Danger Zones", he uses Lambs Slide on the east side of Longs Peak in Colorado's Rock Mountain National Park as an example of a Danger Zone.



"Since the epic 1871 uncontrolled descent of Lambs Slide by the Reverend Elkannah Lamb, the accident has been repeated continually with results varying greatly from injury to death"

You see from below Lamb's Slide doesn't appear treacherous, it's not, UNTIL you're fully committed about one third of the way up. A perceived easy hike gets steeper and steeper until.... The accident results is so common it's called "Lost Footing. Couldn't Self-Arrest. Fell to Death or LFCSAFTD".

It's made me more aware of the Danger Zones I put my self in from time to time. Open water swim with no buddy. Riding long distances away from home with no identification or cell phone or even money. No one knowing where I went or even if I went. It's creating my own Danger Zones.

So since I don't want my tombstone to read "Here Lies a Moron" I'm going to work on not creating my own Danger Zones.

Timing

Timing 

It's all about timing.... Yesterday and today I've noticed a slight change. The tourist season which runs in Naples from Jan 15 to April 15 closed early this year. A lot of our "snowbirds" went home early for Easter. Remember it's all about timing...Easter was early this year, March 27, they change it every year unlike Christmas, it is always Dec. 25th. I'm always confused about the timing of Easter but never Christmas.

So since Easter was early, a lot of the snowbirds went home early. This means the traffic jams due to the snowbirds going to breakfast and tee times when I'm driving to work, or the snowbirds going to the early bird dinner specials before dark when I'm driving home has lessened. The timing of their departure has left the roads with less traffic.

But enter timing.... Yesterday I noticed a change in timing! The Naples City Fathers changed the timing of the traffic lights. Since snowbird season is over, the lights are now on a summer timing schedule. You know summer? Summer is when no one is in Naples due to the heat and humidity, except us poor working people. Therefore in the summer there is no traffic at all.

But it's not summer! It's April and there are a few tourist, rich people and other non-working people. People who went home for Easter and came back on their private jets, or came via the airlines, or, God forbid, drove back. So the timing of the timing change was the WRONG TIME!

This morning it took me three, take the time to count them, one, two, three light changes to get thru the intersection. The timing is messed up! And not just one intersection but 4! It has never happened like this until yesterday and now today. The timing of the lights is short...two or three cars can get thru....TIMING!

So next year, please change the timing of Easter rather than the timing of the lights!

Health Update

Inquiring minds want to know.....

So I went to the brain surgeon yesterday. Even with calling ahead to check on the waiting time in the waiting room I still had to wait 90 minutes to see him.

The answer is...well we don't know what it is.

THE GOOD NEWS

1. we are pretty sure it's not growing... but we will check again in 3 months.

2. we are pretty sure it is not an AVM all though it looks like an AVM but with the MRA it doesn't have a blood supply...so no AVM..we think.

3. we are pretty sure it is a cyst but it doesn't have a regular shape, actually it looks like a collection of holes in the brain kinda like an AVM, it doesn't appear to have fluid in it....just a hole

4. we are pretty sure it is not pushing on any sections of the brain...but it might be.

5. we are pretty sure it is not cancer, it didn't "light-up" on the pet scan but it could still be a slow growing giloma or the beginning of a melanoma...we will test again in 3 months.

6. we are pretty sure it's been there a long time perhaps all your life, but we are not sure.

So let me get this straight, it's not cancer, not an avm, not a tumor, it could be a cyst but it doesn't have fluid or shape.... right! It's just weird!

THE BAD NEWS

1. we think you should just leave it alone and watch it. we will test again in 3 months.

2. biopsy would be bad news since it doesn't have a regular shape and is in a hard to work on area of the brain.

3. removal would probly be impossile because it has no regular shape and brain tissue would be removed as well.

4. it might be the beginning of a giloma or melanoma...we will test in 3 months.

But what about the headaches, dizzy spells, ringing in the ears, stiff neck, etc...

we don't think it is coming from this.... so let's see a neurologist. It's just weird.

So April 18th another doctor.

Olivia Orchid

Orchids 

This morning I counted the blooms on Olivia Orchid. She has 40 blooms all total! I bought her last year from Publix, the local Florida grocery store. She has bloomed 4 times since I rescued her, of course she gets fed and watered every week to ten days. I guess I'm a little nuts naming my plants.

Well today is the big day! WHOHOO! I see my doctor to get some answers to my questions. I still am trying to get an understanding of this brain tumor. What does it mean going forward? Do I need surgery since they have told me it is in a dangerous spot? Why do I have blurry vision, headaches, stiff neck, whistling in my ears, and get confused from time to time? Questions.... What about exercise and bumping my head? Roller coasters? Fast cars?

Today was a bike day. While I usually meet Tony after I have warmed up, he once again was no where to be found! He over slept!!!! UGH! I guess with the time change and he's getting older...8 years younger than the Oldman.

Tony appeared coming the opposite way on the straight away like a fighter pilot coming out of the sun.

Today:

Bike 28 miles, ave speed 18.6
Swim tonight..Maybe.

Doctors update... the doctors office called to say the brain surgeon is in brain surgery...and of course running late! My 1:40 appointment is now scheduled for 4:15! They want a 6:45. I think I need a different doctor since my appointment last week was canceled to today and now pushed back. Wait! Next they will call to cancel totally!

St. Anthony's

Well I spoke via telephone, since I'm having a hard time seeing straight while I drive or work or ride my bike and have had a headache off and on since my last MRI, with my brain surgeon. He doesn't want me to do St. Anthony's. I'm not surprised since I just got over my last surgery to remove a tumor (3rd surgery) from my back.... BTW I have a new one growing on the site of second surgery.

So what should I do. I paid my monies... other than swimming I've been training ok... Should I say he$$ with it I'm doing it anyway?

Needless to say I'm bummed out.... having cancer & brain tumors at the same time sucks!

Weekend Update

This weekend saw a weather change. What started out on Friday night with high humid and clear skies gave way to rain on Saturday morn and windy cold weather on Sunday.

If you don't like Florida weather, just wait a few minutes it will change.

Saturday I had scheduled a brick...20 mile ride 10 mile run. When I got up Saturday morning, it was raining lightly with thunder off in the distance, like cannon fire on a distant battlefield. So I decided to for get the ride and just run. Of course I left all of my "electronics" at home with the exception of the Heart Rate Monitor.

At the two mile mark the heavens opened with a clash of lightening and thunder! I found my self running thru a Florida car wash. It wasn't one of those warm summer rains.
No it was a cold drenching down pour. I just kind of plodded along with my head down to protect my eyes forms the stinging rain. At the four mile mark, I felt I had enough punishment for the day and went back tot he house. So best laid plans goes out the window...Total run 4.5 miles...

Sunday was a cold and windy morning. With the time change it was even harder to get out of bed. I went to met up with Tony after my 5 mile warm up, but no Tony. His bike was in front of his house, the garage door was open, but no Tony. He went inside to wait for me and fell asleep! So I rode 30 miles in the windy cold air by myself. No fun!

RAT PATROL UPDATE

I found another dead rat in the trap...He was starting to smell..This was Saturday. Then Sunday I found another dead rat.... UGH. I put screens on the ends of the downspouts. I've heard them inside the gutters. I also plugged two spots that I though they might be coming in with foam. I didn't hear anything last night.

WEAKLY TOTALS

run 16 miles
bike 75 miles
swim - nada

Start of the Week

Monday started off cold again. Even colder than yesterday. 53* and it was dark at 6:30. Ugh. Even so Tony jumped in today and we did our 25 mile loop. When I finished my fingers were numb and the hot shower felt real good. Since I have to walk to the bank at lunch time there will be no swimming.

Headaches, Rats and other stuff

I've been trying to keep up my regular training schedule this week but everything has been against me. Mondays schedule 25 mile ride was shortened due to a down pour. Now I don't mind riding in the rain but the rain was stinging me like bees stings as hit it my skin. The golf course lightening alarm went off indicated in should head for cover. Can you get struck by lightening on a bike with rubber tires? So I cut the ride short since Tony didn't show up. 15 miles in the he pouring rain is enough.

Tuesdays run while hot and humid was some what uneventful. I did 5 miles. While crossing the street at the turn around point a car came danerously close to me. Since I run in the street usually against traffic this is the one point where I am going with traffic. I had my Rio playing loud so I didn't hear or see him coming. After he went by, he had to stop at the circles stop sign then a landscaping truck was blocking his path. I was able to get along side of him and scare him by thumping on his car.

Tuesday was also the MRI day. I had to go to the NASA office for an MRI of my brain with contrast but unlike the MRI's I've had done at Radiology Regional, this time they didn't start an IV but shot the dye straight into a vein in my arm. For some reason I've now had a headache on the left side of my head...that is where the tuor is located... Some times it hurts worse than others but the pain is still there.

Wednesday another ride day started bad. I went into the garage to pump up Roo's tires when I heard a strange noise. Thump, thump, thump in the garage's attic. I have rats invading the attic and have set traps so I thought I caught a rat or perhaps a squirrel. It was on the hatch for the pull down stairs. so I had to get the half dead RAT out of the attic, reset the trap...get cleaned up then ride..so I was only able to do 15 again! UGH

Wednesday was also a brain EEG day! So after work I went back to NASA for a brain wave test. The tech put little thingies on my head and two on my arms to measure brain activity and heart rate. She showed me the nice squigglie lines it made..so my brain works even with a large tumor! I celebrated the fact that my brain was working by having a pizza! No beer...whats with that?

Thursday was a run day and inspite of waking up with my headache I though if I ran it would go away. So I took a bottle water and ran 7 miles. I felt pretty good and have a 8:30 pace. But when I got done I still had the headache! I attended a meeting until 9:00 pm about the growth in our community. We have 30 new homes sold every week. There has been permits issued for 10 million square feet of commercial real estate to be build, including a mixed use mall!

Friday was a ride day. Feeling pretty good I met up with Tony after a 5 mile warm up. We rode 25 mile together at a 18.6 mph pace. Tony said I was going to fast so he let me pull most of the time.

So now as I write this my headache is back. I think it was the dye they used. UGH!

I'm thinking about doing a brick tomorrow. That is a ride and a run. I'm thinking about riding 25 miles then running ten. Let's see how I feel especially since I have to Rat proof the house to keep the rats out!

Storm Coming 

Persistence

Today it was Tony's turn for a flat! As I started my ride this morning, I noticed there was glass on our circle from the recycling collection on Monday. It glass was is neat round "pools" as if the bottles had been broken and then poured out into the street. The pools were close to edge so when Tony joined me on the ride I told him to stay to the center of the road to avoid the pools of glass.

But those Englishmen don't listen to us Yanks. Tony loves the edge of the road often times hugging the left side of the road rather than the right. He also get up my right side during the ride. So I wasn't surprised when he got ahead of me on the circle and then stopped. A piece of glass was stuck in his tire. Unfornately for me he had no spare tube, so with my tube and Co2 we fixed his flat and off we went..This time Tony stayed in the middle of the road.

Palm Sunday

I feel my recent training is going welll. If I could just stay away from the doctors and surgeons, I would be able to train more. Saturday was my first time swimming this year since my surgery on my shoulder. It felt good to get back into the pool even though it was a short 1/2 hour work out. My surgery site was a little sore but no big deal. So my weakly totals look like this:

Bike 90 miles
Run 17 miles
Swim 1,500 yards

I went for my usual Sunday ride and met up with Tony. At about 7 miles into the ride I remembered it was Palm Sunday, duh! So I just did 1 loop and stopped at 15 miles. I had just enough time to get home, shower and make it to church. I was surprise that while there were a lot of people at church it wasn't packed. I guess next Sunday I better plan better and be to church early.

My goals for this week are:

1. Eat better. I think I'm over eating especially in the morning. So this week I want to eat better and more balanced food. Salads, veggies, etc.

2. Consistent Training - I found I was a lot faster today on my Monday ride. Actually I pulled most of the time for Tony. He said I was setting an awful pace for w Monday. When the ride ended our ave pace was 18.4 so I'm going to try to keep my ride speed above 18 this week.

3. Swim - I want to get more swims in but I just don't know when. Other than I'm off on Friday I don't know when I'll have pool time. Swim Friday, Sat and Sunday?

St. Patty's Day

Happy St. Patty's Day!


Since I grew up in a Protestant and English we never celebrated St. Patty's Day. Rather my father would wear yellow for St. Shellie, who's day is celebrated by Englishman on March 18! Dad would always say it's going to rain on St. Patty's Day because "St. Shellie always pees on Patty!"

Well it is raining today and I ran 7 mile sin the rain. I feel a little tired and lack motivation today. Perhaps it is because I'm seeing a new doctor today. I'm seeing Dr.Henn a neurosurgeon in Ft. Myers. Hopefully he will tell me something about the thingie in my brain.

Ugh

Well I fix the flat tire last night. It wasn't what I thought it was originally. I thought it was the value system not accepting air. But it was in fact a large puncture which allowed the air to escape faster than I could put it in! Sooo I tried a nice patch but that literally blew off...So it was a new Continential tube. Once the new tube was in place, everything else went smoothly. It was still up this morning.


NEW PROBLEM

Today while taking my shower, well after the actual shower, I was looking at myself in the mirror (yes it's a guy thing) and there on my back is another tumor beginning! It wasn't there three weeks ago when I saw the surgeon for the surgery follow-up from removing the tumor on my shoulder blade. It wasn't there last week when I saw my dermatologist for a "full-body" scan. But it's there now! I can't believe it just as I'm getting ready to swim again and now this one!

BRAIN PROBLEM

As you know, I saw Dr. Lusk the nuerosurgeon. He is sending me for a second opinion because he's not really sure about his opinion and wants to 1. run up my bill and 2. get some one to agree with him. 3. hope some one has an idea about the thing in my brain. Of course he's hoping for a cyst and not a glioma.

Last night a doctor that works with Eric who is a nuerosurgeon called. He suggested that I go to Gainesville, Florida to see a team of doctors. But he doesn't work like I do and I have limited resources to chase down docs. So what to do. Maybe tomorrow will be the answer when I have my second opinion visit.

Would you believe???? DEARS!

Another FLAT! Yup I rode yesterday pumping up the tire as usual when I got home from work last night the tire (of course the read tire) was FLAT. What's with this? So...Tonight it's inspect the tire, rim etc....

When I went to run this morning, as I walked out the garage I notice the trash can that put out last night was GONE. The lid was there but the trash can full of trash was gone. I called our crack security team that patrols the neighborhood to report a missing trash can and I was told it was animals...Yea what bear takes the whole trash can with him?

So it turns out it was the little DEARS...You know "Oh not my little dear grandchild on spring break would take your trash can and drag it 8 houses down the street. Not my little dear he wouldn't pick-up said trash can full of garbage and throw it into the brand new Lincoln Continental sitting in the driveway. Not my dear!"

Animals!

The "little dears" also ripped up signs and destroyed some other property as well in the community. Maybe not dear on spring break but somebody's "little dears".

Weekend Update

I went to ride on Friday and had another flat. What's with the flats? I'm wondering if I'm doing something with the flor pump when I add air before each ride. It seems I can't get air into the tube. Perhaps I've bent or damaged the stem?

Saturday was a very nice day. I was suppose to run 10-12 miles. However, at the 5 mile mark I felt a little out of sorts. I took Cliff Shot which helped for the next 2 miles but then at 8 miles I decided to stop. Why push and get hurt?

Sunday was a ride day. Of course Saturday night was our dinner for eight so I got to bed late plus I had some wine with dinner! So Sunday I didn't want to get up as I had planned at 6:oo am. I slept late until 7:04 ! Tony was no able to ride so it was an LSD ride alone. Since I was alone and a little tireed from partying the night before I did 30 miles and stopped.

Good Week Training

It has been a good week here in Lake... Oh that's another story. I've had a good week training, which usually means a bad week is coming. Monday was a ride day with Tony, he was back from sin city. We did our Monday 25 miles. I felt pretty good at the end.

On Tuesday, a run day, I ran in a light rain. Of course I wore long tights, long shirt, a jacket and hat...It was one of those cold Florida mornings (42*). I was able to do 8 miles at a 10 minute per mile pace.

Wednesday, a ride day, it was raining cats and dogs! It was raining to hard to take the "Steel Monster" with her fat tires for a spin soooo it was off to the fitness center for a ride on the stationary bike. I rode for 50 minutes, that's all of the mindless spinning I could do. Since it is different that a real bike, my muscles were a little sore. I guess it's good to use those different muscles from time to time.

Thursday, another run day, it was clear and cool so with long sleeve shirt and shorts I ran 7 miles in 74 minutes. I guess I need the colder weather to go 8 miles. Tony called me on my cell on the way to the office to tell me he was sick and wouldn't be out on Friday and Sunday's LSD ride was up in the air.

Friday I found a flat tire on Roo. This is the 4th flat since Jan 1! I couldn't get air into the tube so I'm wondering if I'm doing something with the pump when I pump up the tires each day. So I changed the tube and was out the door for a 20 mile ride. I wanted to do 25 but I would have been late to the office.

The weekend plans are 12 mile run on Saturday should be about 2 hours. On Sunday I'm planning on a 60 mile ride, hopefully Tony will be able to ride. ]

Next week I'm going to start swimming again! Whoahooo! My suregery site on my back is healed enough that I think I can start swimming. I wonder how long it will take to be able to do 1/2 mile with out stopping.

Good News vs. Bad News

I had another MRI done on Monday. the Brain Surgeon wanted it done on the same machine as I had my first MRI, however somehow that got screwed up I spent Friday and most of early Monday morning trying to get it corrected. After much effort, I got the MRI done.

Wednesday I saw the Brain Surgeon. His news was mixed...I've got good news and I've got bad news. The good news is the tumor/cyst is not growing. It is still the size of a golf ball and apparently has no blood supply therefore not growing!

So on to the bad news! We spoke about removing it. I have had a lot of people that have wanted me to go to a major hospital or a teaching university hospita i.e. University of Penn in Philly or Emory Hospital in Atalnta. The Brain Surgeon reminded me that surgeons make money by operating...he said if you go to a university or teaching hospital the first thing the will do is operate. Since it is in the frontal lobes of the brain when your done you will be like a lobotomy patient "smiling a lot more". He said there is no reason to operate at the present time and there is no ethical surgeon who would attempt to remove it locally since it is in a difficult area of the brain.

The other bad news is that we can't rule out that it is a glioma. Glioma is a fast growing cancer! However since it didn't show up on the PET Scan it is a 20% chance that is is a glioma. So 80% chance that it is a cyst, 20% chance that it is a glioma. I'll bet on the 80!

So on to more testing....that's the other way doctors in Florida make money.... I'm scheduled for an EEG Brain Wave test and another MRI both at the end of the month. Then another meeting with the Brain Surgeon.

Late breaking update!

I have been a little remiss in update the blog for the past month. I guess because I don't have a lot of good numbers to post. My training was off due to my health and the weather. However this week I have feel like I've been running much better. I ran 7.5 miles yesterday and I'm planning a 12 miler for tomorrow.

The other day while running a tractor towing a trailer pasted me. On the trailer was a large vacuum cleaner labeled HPV... High Power Vacuum! Now tell me why do we have to use initials for everything these days? I'm using the HPV to clean the PWW (Pedestrian Walk Way) or use the HPV to clean out the SUV?

Well the sun has finally come out and it will warm up a little for the weekend.

Rain, rain go away..... 

Rain

The weatherman lied. Again! He said it wasn't going to rain until the weekend. But this morning at 4:30 am I was awakened by the sound of a downpour. The was raining cats and dogs. The only good thing about the rain is that I don't have to fill the pool with water ( I think it has a leak).

Tony and I had planed to do our usual Friday morning 25 mile ride after fixing my flat. But it was just raining to hard to leave the garage. I did fix the flat. Last nite stopped by Clint's Bike Shop to get a new tube. Clint gave me a free replacement tube since he found the "pinch" in my tube. Apparently he pinched the tube in between the rim and the tire causing my leaky tube. But now it's fixed.

Since I had the time but couldn't ride, I went to the fitness center and ran on a dreadmill. Only 5 miles. That's all I could stand in the 45 minutes I had. Ugh I hate running indoors. I was hoping to ride tonight when I get home, but alas it's still raining..not hard but hard enough to make a miserable ride home in the rain.

It isn't suppose to rain in Florida during the dry season only during rainy season and then on time. You see during rainy season it rains every day for about 30 minutes at 3 or 4 pm. It never rains all day unless it's a hurricane. I can't remember the last time it rained all day other than Hurricane Charlie. Speaking of Charlie, they finally came and fixed our roof damage from Charlie. Not that it was leaking, just missing roof tiles.

Well it off to fight the rain and the traffic...Ugh

Rant - another flat tire

Well I have the worst luck with tubes! I took Roo to the shop last week to get her ready for another year of riding. It was her 5,000 mile check up.! So new tires, new tubes, new chain, and cassette and I'm home with her Friday. I take her for a ride on Sat...After the feel test of the tires I decide air is not needed so I happily ride her. Sunday morning time for my ride with Tony...and I feel test the tires and decide air is in order so 110 lbs in both tires. Good ride...back home wipe down Roo... and so on to Monday. I go to ride feel test the tires and the rear is FLAT.... no air. Ok go to pump up the tire...it will not take air.... after ten minutes of trying... I change the tube using my spare but alas it is a short stem which is to short for my deep V rims and I struggle to get air in tube but finaly it works good ride. Now today I go to ride feel test the tires and the rear is flat...and I can't get air into the stem because it's to short and slips into the V..... UGH... I ride the Steel Monster.

Riding the Steel Monster is ok when your alone because you can do your own pace. But today Tony was on time and I had to jump in without warming up, all upset about the flat, and do 18 mph. About 5 miles out my left quad starts to ache, not overuse pain but using it different pain. I push harder to keep up with Tony. As we go to the flats straight-a-way I struggle to keep 23 with Tony drafting me...my legs are aching. One the second loop I fall behind and just plain hurt. Finaly 25 miles... I'm ready to stop. So much for conditioning!

Well I plan on taking the "new"tube back and asking WTF?

O BTW... I have my stitched taken out today at 3:30 and I just got a call from my oncoogist's office, they set-up a second opinion for me with another brain surgeron...but not the guy I wanted. Now I'm working to get the guy I want after all its my brain....

Pres Day Off

I had Monday, Presidents Day off since the markets were closed. So other than prepare my will since I'm looking at brain surgery in March, I had nothing better to do than take a long ride on my bike. Tony rode with me for the first two loops (10 miles each) and dropped out since he had to work. I rode another loop by myself and felt sufficently tired so..that was it!

Totals for Last Week Ending Sat:

Bike: 50 miles
Run: 7 miles

It was a little off due to my back surgery on Tuesday to remove another tumor. I get the stitches out this coming Friday. I will not be able to swim though for another 3 weeks.

Here's a Picture of Roo...My bike all clean and shiny. She just got new tires, chain and cassette. I took her to Clint's Bike Shop in Naples for her 5,000 mile check up. The only problem was when I went to ride her on Saturday, the rear tire was flat. UGH...a new tube gone bad!

While Roo was in the shop on Friday, I rode the "Steel Monster" for my regular Friday ride of 25 miles. I was surprised on the straight-a-way I was able to get her to 24 mph. While it's not 30 mph (our goal) it was fast for the Steel Monster! I guess it's right it's not the bike but the rider!

Sunday Tony and I did our regular ride of 40 miles, all though I really didn't feel like riding. I would have much preferred to stay in bed asleep.

Just a little ketchup!

I have been in a bit of a funk so I have failed to update my blog, sorry about that. Since the half marathon I've been keeping a some what modified training schedule. It's been cold in the mornings, well cold by Florida standards, so I have lacked motivation. Last week I was able to ride three days for a total of 75 miles and I ran twice for a total of 12 miles. I had my friends Jerry and Ginger come down for 6 days, so that interrupted training as well.

So this week. I was able to ride 25 miles Monday with Tony, it was a pleasant ride except I'm having trouble with my chain. I think it is stretched and needs replacing. Well it has 4,000 miles on it! I took Roo (my bike Quintanna Roo Tequilo) to the shop yesterday and will have her back on Friday.

Tuesday I had my surgery. My friend Jerry was suppose to take me but he had the flu so Ginger went instead. Thanks Ginger. It was 7:30 am since I like to be the first case when everyone is awake. They gave me general anesthesia so I was in the OR form 8:30 to 11:00 and got home at 1:00. They took a golf ball size growth out with a little muscle too. I worked at home the rest of the day.

Wednesday I ran 2 miles light, since the doctor said no strenuous exercise and no riding my bike. I went to work but wished I hadn't since felt so bad by noon.

Today... Hey I ran another light 2 miles...I had a little difficulty figuring out what day it was... I hope it's not the thingie in my brain but just my wackiness.