Late night bike ride in the neighborhood. Decent pace for my trail bike.
Trail Bike:
6.73 miles
33:43
11.98 mph
March 28, 2011
March 26, 2011
BMI Kids 1k
This morning Alison ran the BMI Kids 1k race in Conroe, Texas. Unfortunately she arrived late. The race started before she even got in the parking lot. No one seemed to mind that she jumped on the course and ran anyways.
Alison is losing interest in running. I blame this on myself, because I'm not running anymore.
Alison is losing interest in running. I blame this on myself, because I'm not running anymore.
March 23, 2011
First swim lesson, ever.
A couple months ago I purchased a block of four adult swim lessons from FINS in the Woodlands. The Groupon deal fit my aspirations to complete a triathlon this fall. I also wanted formal coaching before developing bad habits while trying to figure it out on my own.
I arrived early and sat in the parking lot reading a book. Everyone I saw walk in was less than eight years old, which made me nervous. To make matters worse, a glass viewing area was sandwiched by the two SMALL pools. As soon as I signed in, the staff started pushing a “4-month package deal”. I dodged the sale and made my way back to the waiting area (the viewing room).
My instructor (Mike) was young, but had significant swimming credentials. He has been swimming since he was eight years old. From there he swam in high school and then swam for the University of Hawaii.
Both the front office staff and Coach Mike seemed like they were out of their normal routine with adult swimmers. The eldest staff member was MAYBE 25. I was happy with my small group of three. This was the second session for one of the females and session three for the other female, yet we all did the exact same drills. We did not practice the drills, we did them once and then moved on. This was very frustrating for me as a new swimmer.
It’s late and I'm tired, so I’m going to finish this post by putting the overall swim experience in a pros and cons list:
Pros:
Inexpensive (with Groupon)
Small group size
Coach had significant swimming experience
Cons:
Expensive and they didn’t waste any time pitching for additional money
Didn’t like the fact that 10-15 people were watching from the glass room
Coach lacks adult coaching skills
Salt water pool, it was weird to taste and “feel” salty
VERY small pool. Soon as I kicked off the wall I took a few strokes before reaching the end of the pool
Too far away. Not their problem, but it is for me when fuel is $3.50/gallon
I’d rate the experience as 4 out of 10. I’m not giving up on the lessons, but it is not what I expected. As an adult, I’d like to learn one drill and work on it until I have mastered it before moving on.
I’ve held off as long as possible, I need to get a gym/pool membership soon.
I arrived early and sat in the parking lot reading a book. Everyone I saw walk in was less than eight years old, which made me nervous. To make matters worse, a glass viewing area was sandwiched by the two SMALL pools. As soon as I signed in, the staff started pushing a “4-month package deal”. I dodged the sale and made my way back to the waiting area (the viewing room).
My instructor (Mike) was young, but had significant swimming credentials. He has been swimming since he was eight years old. From there he swam in high school and then swam for the University of Hawaii.
Both the front office staff and Coach Mike seemed like they were out of their normal routine with adult swimmers. The eldest staff member was MAYBE 25. I was happy with my small group of three. This was the second session for one of the females and session three for the other female, yet we all did the exact same drills. We did not practice the drills, we did them once and then moved on. This was very frustrating for me as a new swimmer.
It’s late and I'm tired, so I’m going to finish this post by putting the overall swim experience in a pros and cons list:
Pros:
Inexpensive (with Groupon)
Small group size
Coach had significant swimming experience
Cons:
Expensive and they didn’t waste any time pitching for additional money
Didn’t like the fact that 10-15 people were watching from the glass room
Coach lacks adult coaching skills
Salt water pool, it was weird to taste and “feel” salty
VERY small pool. Soon as I kicked off the wall I took a few strokes before reaching the end of the pool
Too far away. Not their problem, but it is for me when fuel is $3.50/gallon
I’d rate the experience as 4 out of 10. I’m not giving up on the lessons, but it is not what I expected. As an adult, I’d like to learn one drill and work on it until I have mastered it before moving on.
I’ve held off as long as possible, I need to get a gym/pool membership soon.
March 18, 2011
Bike ride to barber shop
The kids and I rode our bikes to the barber shop. Alison rode her bike next to me and Preston rode in the bike trailer.
Alison is doing well on her new bike, although I'm not sure how to teach her about shifting gears.
Trail bike (with trailer):
9.97 miles
1:06:16
9.03 mph
Alison is doing well on her new bike, although I'm not sure how to teach her about shifting gears.
Trail bike (with trailer):
9.97 miles
1:06:16
9.03 mph
March 14, 2011
Offline
I'm taking the kids camping for the next three days and will be off the grid during that time. Pictures and an update by Friday.
B
B
March 13, 2011
The kids are home!
I picked up the kids this afternoon for the start of seven continuous days. I've been waiting for this day for a month. It doesn’t get any better than this!
The kids were excited about my new kayak, so I inflated their raft, dusted off their life vest, and took off for River Grove Park. Preston sat between my legs and I towed Alison in the raft behind the kayak. The kids and I had a BLAST. It was a lot easier than I expected with the exception of lifting my arms higher to avoid hitting Preston in the head while paddling.
Kayak:
1.1 mile
32:38
We rushed to dinner, then we checked on Andrea who recently had several wisdom teeth extracted. Once we got home Preston insisted we watch Scooby-Doo, before departing for my run.
The run went really, really well. I pushed Preston in the stroller, while Alison rode her bicycle. At this pace I could have gone for some respectable mileage. I stuck to the schedule, which left us just enough time for bathes and the reading of a bedtime book for Preston.
Run:
1.34 mile
16:00
11:56 pace
Walk:
1.14 mile
19:47
17:21 pace
Now to the bad news… I set a New Year’s Resolution to “Gain No Weight”. I’ve been able to adhere to this resolution, until this week. To pour salt in the wound, this was the week I started dieting. I’m missing some numbers somewhere along the way. I felt like I was maintaining decent deficits every day, but the scale doesn’t lie. I logged nearly ELEVEN HOURS of cardio and 356 push-ups and still managed to gain two pounds this week.
The kids were excited about my new kayak, so I inflated their raft, dusted off their life vest, and took off for River Grove Park. Preston sat between my legs and I towed Alison in the raft behind the kayak. The kids and I had a BLAST. It was a lot easier than I expected with the exception of lifting my arms higher to avoid hitting Preston in the head while paddling.
Kayak:
1.1 mile
32:38
We rushed to dinner, then we checked on Andrea who recently had several wisdom teeth extracted. Once we got home Preston insisted we watch Scooby-Doo, before departing for my run.
The run went really, really well. I pushed Preston in the stroller, while Alison rode her bicycle. At this pace I could have gone for some respectable mileage. I stuck to the schedule, which left us just enough time for bathes and the reading of a bedtime book for Preston.
Run:
1.34 mile
16:00
11:56 pace
Walk:
1.14 mile
19:47
17:21 pace
Now to the bad news… I set a New Year’s Resolution to “Gain No Weight”. I’ve been able to adhere to this resolution, until this week. To pour salt in the wound, this was the week I started dieting. I’m missing some numbers somewhere along the way. I felt like I was maintaining decent deficits every day, but the scale doesn’t lie. I logged nearly ELEVEN HOURS of cardio and 356 push-ups and still managed to gain two pounds this week.
March 12, 2011
Non-biased care and a lot of push-ups
At work today
The average person has no idea how non-biased emergency workers are. I’m primarily speaking of Firefighters and Paramedics. I was reminded of our lack of bias on an EMS call this morning. We found a patient in the front seat of a car who was nearly unconscious due to crack cocaine drug use. The crew helping the patient consisted of a woman, two Hispanic males, and one black male. This is worthy of nothing because the patient had a swastika tattooed on the middle of his forehead. The female friend of the patient alerted us that the patient has a highly contagious blood disorder (I’m trying to be vague due to HIPPA policies). When the call was done I thought to myself, I can proudly say we treated this patient exactly the same as any other patient. And that is a good feeling!
Several of the guys and I are trying to see how many push-ups we can do during the shift. We’ve been doing random numbers of push-ups every 30 minutes. The regimen was easy till noon, but I’ve been struggling the last few hours. The current number is 250 and I think I’m done!
Push-ups: 250
A group of four guys (Steve C, Scott B, Kevin M, and myself) went running at the same time. Everyone did their “own thing”, but it was nice to collectively run as a group. In an attempt to complete a “long run” I increased the 8 x 2-minute run/1-minute walk intervals to 12 intervals.
Run:
2.18 miles
24:00
11:01 pace
Walk:
1.42 miles
24:19
17:07 pace
The average person has no idea how non-biased emergency workers are. I’m primarily speaking of Firefighters and Paramedics. I was reminded of our lack of bias on an EMS call this morning. We found a patient in the front seat of a car who was nearly unconscious due to crack cocaine drug use. The crew helping the patient consisted of a woman, two Hispanic males, and one black male. This is worthy of nothing because the patient had a swastika tattooed on the middle of his forehead. The female friend of the patient alerted us that the patient has a highly contagious blood disorder (I’m trying to be vague due to HIPPA policies). When the call was done I thought to myself, I can proudly say we treated this patient exactly the same as any other patient. And that is a good feeling!
Several of the guys and I are trying to see how many push-ups we can do during the shift. We’ve been doing random numbers of push-ups every 30 minutes. The regimen was easy till noon, but I’ve been struggling the last few hours. The current number is 250 and I think I’m done!
Push-ups: 250
A group of four guys (Steve C, Scott B, Kevin M, and myself) went running at the same time. Everyone did their “own thing”, but it was nice to collectively run as a group. In an attempt to complete a “long run” I increased the 8 x 2-minute run/1-minute walk intervals to 12 intervals.
Run:
2.18 miles
24:00
11:01 pace
Walk:
1.42 miles
24:19
17:07 pace
March 11, 2011
Distance PR on the kayak
Something internal is still not right.
This morning I woke up fresh and full of energy. In an attempt to make-up for the lack of cardio on Wednesday I called Wyatt and asked if he wanted to cycle or Kayak. He jumped at the chance to paddle and within thirty minutes we were on the water.
For the first time we paddled West on the San Jacinto river. The day was absolutely gorgeous and we had a good time. We turned around at the Highway 59 Bridge, which was exactly 3.5 miles from River Grove Park.
Once we were out of the water we grabbed a bite to eat for lunch. We didn't spend a lot of time eating because Wyatt had several things to do and I needed to get home to take care of the lawn. Out of nowhere I lost every ounce of energy I had earlier in the day. It was so bad I decided to take a small nap, which turned into a 3 hour nap. I didn’t even make it to my bed, I fell asleep sitting at my computer desk chair. What the heck is wrong with me!?!? I’ve never been like this before and I DO NOT like it. To make matters worse I'm actually gaining weight on the scale. I'm doing two-hours of cardio a day and keeping my calories around 2000-2500. What gives?
Now it is dark and the yard work will be postponed another day. I’m trying to get something out of this day by cleaning the inside of the house.
Kayak:
7.05 miles
2:25:42
20:40 pace
This morning I woke up fresh and full of energy. In an attempt to make-up for the lack of cardio on Wednesday I called Wyatt and asked if he wanted to cycle or Kayak. He jumped at the chance to paddle and within thirty minutes we were on the water.
For the first time we paddled West on the San Jacinto river. The day was absolutely gorgeous and we had a good time. We turned around at the Highway 59 Bridge, which was exactly 3.5 miles from River Grove Park.
Once we were out of the water we grabbed a bite to eat for lunch. We didn't spend a lot of time eating because Wyatt had several things to do and I needed to get home to take care of the lawn. Out of nowhere I lost every ounce of energy I had earlier in the day. It was so bad I decided to take a small nap, which turned into a 3 hour nap. I didn’t even make it to my bed, I fell asleep sitting at my computer desk chair. What the heck is wrong with me!?!? I’ve never been like this before and I DO NOT like it. To make matters worse I'm actually gaining weight on the scale. I'm doing two-hours of cardio a day and keeping my calories around 2000-2500. What gives?
Now it is dark and the yard work will be postponed another day. I’m trying to get something out of this day by cleaning the inside of the house.
Kayak:
7.05 miles
2:25:42
20:40 pace
March 10, 2011
Sunset over neighborhood lake
Yesterday was a disaster. I woke up completely exhausted and it stayed that way for the entire day. I skipped my workout and the intake was marginal at best.
Today started much like yesterday, but I refused to let the lethargy kill another beautiful day. I spent the morning talking to a lawyer, which spawned a ton of stress. Then I spent several hours trying to fix the “service engine light” on my truck. After three hours and three trips to the auto parts store I gave up on my To Do list and went for a walk-run.
Today was another 8 x 2-minute run/1-minute walk. Intervals 2, 3, 4, and 5 were the most difficult due to side stitches. During interval five I practiced what I often coached to other runners.... and the side stiches instantly disappeared. It’s difficult being so hardheaded. I walked a couple miles before and after the run intervals. There was a beautiful sunset over the lake near my house. I captured a few pictures with my iPhone, although it was much nicer in person.
Run:
1.5 miles
16:00
10:40 pace
Walk:
3.83 miles
1:03:34
16:34 pace
I set up my bike trainer for the remaining cardio workout. Within five minutes I couldn’t take it anymore. Rather than skipping the ride, I chose to ride my trail bike around the neighborhood for 43-minutes. The 43-minute ride was easier than those previous five minutes on the trainer. It’s weird how I can tolerate the bike trainer one day and then other days I can’t stand it.
Trail Bike:
8.47 miles
43:17
11.74 mph
I'm afraid to brag, but the push-ups were easy-ish...
Push-ups: 58
Today started much like yesterday, but I refused to let the lethargy kill another beautiful day. I spent the morning talking to a lawyer, which spawned a ton of stress. Then I spent several hours trying to fix the “service engine light” on my truck. After three hours and three trips to the auto parts store I gave up on my To Do list and went for a walk-run.
Today was another 8 x 2-minute run/1-minute walk. Intervals 2, 3, 4, and 5 were the most difficult due to side stitches. During interval five I practiced what I often coached to other runners.... and the side stiches instantly disappeared. It’s difficult being so hardheaded. I walked a couple miles before and after the run intervals. There was a beautiful sunset over the lake near my house. I captured a few pictures with my iPhone, although it was much nicer in person.
Run:
1.5 miles
16:00
10:40 pace
Walk:
3.83 miles
1:03:34
16:34 pace
I set up my bike trainer for the remaining cardio workout. Within five minutes I couldn’t take it anymore. Rather than skipping the ride, I chose to ride my trail bike around the neighborhood for 43-minutes. The 43-minute ride was easier than those previous five minutes on the trainer. It’s weird how I can tolerate the bike trainer one day and then other days I can’t stand it.
Trail Bike:
8.47 miles
43:17
11.74 mph
I'm afraid to brag, but the push-ups were easy-ish...
Push-ups: 58
March 8, 2011
Great day!
Day 2 of 61
The day started with a rainy kayak ride with Wyatt and Steve C. Even though it rained on us a majority of the time we had a fantastic trip. We covered a little more than four miles, which is a new distance PR on the Kayak. I’m feeling stronger and more comfortable on the water. I really want to test my paddling endurance in the near further.
Kayak:
4.23 miles
1:33:04
I finally scheduled my swim lessons with FINS in the Woodlands. Thank you Groupon! I’m both excited and nervous. The scheduler set me up with a coach that she thought would be great for a beginning swimmer with aspirations of a triathlon. I start March 22nd.
My 8 x 2-minute run/1-minute walk was a lot tougher than I expected. I settled in slightly for the last couple intervals, but I really struggled with this workout. Hopefully my running fitness will come back to me before the summer heat arrives.
Run:
1.42 mile
16:00
11:16 pace
Walk:
1.26 mile
21:57
Push-ups went fairly well. For some reason I find myself bored with them.
My calorie burn was way short. I’m shooting for at least -2,000/day. This is a direct result of the kayaking, which does not have a high calorie burn rate.
Push-ups: 48
Calorie deficit: -1560
The day started with a rainy kayak ride with Wyatt and Steve C. Even though it rained on us a majority of the time we had a fantastic trip. We covered a little more than four miles, which is a new distance PR on the Kayak. I’m feeling stronger and more comfortable on the water. I really want to test my paddling endurance in the near further.
Kayak:
4.23 miles
1:33:04
I finally scheduled my swim lessons with FINS in the Woodlands. Thank you Groupon! I’m both excited and nervous. The scheduler set me up with a coach that she thought would be great for a beginning swimmer with aspirations of a triathlon. I start March 22nd.
My 8 x 2-minute run/1-minute walk was a lot tougher than I expected. I settled in slightly for the last couple intervals, but I really struggled with this workout. Hopefully my running fitness will come back to me before the summer heat arrives.
Run:
1.42 mile
16:00
11:16 pace
Walk:
1.26 mile
21:57
Push-ups went fairly well. For some reason I find myself bored with them.
My calorie burn was way short. I’m shooting for at least -2,000/day. This is a direct result of the kayaking, which does not have a high calorie burn rate.
Push-ups: 48
Calorie deficit: -1560
March 7, 2011
Day 1 of 61
Actually it is day 1 of 60. I plan to loosen the reins at Wyatt's river party.
I rode my road bike on a 2.3 mile loop through River Grove Park. The pollen was horrific today. While riding my nose was running and I could taste the grit of pollen in my mouth. When I got home I wiped my face with a towel and it was yellow from all the pollen. Yuck!
The ride itself was great. I rode for an hour and could have gone further. The small loop does little to stimulate my mind, so I stopped out of boredom.
Road Bike:
16.45 miles
1:03:02
15.66 mph
An hour after the bike ride I went kayaking. A strong wind made for a tough workout. I was exploring a new area and nearly got lost. I was trying to make a large 3 mile loop, but became turned around with the unfamiliar landmarks. Once I got home I looked at the maps and realized I was on the right course. Hard to tell in the picture below, but I was trying to show how rough the water was.
Kayak:
3.33 miles
1:11:38
Todays calorie intake was dead-on. The foods were not as planned, but the overall numbers were right. And in the end, that it what matters… calories in and calories out.
Total Deficit: -2,367
I rode my road bike on a 2.3 mile loop through River Grove Park. The pollen was horrific today. While riding my nose was running and I could taste the grit of pollen in my mouth. When I got home I wiped my face with a towel and it was yellow from all the pollen. Yuck!
The ride itself was great. I rode for an hour and could have gone further. The small loop does little to stimulate my mind, so I stopped out of boredom.
Road Bike:
16.45 miles
1:03:02
15.66 mph
An hour after the bike ride I went kayaking. A strong wind made for a tough workout. I was exploring a new area and nearly got lost. I was trying to make a large 3 mile loop, but became turned around with the unfamiliar landmarks. Once I got home I looked at the maps and realized I was on the right course. Hard to tell in the picture below, but I was trying to show how rough the water was.
Kayak:
3.33 miles
1:11:38
Todays calorie intake was dead-on. The foods were not as planned, but the overall numbers were right. And in the end, that it what matters… calories in and calories out.
Total Deficit: -2,367
March 6, 2011
8 x 1R/2W at work
At work
The second session of 8 x 1-minute run/2-minute walk is now DONE. The workout went quickly with the company of Scott B.
Push-up challenge completed after run. I also convinced a few of the guys to do a handful of push-ups every thirty minutes till bed time.
Run:
0.75 mile
8:00
10:40 pace
Walk:
1.51 mile
25:08
16:39 pace
Push-ups: 125
The epic diet starts tomorrow morning. I feel good and ready to rock this bitch!
Random video to fit my mood;
The second session of 8 x 1-minute run/2-minute walk is now DONE. The workout went quickly with the company of Scott B.
Push-up challenge completed after run. I also convinced a few of the guys to do a handful of push-ups every thirty minutes till bed time.
Run:
0.75 mile
8:00
10:40 pace
Walk:
1.51 mile
25:08
16:39 pace
Push-ups: 125
The epic diet starts tomorrow morning. I feel good and ready to rock this bitch!
Random video to fit my mood;
March 5, 2011
Wilderness System Tarpon 120, v2.0
The kayak I purchased earlier this week is 14 feet long, which makes it a bit cumbersome to haul around. I jumped at the purchase because it was a great deal on a high quality kayak. For nearly a year I have monitored an active forum at Texas Kayak Fisherman, which gives discounts, information on everything kayak related, and also has a classified section.
I was somewhat bored yesterday, so I posted my kayak on the classified asking if anyone would be interested in trading for a 12-foot boat of the same make/model. Instantly I was bombarded with emails asking how much I wanted for the kayak. Before I knew what happened I had sold my new kayak… with an impressive profit!
In fact, after the sale I had enough money to buy a BRAND NEW 12-foot kayak from Austin Canoe and Kayak. It is really cool how things worked out.
As soon as I got home I grabbed my paddle and made my way to the water. I paddled along a small tributary creek I found while listening to some good music. One of the first things I noticed about the new kayak was the decrease in stability. It’s not bad, but it is not as stable as the larger 14 footer. Within minutes the stability issue was replaced with impressiveness of the speed and enhanced maneuverability. The stability will surely improve once I get use to the boat and lose some weight. Otherwise, I’m totally stoked about this yak!
Kayak:
1.90 miles
41:00
I heard a quote that struck a chord with me. The quote came from the staff psychiatrist, who was speaking to a participant on the A&E show; HEAVY:
"You're great at losing weight, but you don't know shit about how to keep it off".
I’m getting ready to embark on an epic weight loss diet. These extreme endeavors are hard on my body, but I need a kick in the pants. My weight is really messing with my psyche and I NEED the change. This officially means I’m breaking one of my New Year’s Resolutions, which was to try to have reasonable goals. Screw that, I gotta get this weight off…. Especially before the heat of summer gets here.
I was somewhat bored yesterday, so I posted my kayak on the classified asking if anyone would be interested in trading for a 12-foot boat of the same make/model. Instantly I was bombarded with emails asking how much I wanted for the kayak. Before I knew what happened I had sold my new kayak… with an impressive profit!
In fact, after the sale I had enough money to buy a BRAND NEW 12-foot kayak from Austin Canoe and Kayak. It is really cool how things worked out.
As soon as I got home I grabbed my paddle and made my way to the water. I paddled along a small tributary creek I found while listening to some good music. One of the first things I noticed about the new kayak was the decrease in stability. It’s not bad, but it is not as stable as the larger 14 footer. Within minutes the stability issue was replaced with impressiveness of the speed and enhanced maneuverability. The stability will surely improve once I get use to the boat and lose some weight. Otherwise, I’m totally stoked about this yak!
Kayak:
1.90 miles
41:00
I heard a quote that struck a chord with me. The quote came from the staff psychiatrist, who was speaking to a participant on the A&E show; HEAVY:
"You're great at losing weight, but you don't know shit about how to keep it off".
I’m getting ready to embark on an epic weight loss diet. These extreme endeavors are hard on my body, but I need a kick in the pants. My weight is really messing with my psyche and I NEED the change. This officially means I’m breaking one of my New Year’s Resolutions, which was to try to have reasonable goals. Screw that, I gotta get this weight off…. Especially before the heat of summer gets here.
March 4, 2011
Maiden voyage
Friday is usually my off day, but I couldn’t resist taking my new kayak out for its maiden voyage. It was so peaceful on the water. I can really see this becoming a weekly form of exercise.
Kayak:
2.06 miles
51:02
I captured a few pictures and videos during the ride.
To my complete surprise, my doctor’s office called me today. The MD received all my results and had the nurse call me with the findings. The ultrasound came back normal. The blood work is still showing a high enzyme liver count, but the numbers were lower than the prior test. They said we will discuss further at the next office visit.
Kayak:
2.06 miles
51:02
I captured a few pictures and videos during the ride.
To my complete surprise, my doctor’s office called me today. The MD received all my results and had the nurse call me with the findings. The ultrasound came back normal. The blood work is still showing a high enzyme liver count, but the numbers were lower than the prior test. They said we will discuss further at the next office visit.
March 3, 2011
PIM schedule
At work
I didn’t exercise till after 10pm. I’ve decided to start the “PIM” training schedule. I might make some changes on the weekend, but I’ll follow the schedule close as possible. Tonight’s workout; 8 x 1-minute run/2-minute walk. The run went surprisingly well!
Run:
0.81 mile
8:00
9:53 pace
Walk:
1.41 mile
23:01
16:19 pace
I really, really did NOT want to do the push-ups, but I HTFU and got it done…
Push-ups: 37
I didn’t exercise till after 10pm. I’ve decided to start the “PIM” training schedule. I might make some changes on the weekend, but I’ll follow the schedule close as possible. Tonight’s workout; 8 x 1-minute run/2-minute walk. The run went surprisingly well!
Run:
0.81 mile
8:00
9:53 pace
Walk:
1.41 mile
23:01
16:19 pace
I really, really did NOT want to do the push-ups, but I HTFU and got it done…
Push-ups: 37
March 2, 2011
Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140!
I’m super excited about my purchase of a new kayak! It’s actually a 2006 model I found on Craigs List, but it is new to me! For nearly a year I’ve wanted a kayak, but I’ve struggled with finding the right deal at the same time I had the money to spare. The stars finally aligned today.
A couple weeks ago I received my tax refund check. The first thing I did was pay off an old debt with a majority of the money. It felt really good to pay off a bill, but the remaining money has been burning a hole in my pocket.
For a short time I was considering attending the 2011 Death Valley running camp hosted by Marshall Ulrich and Ray Zahab. I have tried to attend this camp the last two years, but again, I never quite had the money. I spoke with Marshall a few weeks ago and he offered to help me with a significant discount, which has been hard to refuse. The truth is disheartening, even with his generous discount I’d still only have half of the registration fee and this doesn’t include my flight to Las Vegas and back home. I considered setting up a donation page on FB and my blog. Something didn’t feel right about the idea, so I abandoned the dream.
Now I have a super cool kayak, which should be a lot of fun during the hot summer months. Shopping on a budget enabled me to also purchase Alison a new bicycle and I still have enough funds leftover to ensure me and the kids have a fun-filled spring break (camping at; Yogi Bear Jellystone Park). By “rewarding” myself with a kayak and spending money on my kids, I feel a lot less selfish with how I allocated my money.
This morning I went for my ultrasound. The tech said the results will be read by the radiologist later today and should be reported to the doctor tomorrow. Unfortunately, I don’t see my doctor again for three weeks. I’ll probably take Karen’s advice and make some phone calls and see what I can find out.
Later in the day I left my house on my road bike, which I’ve never done before. I rode to River Grove Park. I found a fairly safe 2.3 mile loop to ride. The short thirty minute ride kicked my ass. I’m happy with the results of the recent fit of my road bike, but my fitness sucks. In the beginning it felt easy and I went out hard, which is a probably why I ran out of gas. Either way, I’m trying. I have time… lots and lots of time.
Road Bike:
9.08 miles
33:41
16.17 mph
Its been a great day.
A couple weeks ago I received my tax refund check. The first thing I did was pay off an old debt with a majority of the money. It felt really good to pay off a bill, but the remaining money has been burning a hole in my pocket.
For a short time I was considering attending the 2011 Death Valley running camp hosted by Marshall Ulrich and Ray Zahab. I have tried to attend this camp the last two years, but again, I never quite had the money. I spoke with Marshall a few weeks ago and he offered to help me with a significant discount, which has been hard to refuse. The truth is disheartening, even with his generous discount I’d still only have half of the registration fee and this doesn’t include my flight to Las Vegas and back home. I considered setting up a donation page on FB and my blog. Something didn’t feel right about the idea, so I abandoned the dream.
Now I have a super cool kayak, which should be a lot of fun during the hot summer months. Shopping on a budget enabled me to also purchase Alison a new bicycle and I still have enough funds leftover to ensure me and the kids have a fun-filled spring break (camping at; Yogi Bear Jellystone Park). By “rewarding” myself with a kayak and spending money on my kids, I feel a lot less selfish with how I allocated my money.
This morning I went for my ultrasound. The tech said the results will be read by the radiologist later today and should be reported to the doctor tomorrow. Unfortunately, I don’t see my doctor again for three weeks. I’ll probably take Karen’s advice and make some phone calls and see what I can find out.
Later in the day I left my house on my road bike, which I’ve never done before. I rode to River Grove Park. I found a fairly safe 2.3 mile loop to ride. The short thirty minute ride kicked my ass. I’m happy with the results of the recent fit of my road bike, but my fitness sucks. In the beginning it felt easy and I went out hard, which is a probably why I ran out of gas. Either way, I’m trying. I have time… lots and lots of time.
Road Bike:
9.08 miles
33:41
16.17 mph
Its been a great day.
March 1, 2011
Follow-up appointment
Yesterday was my first day back at work in over a week. Everything went well, so I decided not to push my luck with a workout. I’m trying this thing called, Baby-Steps.
This mornings follow-up doctors visit revealed a grab bag of different possibilities for my recent illnesses. The doctor suspects I have chronic pancreatitis due to elevated enzymes and white blood cell count. He seemed more concerned about the test from my liver, which were through the roof. There are lots of possibilities for the abnormal lab results, so a solid prognosis is still unknown. Tomorrow I’m scheduled for an ultrasound of my pancreas and liver.
I had a hard time convincing the doctor that I am NOT an alcoholic. He said my blood work was a perfect profile for a patient with alcohol abuse. Those that know me will contest that I very seldom drink, yet I’m not sure the doctor completely believed me.
Easy bike ride through the greenbelts. It was a beautiful day outside.
Trail Bike:
5.47 miles
26:39
12.32 mph
Later in the afternoon I walked along the bayou. The weather has sparked spring time growth of the vegetation. The grasses along the bayou have grown significantly over the last few days. I wasn’t trying too, yet I had an impressive walk pace.
Walk:
2.23 miles
35:33
15:57 pace
I reset the push-up challenge to Week 2, day 1
Push-ups: 33
This mornings follow-up doctors visit revealed a grab bag of different possibilities for my recent illnesses. The doctor suspects I have chronic pancreatitis due to elevated enzymes and white blood cell count. He seemed more concerned about the test from my liver, which were through the roof. There are lots of possibilities for the abnormal lab results, so a solid prognosis is still unknown. Tomorrow I’m scheduled for an ultrasound of my pancreas and liver.
I had a hard time convincing the doctor that I am NOT an alcoholic. He said my blood work was a perfect profile for a patient with alcohol abuse. Those that know me will contest that I very seldom drink, yet I’m not sure the doctor completely believed me.
Easy bike ride through the greenbelts. It was a beautiful day outside.
Trail Bike:
5.47 miles
26:39
12.32 mph
Later in the afternoon I walked along the bayou. The weather has sparked spring time growth of the vegetation. The grasses along the bayou have grown significantly over the last few days. I wasn’t trying too, yet I had an impressive walk pace.
Walk:
2.23 miles
35:33
15:57 pace
I reset the push-up challenge to Week 2, day 1
Push-ups: 33
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