Already Well Into February

This year is flying by and I am not doing a good job of keeping this here blog up to date...

Lots of stuff going on these days as the riding (mtb, dirt/gravel, and road) is pretty consistant and progressing well and I feeling really positive about the upcoming spring/summer lead up to next fall's main objective.

Last weekend Ira and I (Jake was swamped with college work, welcome to real life, and couldn't make it) ran the Sylamore 25k trail race in Arkansas on a fantastic morning. It was the first time that I just couldn't get motivated to train/run (simply itching to ride more) to condition myself to be competitive so after not running a step for the last three weeks leading up to the event I was simply going to enjoy the morning and slip thru this will minimal sufferage and accept being a 'mid-pack' runner (and that's what I did). Pretty cool trail and was able to run with a couple of folks that kept it interesting.

After lunch and a quick nap Ira and I jumped on the mtb's and knocked out 3hrs (legs were cooked at the end). We planned to ride 5+ hrs the next day but a huge storm came thru and we chose to head back home and Sunday ended up with 3 hrs at Sac. All good stuff. Bike handling and flow is way ahead of this time last year so that's a good sign.

Watching my intake (eating) a little closer over the winter and am near 10lbs lighter than this time last year, which is odd as I am typically a guy that appears to have 10lbs to shift around, but I feel pretty stinking lean and the strength has not suffered so another reason to look forward to upcoming events...

Monday (Pres' day) we all slept in late then headed to SGF for some zoo time. The boys (along with Deb and I) enjoy zoos and although SGF's suck it's better than nothing.

Ian had a couple ball games later at The Courts and that seems to be mostly how our evenings go as of the last 5 months with a couple more weeks of playing on two teams then it drops to just one so that will be nice. The little guy hopefully will have soccer and baseball coming up soon.

This clip was shot one random Friday night (8:30pm) when I was ready for PJs, but E-ball said there was work to be done at the gym:



Speaking of the little guy, the 'system' is moving along at snail's pace, but that's ok as it gives him ample time for everyone to settle in with each other more intimently. A couple weeks ago was the first time he told me he loved me (that was huge) and he is calling me Dad pretty consistant now. Next court date is in March and hopefully the goal with move toward adoption, but you never know what will come up (but fingers are crossed).

Jake, as mentioned earlier, is getting a taste of a heavy load as he is taking 18 hours while working a couple days a week. Good experience for him as he's learning prioritization and balance; I've all the confidence in him and while he looks frazzled from time to time he'll come out the other end in good shape. He is absolutley loving his long board and cruises all over on that thing (I need to snag one as its lots of fun carving).

Well, that's about it. Frozen Waffle training race in early March, but it's purely a low-key training event so no need to put emphasis there. Will be a good early measure of fitness though so looking forward to it.

Cruising Thru January

This month is flying right along! The weather has been incredible, but I am itchy for a little snow in which to play...
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Training... er, riding is going pretty good. During January I don't look at any numbers and anything related to 'training'; it's all about just getting out and riding when I can. With the temps being so good that has translated into quite a bit of riding and not much of it on the rollers (weapon of choice in winter). Since most of my spring is racing mtb's (which is kind of funny as I hardly touch single track except for racing) I am spending all my time on my 29er with some 35mm cross tires and 1 x 9 gearing. This set up is great for winter backroad riding while getting me adapted to the mtb position.
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Race calendar for early spring is kind of set (super flexible on most of this):
- Frozen Waffles RR in early March
- God's Country MTB weekend late March
- Omba Caramba MTB mid-April
- Bone Bender 3HR mid-April
- Joe Martin Stage Race late-April
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On a fitness front I somehow stayed clear of the holiday snacks (along with showing some moderation) and now am 170lbs (this time last year I was 178) and feeling pretty lean. This is around where I would like to stay as a couple years ago I dropped to 165lbs and totally felt lacking in power/strength so 168-172 is the focus. Next week I start lower body workouts in the gym and really looking forward to getting it going.
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Jake and I (and Ira) are still running the Syllamo 25 trail race in mid-February and unlike him I going to see how it goes on 'one run a week' (he is knocking out the miles daily). I am feeling my age more and more on the runs and since my runs are all 10+ miles my legs can't take it too often. I am looking forward to the weekend with Jake and getting this stupid running behind me (ha!).
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On the home front we are staying pretty busy with Ian's basketball games and all the boy's general activities. Ian is having the time of his life and when asked if he wants to slow down he replies "why would I do that when I'm doing what I love?" You really need to know the boy to understand his internal drive.
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The little man has really fit in great with us and visa versa; he is so much fun (and work). He and Ian hug and bicker with each other just like they were natural brothers. He is excelling in school, but still struggles with 'personal space' issues from time to time; he has really come a long ways and it's getting better and better daily. Deb is almost always referred as 'mom' now and he is occasionally calling me 'dad' which I have to say is pretty cool. It is unknow when (or if, although it looks pretty good) he will become available for adoption, but we aren't letting it effect the way we love on him.
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Jake had a great first semester at SBU and has a tough one (18hrs) this spring. He picked up a sweet Bustin long board a couple months back and is loving cruising on it.
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Deb is, well, Deb (translated to super awesome!); keeping busy keeping the rest of us in line...

Still Alive

Not a single post since returning from our cruise in early December and the reason - lazy.

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Christmas was great for all as was the New Year's festivities.

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In review/hindsight now with US Nationals done, I made the absolute correct decision to stop my racing with MO State Champs as there is no way to be a functional part of the family and have gotten training/racing in order to stay sharp into January. Don't really foresee me hitting Nationals or other races into late December or early January - just not worth taking away from the family and friends during the holidays. Good to see JPow get a Nat'l win and even better was watching a great race.

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Been running and riding the 29'er SS (only gravel roads and no trails as of yet) casually and will probably pick up a little training regiment in a week or so in order to hit some early mtb events. Trying to see how a 16mile trail run/race goes on 'a couple runs a week' program (ha, not expecting much). Jake on the other hand is flying and it'll be interesting to see if he goes after the win come mid-February or if he hangs out with the 'old man' mid-pack; either way I'm having fun on our outings.

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Ian is chest deep into basketball season and so far (since late Oct) has played 28 games between his 5th grade team and the 6th grade (playing up) at The Courts and a couple weekend tournaments. We made a deal with him that he could play on two teams as long as it doesn't impact his grades and he doesn't make him too tired; so far he is still straight A's and getting plenty of rest... He is loving it!

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Our little guy is really doing well with us and school, but his 'legal free' (adoptability) status is dragging on and looks like nothing will change prior to May. While it's slightly frustrating it's OK and changes nothing on our relationship with him.

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Oh, on a side note: Colt at www.cyclingdirt.com selected MWI as the Best CX Team of the Year (based on FUN); way cool:

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Watch more video of Who's #1? Cyclocross Rankings 2011/2012 on cyclingdirt.org

MO State Photo Dump

Here are some pictures from Nate taken at the MO State Champs (a little late getting these out):

State Race and the Bahamas

Quick post to catch up on the last couple of busy weeks:

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After three days at Jingle Cross I was surprised to find my legs were not cooked (as they were last year) and I felt pretty sharp all week leading up to Sunday's MO State Champs in KC. Dale and I both skipped Boss Cross #4 as the forecast was for rain and figured it was best to skip and save it all for Sunday.

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Loaded up early Sunday morning with Dale, Ira, and Nate and headed off to Raytown (KC) in a chilly conditions. Showed up to the course and found it pretty much like BC #3, but this time a muddy mess very similar to Sat/Sun at Jingle Cross. Walked the course and skipped pre-ride and snagged a decent warm up; felt ready to go.

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Lined up in the Masters 45+ with eight others while the other masters categories had several racers in upper 30's* temps but not too windy. Looking at the competition I felt confident in my fitness and needed to ride a clean (relative term) race and not make mistakes. My group was the last to go off and shortly into the race I established a large lead and moved through the younger fields. Rode good lines, only bobbled once (down hill mud corner), and came away with the win. First State jersey (2nd twice) which felt pretty good (2nd goal of the year accomplished). The Blue was totally junked up with thick mud, but never had a single issue handling it; Nate let me use his bike in the pits, but I never really needed it (nice to know I had the option).

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more pics coming...

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Dale killed it in his 55+ race taking home the win and State jersey; awesome and a great reward as he worked so hard this 'cross season and rode so smooth in adverse conditions.

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Ira skipped racing as his clinicals had kept him from riding for a handful of weeks and Nate took a tons of pics. Fun having the crew on hand hearing the support (and heckles - ha!). These guys are awesome and I owe a successful season to them; wouldn't trade these guys for any training partners.

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Season consolidated: 18 races since Dogfish (Hermann) in mid-Sept; two primary goals (win Cat 3 Dogfish and win State race) accomplished; rode pretty decent at L'ville and Jingle Cross; and had only two races in which I felt flat - Gateway Cross (20th - ugh) and the 2nd race at Jingle Cross. Other than that I was encouraged with my fitness and driving ability which makes me hungry to increase this for the '12 season; especially since I move to the Masters 45+ division at the larger races - very motivated! According to USAC standings I ended my season ranked 9th in MO (all categories) and even though these are subject to scrutiny, I'll take it.

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Cleaned up at GLove's casa after the race and then Deb and I headed to the airport for a week of relaxation on a cruise to the Bahamas. Flight and overnight stay in Orlando before heading to the boat in Port Canaveral; departure mid-afternoon and the relaxation began for the next 6 days. This is Deb's 5th cruise and my 4th so we know exactly what to expect. This time around we opted away from excursions at each port (Nassau, Half Moon Cay, and Freeport, Bahamas) and wanted to keep it simple spending tons of time soaking up the sun (Deb w/a book and I napping) on the deck or on a beach. Mission accomplished as that was the most peaceful/restful vacation ever!!!!! Had so much fun with my girl. Every day was clear and sunny in the lower 80's* - perfect.

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Flight home Saturday night and back to the boys; great welcome home.

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So what's up next? My 'cross season is done even though there are a handful of local events coming up and Nats/Worlds in early January. Deb and the boys have given me so much freedom to play 'biking rockstar' since September that I simply couldn't ask for another six weeks especially with Christmas thrown in there; absolutely no regrets or issues skipping Nats (after all its Madison, WI in January - brutal). Every year at the end of 'cross season I brake down the bikes until Jan 1 and totally take a break from riding, but always lace up the running shoes and hop out on the trails (love winter running). This February Jake (50k), Ira (25k), and I (25k) are signed up for Sylamore trail race so its time to hit the trails. After that it's back to some spring mtb racing as it worked out pretty good last year racking up some base miles and improve handling skills.

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So as I just mentioned, I can't say thank you enough to Deb for letting me train daily and be gone pretty much every weekend since mid-Sept; she is awesome!

Jingle All The Way...

After a well timed weekend 'off' after L'ville it was time to load it up again for Jingle Cross '11 in Iowa City, IA (my second year racing it). Dale decided to make his rookie appearance so I had my travel partner. It's pretty much expected that JC will include cold wet conditions and last year didn't disappoint, but I was cooked at the end of the three days of full gas. With State 'Cross next Sunday I was trying to figure out if I wanted to go all out all three days or hit it Friday and Saturday and pretty much take Sunday as a workout and not a race trying to save some steam, but it's hard to line it up and not compete...

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Friday morning I swung by Dale's and we headed north. Got in to Iowa City around 1pm, ditched some stuff at the hotel, then off to the race venue. Absolutely perfect conditions as the ground was tacky and the temps in the low 50's - awesome. Pre-rode and found a fairly non-power course with the 'run up' Mt. Krumpit as the main focus of each lap. Hit the MWI compound for a super sweet set up with full wall'ed tents on the start grid/line with heaters, chili, hot drinks, Mrs H's cupcakes, trainers, and whatever else needed to prep before and after a race.

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Dale killed it in the Cat 4's getting 5th.

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I entered the Masters 35+ race for all three days; knowing that this is a smoking fast group I had no expectation of finishing places, I just wanted to race clean and see how it goes. 2nd row start was nullified after missing a pedal at the start and dropping quick. After a lap I was feeling decent and moving forward steadily. After two I was sitting in 10th with 9th not too far up on me, but a handful of guys not far behind. At the top of Krumpit with 1 1/2 laps to go I dropped a chain (usually not a big deal with a regular set up, but with my Paul's catcher it is a pain to get it back going). I immediately settled my mind and started working on it never looking up; but I knew several spots disappeared. Got back in the groove and by the end I caught one and finished 12th; good start to the weekend.

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The below is a great video from Keith Walberg (visual extraordinaire) of Friday night's pro action

Jingle Cross '11 Friday night cyclocross from Keith Walberg on Vimeo.

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Cleaned up, headed back to the venue, and caught the pro's; amazing how fast and technical savvy!

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Day two, Saturday, was started with waking up to rain everywhere; soaked all night. Decided to skip the pre-ride and simply warmed up in the MWI tent. Ran my Vittoria tubies around 28psi on a course that was total slippage (and the temps were upper 40's).

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Lined up and actually got a good start then things went south... I felt like a rookie going thru every corner for pretty much the entire course, every lap. The feature of the day was the long ride up the slippery Krumpit and then the slip-n-slide down the zig zag the other side. I tried to ride the descent the first lap and messed up my leg pretty bad as I ended up on my back more times than I'd like to admit. From then on it was running down only. By the end of the 45 minutes I was 16th (of 6o some odd riders). I wasn't physically spent as I never felt like I was racing and more like riding around.

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Cleaned up and watched Dale race the 3's; he raced well. Watched the pro's then off to the hotel for the evening. Got hooked on Pawn Stars (never saw it before time in the hotel) and am looking forward to upcoming episodes.

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Sunday morning came way too soon. No rain, but not dry outside with the temps mid 30's with the windchill in the mid 20's - cold! Had to put the MWI kits back in the bag and go with the Big Shark thermal fleece skinsuit as it was just that cold. Dale jumped in the 55+ race at 10:20am and bagged 6th place. As evidence of his bike, the course mud was different than the day before as it thickened and grasping to every part of the bikes. I took a walk about to view the technicals spots of the course and opted to skip the pre-ride again. The feature of the day was the 'run up' Krumpit (much like Friday) with a short riding climb afterwards before a much more humane descent down (all rideable). Not a great start but immediately was 'driving' much better than the day before. Mike H let me use his FMB Gripo setup and with 27psi they were spot on. Moved up pretty well during the race, but dropped some time on the second and third laps when I stopped on the flyover to pull out as much crap/mud from my drive train as I could get. It was amazing how much I picked up every lap. **Note to self: pit bike in 2012 is a must** By the end I finished 12th (a couple people had me at 11, but they must have been wrong), but the better news was my bike was still operable and I didn't feel like I dug too deep (maybe leaving some legs for next week's State race).

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Quick clean up and Dale and I were south bound (in a warm car with the heater blowing) taking in the last bit of a great weekend.

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Spent today cleaning up the bike, clothes, and gear; amazingly everything is in good shape and working smooth.

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Saturday is Boss Cross #4 and the day after is State Champs (at the same place BC3 was held - BMX track). Looking like I will skip the BC4 and save the legs for Sunday, but I'll make that choice on Thursday. Hard to pass up a race knowing it's the last weekend of the season for me. So far I've raced better the 2nd day after racing a day before so we'll see.

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On a side note: Sunday afternoon Deb and I are hooking a flight to Florida to catch a cruise boat to the Bahama's for a week. That was the thought that kept me warm at Jingle Cross the past couple days...

USGP in Louisville

This past weekend was so much fun on so many different levels; racing at an incredible venue, seeing good friends, but most of all was three days of one-on-one quality time with my girl.

Friday morning with the car loaded up and my mom taking care of the boys for the weekend Deb and I hit the road for our first time visit to Louisville, KY for my first experience with a USGP 'cross race (Saturday and Sunday races). Pretty uneventful drive (especially S. Illinois) of 8 hrs until we pulled into downtown and picked up race number down on 4th Street Live. Over to the hotel and some chow before hitting the sack.

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Saturday morning I jumped up early and rode over to the course a couple times before heading back to the hotel to change up for my 9:30am start in the 2/3 race. The course was super fun and challenging (more from a power standpoint then from a technical one) with a little bit of everything requiring 100% focus. With our race only 40 minutes I wasn't looking forward to the ensuing pain as there would be no recovery with 100+ races.

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After a decent warmup and a good luck smooch from Deb it off to the starting grid where I run into Ross and Patrick (MWI teammates) and chit chat a little. I considered myself in an OK position getting a 4th row start. Gun goes off, pace shoots up (and never lets up), and find myself in the upper mix of the top 30 for the first lap. On the 2nd (of 4) lap I totally bit it on a barrier not lifting my stupid foot up high enough and I went flying face first to the ground. Regroup, back riding, and trying to shake it off (lasted about a 1/4 lap) then it was back to the pain cave. During the 3rd lap Ross catches up and immediately goes on the attack. I tried to hold his wheel on the open sections, but that kid is soooo freaking strong that it would take a couple technicals section for me to catch back on; this intensity benefited as we were distancing a bunch guys and catching some. Last lap I couldn't hold his pace and dropped off, but luckily didn't have anyone too close and was able to keep steady and ride in for 19th. TOTALLY EXHAUSTED!!!! Hardest effort of '11 by far.

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Warmed down before meeting up with Deb for a day of watching some incredible racing at a great venue. Deb is awesome and actually convinced me it was OK for us to hang out and watch Jeff in the 35+; crazy fast group. Had a fun day moving around the course and showing Deb different aspects of the course/race. We were both quite impressed with how easy the Pro's make it look.

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Later it was off to downtown for some eats at the Sports and Social Club before catching a show at The Improv (funny comedians). I was surprised how spent physically I was at the end of the night (and in the back of my head I was a little worried about Sunday's race).

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Sunday morning I skipped the early ride to get a little more sleep before heading to the venue with Deb around 8am. Took a cruise on the slightly altered course and my legs felt incredibly flat and heavy. Warmed up a little shorter than regular on the trainer (saving what I had left in my legs for the race).

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Back to the grid for a 3rd row start this time around. Race starts about the same as the day before and to my chagrin my legs are 100% under me and firing great. Moving comfortably in the 30's until I have to bail from the 'fast line' in the back corner sandpit when the guy ahead of me bobbles and immediately I lose 10 spots (in a blink of an eye). Recover mentally and get back to racing. Start moving through some groups and by the last lap Ross had caught me and he was flying so I jumped on the express. Going through the technical sections toward the end I let a guy slip between us and Ross was gone. I stuck on this guy onto the pavement and was able to time my sprint at the line to take 23rd (one spot behind RC) finishing way better than I expected during warm ups. Local KC guy Chris Hersey had a solid race and was with or near us for most of the race (always fun having familiar faces nearby).

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Jeff was on course and cheering (maybe heckling, I'm not sure) me on and took the below pics:

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Back to the hotel for a quick clean up then off on the road for the drive home. Deb and I stopped in STL for some Christmas shopping (and for me to stretch the legs). Got home around 8pm in time to put the boys to bed before the always brutal 'unpacking' and then hitting the hay.

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Great weekend with Deb and also racing. Looking forward to making L'ville a staple in the future.