Back to the Routine

The past couple of weeks were out of sorts for us with Jake's school play and then spring break and folks all going their own ways. Now it seems we are back to a routine schedule, which is my comfort zone. For many years I tried to convince myself I am a 'fly by the seat of your pants' personality, but for some time now I have come to grips that I need a schedule/routine and I get cranky when outside of it; needless to say Deb is glad I am back to a schedule.

Yesterday I worked with the high school jumpers, then a quick drop in to watch my neice's WinterGuard performance - fun to watch her doing what she like and is good at, then finished up with Ian's basketball practice, which I help coach.

Today I head out early from work to make Jake's first track meet of the year. He is again running varsity on the 4x400, 4x800, and the open mile. He is hoping for a good opener, but admits his legs are a little lagging after last week's ski trip; I think he'll be solid. He has shown some impressive foot speed leading up to this and likes the potential to be a full time 4x400 member. Distance and middle-distance athletes in SWMO are top notch and it will be good to watch our boys (Bolivar HS) progess through the system.

The picture is of us this past January in Memphis after a 16mile trail race; it was an awesome day. He is now hooked on trail running.

Fitness: Yesterday I felt pretty decent after Sunday's race so I played 1 1/2 hrs of basketball with the crew at SBU. This is not your usual group of middle-aged guys getting together to 'get a little exercise', this is NOON-BALL! Typically 12 or so guys who get after it every play at a pretty high level of skill and have no intention on lossing a game. I equate it to a solid run interval session. I usually leave pretty whipped, but feeling refreshed and yesterday was no different.

I got on the trainer for an hour this morning for an easy spin at high cadence to loosen the legs for a strenght workout tonight and hopefully 2hrs of solid riding tomorrow (weather dependent on morning or afternoon ride time). I really like (and look forward to) the strenght workouts as I am feeling much more power than the past years. I have noticed differences on the mtb, but am looking forward to a couple crits to see the benefits.

Sunday at the Races

This week was round 2 of mtb racing in MO. Ira and I met Scott in Lebanon and headed toward Council Bluff Lake for the Rim Wrecker. Forecast the days before focused on the blizzard to end all creation (well maybe not, but it was supposed to dump on us) and in Bolivar and Lebanon there was hardly a sciff of the white stuff. It was certainly cold out, but it appeared we missed the nasty stuff as all roads were clear. As we passed though Salem and heading east we noticed the significant increase of snow and by the time we parked at CBL there was 4" on the ground (and the trees, but more on that later). The 4" was on top of the tons of rain the place got the day before and the temps were rising so that meant even more water/moisture on the trail. None of us had ridden the 12 1/2 mile loop before so for the second week in a row we were going blind.


After diliberation we decided it was time to get the bikes down, suit up, and get this over with. During this process the winds picked up and some sun was peeking through which caused another round of monster snow fall... from the trees. Huge amounts pelted the beginners/marathoners on the course and folks getting ready for their events. It was pretty interesting to watch. Clothing selection was difficult as it was supposed to get warmer as the day progressed, but for now it was still chilly and we were told there were numerous creek crossings (which was an uderstatement). I started with leg warmers and no vest, but after a quick warm up I went with regular kit with arm warmers, full tights, vest, ear warmers, and seal skin socks (nice choice for most of the course).


Scott went off first then Ira and I a minute later (they combined the start of all sport racers). This was my first real test in longer singletrack at race pace and I made a promise to myself not to try to match Ira, or anyone else with better skills, and ride at my ability level. The course throughout was awesome singletrack with a little double thrown in. 1/2 of the course of mud/water slop and the back sections looked like it had never seen a drop on it- pretty weird stuff. While I didn't ride great I kept it pretty steady and handled the manuvering pretty good through a challenging course. The creek crossings were numerous (which kept the drive train rinsed), deep, and freezing. My Seal Skin socks worked great for most of the course, but got in a couple deep spots that dumped it in from the top (and then once in the barrier system does a great job of not releasing it - double edge sword of sorts). Full mud was the look of the day, but it wasn't the sticky type which kept me fully shifting without problems all race. I am still a rim-break guy so it was challenging getting the rig to stop/slow down for most of the tight stuff.


I got a pretty good start and was 5th or 6th into the singletrack and quickly watched Ira and a couple others slip away. He is silky smooth when it comes to singletrack. I quickly got into my pace/groove and while I had moments of stupidity in line choice I felt decent for most of the event. An interesting thing about this mtb series is that everyone races on time and not number of laps so the cut off to start another lap is 1hr 30min (if you are there before you go again, show up after your race is done). Lap times was discussed before the start and estimated the 1:30 mark would be close, but most would make it for a second loop. I talked with the guy who won my race last week at the start and we decided that if we were off the front again and close to the 1:30 mark I would concede the win and take second (never really thought this would be an issue). So here I am with 12 miles done and looking at the time; not so much to push the pace, but to see if I dragged enough butt I wouldn't have to go out again (not exactly race mode, I know). I was confident I was in second place with a decent gap (no idea where 1st was) to 3rd and considered myself lucky that everything on the bike was still functioning great. I rolled up to the start/finish area at 1:28 to find 1st place waiting for me (he showed up at 1:27). We talked and neither seemed interested in going another 1:30 hours in the slop so I stuck with what I told him earlier and took second.


Scott had played the same card as I and was already changing at the truck. Turns out he raced a tw0-speed bike for most of the course (big and middle ring with no shifting in the rear) and finished 3rd 35+ expert (pay day was 2 deep). Ira, on the other hand, came through at 1:25 and was afraid a couple guys in his division were close behind so he went out for another loop. 3:07 was his final race time and he bagged another win - no sandbagging there, just another solid ride and a nice bottle of rasberry Hammer.


All in all it was a good day. I felt a little flat during the race and couldn't mentally find the fire to go as hard as I did the week before. It think it was a combination of the late hours (stupid CofD), a touch of Ian's cold (which is worse this morning), and mostly a lack of desire to ride another 12 1/2 mile lap in those conditions.


April 19th is the Tick race so I am looking for three weeks of solid riding. I am back to having fun on the bike (the most I have had in a long time) and enjoying not hauling my butt around a 12-24 hr AR course - those days are getting farther and farther in the distance.

All In The Family

Jake and g-pa Appleby snuck back home Saturday evening, earlier than expected. They were tired, but in a great mood. It's obvious these two really enjoy their time together... but enough of that, my boy is back home!

We had a semi-quiet rest of the evening as Deb and I kept smiling at each other enjoying having the crew all together. Deb made some southwestern soup that hit the spot on the chilly evening and we listened to Jake give us the play by play of his trip. He skipped the soup and pulled out a 'take home' sack out of the fridge and low and behold heated up some Gates bbq. I asked what he brought me and I got some lame response about him being back and to stop eyeing his Gates. I always make it a point to bring Gates back to him when passing through KC, but I got hosed on this trip.

Ian is still a little on the sickly side and I felt some of it one me most of Saturday and much more on Sunday.

One DOWN and One to Go

Ian came back last night and brought a fever and sore throat with him. I woke up this morning to him throwing up flem. He is in a great mood and while on meds he seems to feel decent. He had a great time with g-pa and g-ma Jones in KC. My mom made some great seek and find games for the kids while in transit and at museums and that falls right in line with Ian's compulsive tendencies... task oriented! Ian was stoked with MU's win last night and also enjoying the fact that my Blue Devils got shelled.

Deb and I had a great 5 days of 'just us' time. We didn't do anything of great significance (outside of living room eating, which is off limits with the kids) and that was perfect by us. I love time with my boys, but I even more so long for time just with my girl; it was quality through and though.

Jake called last night and he is having a great time with g-pa Appleby. Those two always come back from their trips better pals then ever.

This morning Deb and I split time at work and during my time home Ian put a butt kicking on me in Madden '08 (in overtime) and I introduced him to Call of Duty 4 (which was promptly stopped by Deb - appearently she doesn't think an 8yr old should be inflicting blood spirting even though he was on the verge of saving the world from nuclear destruction... but I digress). I got Jake's new stereo put in the Rodeo, Deb is detailing the interior today, so all that is left is replacing the two dinged bumpers and he'll have his rig ready to roll when he gets back. All in all, we are getting off cheap by letting him have the Rodeo and he is very appreciative.

Got to bed just after 10pm last night so the intervention is working and I am feeling rested.

Fitness: Today is a 2hr steady/high cadence spin on the rollers. I wouldn't mind getting outside even though it is turning cold again, but I like the consistancy on the rollers for what I am doing today; watching The Punisher for this one (I catch up on tons of movies during roller/trainer time).

Talked with Ira and we are on for Sunday's Rim Wrecker no matter the conditions and will have to wait for the call from Scott in the 11th hour to see what he is going to do... sigh. In his defense I am sure those Cat 1 licenses are fragile (much like their owners - HA!) and can't be dirtied up. Dogwood was cancelled so hopefully it will help for a high turnout at RW.

One DOWN One to Go

Literally, one down. Ian got home last night from his trip with g-pa and g-ma Jones and had this little cough and fever. This morning I wake up to the sounds of him puking up flem and his fever is way up. We got some meds in him and he's back to resting (but not before the night's basketball scores were discussed). Sick or not it's good to have him home.

Jake called last night and they are having a great time (which he always does with his g-pa Appleby). He gets back Sunday.

Fitness: looking for 2hrs on the bike today and will probably end up being on the trainer since I will be home with Ian for part of the day as Deb and I swap out at work (Deb and I work together with my brother Jim - just the three of us).

STUPID!!!!!

That pretty much sums up my day as I have been in a fog and can't seem to shake it. Last night after shopping (and buying) a bed room set in the SPR I picked up the crack pipe and sucked the heck out of it until 2am. Deb swears she called for me at midnight and at 1am, but I was deep in the middle-east trying to save my platoon from certain disaster... oh yes, another late night of Call of Duty 4. I got up this morning and am hating life and that game (until later tonight when I power up again). I desperately need 8hrs of sleep every night and I am not worth crap if I don't get it.

Deb and I chowed down at Maria's last night and hit every furniture store in town before settling on one that has Deb still smiling. She has wanted this for so long and I am glad it all worked out. Deb picked up the paint so we have our plans now set for Saturday.

Ian comes home tonight and I imagine there will be a lot of hoops and maybe some Madden '08. Talked to Jake this morning and he is having a good time with grandpa. He thought is was funny how late I stayed up seeing how I am harping on him to always get to bed. Looking forward to seeing him on Sunday.

Nothing serious on the fitness side today except for a little upper body strenghtening. I am learning more and more about rest days and their value.

Watched the James Bond movie last night and it was pretty good. Of course I have never met a JB movie I didn't like. Fired up the grill and threw a couple pizzas on for dinner - good stuff. Deb and I hit the gym then I made the fatal mistake at 9pm... decided I would play just a couple minutes of Jake's new x-box 360 game, Call of Duty 4. A little after midnight I had to put down the crack pipe and force myself away from the best war game I have ever played. Even now I can still hear it calling to me; now I understand the torture Smeagol endured.

Deb worked a little paint voodoo and came up with a great color for the living room so the painting will commence soon.

Jake call, as did Ian, and both are having a great time. It's funny how Deb's dad has to reprogram himself to life with a teenager EVERY year; he doesn't move fast or communicate well until after 10am, the earliest...

Fitness: (Yesterday) Got in a hour on the trainer in the AM just to loosen the legs and Deb and I hit the gym in the evening for a little cardio (her) and an intense strength leg workout (me).

(Today) Slept in (results of Call of Duty 4) this AM and got 1 1/2 hrs of riding at lunch with 5 x 1min intervals x 3. Temp was chilly, but not as cold as what is on its way. Nothing too big as I still felt last night's strength workout and would like to feel decent for this weekend's mtb #2. Will work a little core stuff while playing some more Duty this evening.

Dwars door... the Quick Step crew are incredible in the spring. They selflessly give the race to whomever can get the job done just as long as QS wins.

Lost Valley MTB

This past weekend Ira, Scott, and I jumped in the Red Wagon and made our mtb season debute at STL's Lost Valley event. Always a good time traveling with these guys as the conversation isn't too deep and time passes quickly (with the exception of Scott talking about his coveted Cat1 license - HA!). Since I brought it up, he must be one heck of a stud rider to get one of those as I am sure they just don't hand those out without rhyme or reason... or do they?!

Ira and I stuck with the Sport class (he 30-39 and I 40-49) and Scott 35+ Expert. This event was not at all what I was expecting as it was more like a dirt circuit race on fire roads with two sections of singletrack (thank goodness as my mtb skills are lame). Ira dominated his event, I snuck in a 2nd place, and Scott placed mid-pack with way faster lap times the both Ira and I.

I found myself off the front of my group with a strong guy from STL and we worked the fire roads really well together. I had a bit of misfortune as I snapped a chain half way through the event and eventually made my way through the field to finish 2nd around 3min behind first place. The guy I was with was great when my chain went as I had no tool and he dropped me his. John, THANKS! All in all I was pretty happy how the bike performed and my general fitness. Next weekend is Rim Wrecker, which is mostly single track so it will give me a better perspective on how I will fair in a real mtb event (not a dirt crit). I thought about going to the Dogwood RR, but I am liking the mtb for now. Soon enough I will be crit racing again (only 4 years or so off).

Jake is off skiing with Deb's dad in Colorado and Ian is with my mom & dad in KC for the week. Jake called today and said it was 12*, but the snow was falling. Deb and I don't know what to do with our quiet home... well, I'm sure we will figure out some things to do as I already got some of the list: 1) repaint living room/hallway 2) find new bedroom furniture 3)...

Jake turned 16 yesterday and I really didn't care for him being gone. He will probably never realize just how much I love having him near, but I try to let him know every chance I get. It is the same with Ian (who is 8), but it hits me more with Jake knowing we have only a couple years left of him being home full-time.

Track practice was pretty good and I am looking forward to watching one of the kids high jump; he has an incredible amount of potential. Just a quick catch up: I work with the Bolivar High School track & field jumpers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It gives me an alterior motive to be at the track and watch Jake run.

My brother Jim is coming over tonight for dinner and then we all are watching the new James Bond movie. He is batching it while his crew is out of town so why not help out a brother (literally).

Bolivar, We Have Lift Off

Why do I feel a need to blog my routine days here in PC (Polk County)? I have no clue but it seems the thing to do so here I go following everyone else off the cliff. Honestly, for what is worth, I see it as documentation so some day I can look back and have a reflection of a web-diary. It's all about documentation I guess...