2010 Year of the Tiger!

Yes, yes, it's been a while since I've written. Since the last post I have been continuing my commitment to my training identity crisis. It seems to be forming into something recognizable...but in truth I am not yet quite there. I believe I am suffering from wanting my pie and wanting to eat it too-itis. I want to dive into crossfit, continuing my education of the power lifts that elude me. I want to run with my friend Ronda: T-runs, M-Pace runs, track workouts, hills, strides...and Zoe gets exercise too...while we solve the world's and our own problems. I also want to nest. I want to fix our house up, organize the garage, put things in their proper place...okay first we need to figure out where that place is, but then I'm on it getting them there. I want to ride my new mountain bike in a confident and aggressive manner downhill...cautiously of course. I want to bring yoga and swimming back into my life. The flexibility, grounding and fluidity those pursuits bring are missing from my current perspective. I want to say, "Goodbye," happily and without regret to sugar in my life. I want to learn to knit! This Christmas, Chester's mother gave me the incredible gift of a knitting lesson.

Look what I've done. Without even realizing it, I've listed a pile of New Year's Resolutions. Ronda repeated some words to me during our last run together. Her friend Michael had shared them with her. After listening to my list of wishes and wants she said, "Kris, nothing changes if nothing changes." I really had no reply. There really are no words of response to that statement. It's all choice. But more importantly and effectively, it's all actions. You can want to change the world. You can have the best intentions, but if the action does not follow, nothing will change.

I will make the year 2010 the year of action. I will shift my energy from the analytical to the physical. I am going to stop worrying and wondering. I will act.

Today, Chester and I will ride with Chris in Forest Park. The 24 hour race at Old Pueblo is just around the corner- Feb 13. I'm excited to begin our two week adventure starting with this race and followed by our sailing trip in the BVI.


Chester's Training Update: Aside from a small cold that derailed training for three days, Chester has been his usual disciplined, nose to the grindstone self while training for Old Pueblo. He's had some low points, wondering why he didn't lean down like during his CreamPuff training- I reminded him that Creampuff was in the middle of summer and we are in the thick of the holiday season...oh and maybe we shouldn't have eaten that 12th cookie bar. But his hard work has also been rewarded with his lactate threshold jumping considerably. I am by no means an expert in these matters, but basically this means Chester will be able to work harder for a longer period of time before the build-up of lactic acid in his muscles renders him into a quivering mass of mountain-biking flesh on the trail. For those of you unfamiliar with the tests he takes to discover this increased capability and confused at my somewhat melodramatic verbage, allow me to explain. Chester will go out to the garage where his bike is set up on our bike trainer. He warms up for about 30 minutes pedaling hard enough to get the blood to his legs and a healthy sweat going. Then for 20 minutes he will pedal like his life depends on it- ALL OUT. The pain and exhaustion he endures, no continuously causes to happen, must seem to last for an hour.

I've completed similar tests on the track, running. There is nothing fun about them. Afterwards you can barely walk and feel like throwing up. You've used every last bit of energy and strength you had- if you did it correctly. You'll recall that test was NOT in my list of things I want to do this year. Chester has already completed this test four times. I've no doubt before his training for Old Pueblo ends he will complete at least one more test. Today, however, Chester is going to ride laps in Forest Park. The plan calls for 6 hours worth. He may do less having been sick all week. In short summary his training is going well from my outsider's view. If I can get him to sit down for 10 minutes I'll try and convince him to type some words himself. Until then I hope to see you out on the trails: running, riding, hiking or dog-walking! Happy New year.

1...2...3...GO!

First big training weekend under our belts. The plan was a three hour moderate ride on Saturday and 5 hour easy ride on Sunday. I had an idea the 5 hour ride wasn't going to work for me... as the morning became early afternoon. Clearly Chester and Zoe were taking their time getting ready. Emma had staked out the New York Times I thought I would read. I had friends in town to meet so my time was limited. LUCKILY, my plan allows for alternatives. While Chester braved the clear skies and sun for a muddy five hour tour of Leif Erickson, Zoe and I started at Saltzman. We took the Maple Trail to Leif then added some 30 sec hill climbs up the firelanes as we made our way back to Saltzman for an easy 2 hour run. My legs were tired, but I suspect not as tired as they would have been if I had been riding. I wanted to be careful since the 2 hour run was a significant increase in mileage for me. In the future, on days I can't ride back to back, I will have to add weights to add more fatigue to my legs for that second day.

Overall it felt good to get the workouts finished. My hips and right knee are talking to me...but it's a familiar story of tightness. My plan today is an easy spin and stretch along with some core work. This week my plan looks like this: ( I work on the Bold colored days.)

Monday: Easy spin, stretch, core
Tuesday: Xfit, Run w/intervals
Wednesday: xfit, Ride 2.5 hours
Thursday: Easy run
Friday: Xfit, Ride 2-3 hours
Saturday: Long Run 2-2.5 hours
Sunday: Easy ride/stretch/core

Chester's Plan:

Monday: Weights/Stretch
Tuesday: Bike 2Hr/Stretch
Wednesday: Bike 2Hr/weights/core
Thursday: Bike 1 hr/stretch
Friday: Mtb 1 hr/weights
Saturday: Bike 3 hr on or off road
Sunday: Core/ MTB 5.5 hours

Thankful

Yesterday I woke up and didn't have to think about what I would do for Thanksgiving. Chester and I finished baking the pie we'd promised to bring to his Mom's for Thanksgiving supper and then took the girls for a rainy run in Forest Park. With family in Illinois and Tennessee I'm usually up in the air until day of for Thanksgiving plans. This year I knew I would be spending it with Chester's family. We had a great meal, gave his brother Sam his birthday present and played Dominoes. Then we were off to his Step-mom's sisters for second dinner. It was a long day full of plans where usually I have none.

I'm thankful for being invited so warmly into Chester's family. I'm thankful that my own family is healthy and happy and also had fun plans for the holiday. I'm sooo thankful that I live with this amazing man that agrees running through the cold rain in the mud with dogs at our heels is a good idea and a fun thing to do before embarking on our eating tour. I'm thankful that the girls also believe this to be an excellent, fun and delicious activity as they eat sticks and grasses along the way. Finally I'm thankful that Chester just smiles and shakes his head when Zoe throws up the sticks and grasses in the middle of the night on our new carpet.

I'm lucky and thankful to be surrounded by friends that have lives equally as rich and loving. We definitely follow different paths but I learn so much from you all. Happy Day after Thanksgiving.

PS...I'm thankful Chester has the day off today, even if I do have to work.

New Game Plan

Like many of my friends I've spent a good number of years following training plans by very capable and admired coaches for some kind of finish line. Whether it be climbing, triathlon, cycling, or ultra-running I want a recipe for success from those with first-hand experience. Since my five years pursuing Ironman finishes, my ability to stay with the program and maintain focus has waned year after year. I find myself too distracted and rebellious to stick to the structured process already proven to improve race times, fitness and strength. It's not that I don't like someone telling me what to do. Okay, that may be true in some/um...most instances. But I love having a coach. I love learning from other's experience. I love having complete confidence that the workout planned for that day is going to help me three months down the road. I absolutely love not having to think about what I should do today...allowing an inevitable consideration of weather, life, or laziness playing into the decision. I still get enjoyment out of performing well and turning to my coach and feeling thankful that someone invested time and belief in me...ok, so I paid him to do so, it still feels good to measure up, come through or sometimes exceed some one's notion of what I am capable of.

Walking away from Triathlon was one of the hardest things I had to do. Even though I was burned out beyond repair, the sport had become part of my identity. The coach that had shaped me into a consistent performer had become an integral part of my day and invaluable resource for fitness, nutrition and injury prevention or rehab.

With Ultra-running I'd found another great coach and a group of runner's that taught me both about running and acceptance of everyone for who they are and not who you want them to be. Unfortunately, at that time, my body did not seem to "want" to be an ultra-runner. The stress reaction in my tibia and subsequent rehab was frustrating and disheartening, causing me to bid adieu to my new-found program.

So where did that leave me? The lack of blog entries might be some clue. But in the last two years I've learned first hand there is a whole lot of living out there to do that doesn't entail competition.

Without the assistance and guidance of a professional coach I have:

Started surfing again
Started riding and racing my mountain bike
Increased my strength and power through crossfit
Learned to Telemark ski...ok...am learning would be more accurate
Enjoyed every day off with Emma and Zoe

And most importantly, and life-changing, have fallen in love and moved in with Chester.

Okay. So now you're caught up. Here is what I propose to do. If you're still interested and want to read along...GREAT. If not, I don't blame you, life is too short to sit and read about someone else's. Get out and enjoy it for yourself! But if my experiment intrigues or moves you with the faintest dash of curiosity, let me know what you think. AND if you have any suggestions, I am OPEN to them. Because there is not ONE coach in this adventure. There is only the accumulation of experience, experiments, successes and failures of myself and those that have already shared their stories with me. Clearly this is not a professional endeavor. I have no delusions of grandeur. I have only the highest expectations for performance at a level I am capable of given the amount of work I put into the training...and that...remains to be seen. I plan on working hard. We just have to see, in the end, if I did the right type of work.

The Race: 24 Hours of Old Pueblo- SOLO: The race consists of a 17 mile loop with check-in occurring at the end of every loop. We begin racing at noon on Saturday and finish at high noon on Valentine's Day...the next day. There will be a host of challenges throughout the night...not the least being adequate lighting to supply both Chester and myself with constant light throughout the night. More on logistics later...

The Date: February 13th 2010

The Plan: Train for the solo endurance race with a combination of crossfit, running, and riding.

I know what this looks like. But it's not the conclusion most will assume. I am not trying to avoid riding in the rain. Well, okay...it's a plan benefit that I won't ONLY be riding in the rain. I've decided that my new "distracted" personality might not be a hindrance or fault. Perhaps instead of fighting it, and trudging through a day in and day out plan that is a sure path to burn-out and frustration, I should see it as a strength. Use my love of running and crossfit to supplement my days of riding and keep me engaged and interested on a day to day basis. Instead of working to stay with the plan, the idea is to look forward to variety and stay curious regarding what these three disciplines will churn out in the form of an endurance mountain biker.

I've never done a 24 hour mountain bike race.
I've never ridden more than 25 miles at time on my mountain bike.
I can tell you, just from that ride, that it is not a mile-for-mile exchange from road-biking to mountain biking. Mountain-biking is more taxing. There is more resistance on the surface, the bike is heavier, and the weather conditions effect work load as well as capacity for work.

Clearly, I have nothing to lose.

Training started yesterday. Chester is following a professional mountain-biker's coaching plan. He used it last year for CreamPUff, a grueling 100 mile mountain bike race. It was his first and he finished strong, knowing he wanted to do it again next year. It will be interesting to compare our plans and progress as we roll towards Feb 13.

Yesterday I did heavy Back Squats, Presses and Dead lifts at crossfit and a 40 minute spin with intervals at the gym.

I hope to construct my plan this week. As the weeks progress I will compare Chester's plan with my own. I'm looking forward to writing again. I also have a new camera and will do my best to supplement with photos.

It's good to be back, Cheers, Kris

Old Pueblo 24 Hour Mountain Bike Race or

Chester asked me to do this race with his friends soon after we met. The race was on Valentine's Day. For 24 hours: Chester, Meghan, Jenna, Brent, Mike and I would switch off riding the 17 mile loop through Choya and other Cactus friends. I had an early introduction to the Choya. As Chester and I set up camp on Thursday afternoon I was skipping back and forth and discovered I had three oval sections of some spikey plant free-loading on my leg. Then I realized those spikes were embedded DEEPLY into my calf, side of knee and quadriceps. OUCH! Chester had to get the pliers out to yank the Choya out of my leg. While he was helping me doff the Choya he explained that they were called, "Jumping Choya," because people swear they jump off the main plant and onto unsuspecting bodies. Apparently I didn't believe him because I had to test the theory three more times before finally agreeing to steer clear of the Choya. I gave every Choya at least a 5 foot birth for the rest of the weekend.

After mastering the Choya, Meghan, Mike and Jenna arrived and we pre-rode the course. The course was a mixture of dirt roads, holding the immediate pleasure of climbing the "Bitches" within the second mile of the course, windy single track, sandy patches, rocks, and mucho, mucho cacti beckoning riders off course. Though the course is predominantly flat, we are surrounded by mountains leaving no shortage of scenery and distraction from tired and sore muscles.

The race started Saturday morning at noon. We would ride until noon on Sunday. The professionals and some courageous and endurance dynamos would ride this course solo, lap after lap, for 24 hours. I was lucky enough to get the first lap. They staged us .5 mile from our bikes. The gun went off and arms, legs, cycling shoes, cleats were everywhere churning dust and headed for our steeds full speed. The tension and excitement alone wore me out after the first 1/4 mile. I wondered how I ever ran more than 1 in a row! Finally I got to my bike and started pedaling. My first lap of the three I would do was my fastest. I would get progressively slower throughout the night and finally- again so lucky, would be out on the course to watch the sun rise and feel renewed enough to finish my last lap smiling ear to ear.

Chester raced two night laps and finally, after no sleep bested his time in the morning with a lap less than 1 hour and 17 minutes. Brent also improved his time from last year as I suspect Jenna did as well. Meghan braved the rocky shortcut along with Brent and Chester while Jenna and I chose to ride the long way around leaving the rocky downhill section for next year...right Jenna?

I have so much more to write but after putting the books away for four days it's time to pick them back up again. I had an amazing time. I can't wait to explore mountain biking and go on more adventures with Chester and hopefully his friends. Next adventure: Mountain Bike Oregon in July! Come join us!!!

ps... I heart my Titus Racer X thank you Cyclepath- Josh, Bill, Michael and Cody!!!!! :) Oh yeah, and pumpkin and marlo.

Day 1

I signed up for the Captain's Test this morning. After receiving the cd of study materials I dropped it off at Kinko's to get everything printed and ready to review-over and over again. While the Kinkos crew was printing, Chris and I set off for a quick mountain bike ride in forest park. I bought a brand new Titus Racerx last week and had yet to give her a try! Since Chester and I are packing up on Sunday for our 24 hour race in AZ I thought it prudent to at least get some dirt on.

The last two weeks have been tough. I've been working through some pretty rough patches. I sense there is more to come. Without indulging myself in the drama and emotion of it all too much, I am hoping I can feel what I feel and move on without too many steps back. Right now I need to focus, study, and at the same time enjoy life balancing fun and relaxation with work.

My Himalayan Apple Spice Tea Bag says, "Grace brings trust, appreciation, love and prosperity." Ronda and I have had a few conversations about Grace. For a while this summer I wore a bracelet reminding me to treat others with grace. The quote is a timely reminder for me. I will continue to always try and treat others with grace. But right now especially I need to allow, accept, and give myself grace. It's so difficult to be in such an uncomfortable state and just be in it. Instead I find myself agonizing over why I can't get through it....faster, now! Have you ever tried to meditate? I could never get past being so tight and uncomfortable just sitting in the position! That's how this feels now. Only no matter how I sit I still feel this way. Looks like I'm going to learn how to meditate from the inside out.

Count me in, I got this. ;)

Beauty in Strength

I was visiting some other Crossfit websites and came across this article. Made me think of all the amazing women I have had the fortune to train and play with over the years. Here's to us. :)

“If I were feeling a little more lawless, I’d gather all the copies of Cosmo and Seventeen, douse them in kerosene, and strike a match. I’d throw in reams of print ads from Calvin Klein and watch with delight as Kate Moss’ stick-thin image was reduced to carbon. I’d add copies of Shape and Runner’s World until the flames reached toward the heavens, and then I’d crank call the editorial desk at Muscle and Fitness until they stopped publishing pictures of women on steroids.I’d get the master tapes of America’s Next Top Model and dub over them with “Nasty Girls”, broadcasting the results on every television station in America. I’d skywrite “CrossFit.com” across the Boston skyline, and gently admonish the hoards of long distance runners trotting along the Charles River—with a bullhorn.I’d take every woman with mass media-induced ideals of beauty, and I’d show them what it really means to be beautiful. Beautiful women are strong and powerful. They are athletes, capable of every feat under the sun. They have muscles, borne of hard work and sweat. They gauge their self-worth through accomplishments, not by the numbers on the bathroom scale. They understand that muscle weighs more than fat, and they love the fact that designer jeans don’t fit over their well-developed quads. They know that high repetitions using light weights is a path to mediocrity, and “toning” is a complete and utter myth. They refuse to succumb to the marketers that prey on insecurity, leaving the pre-packaged diet dinners and fat-burning pills on the shelf to pass their expiration date.Beautiful women train with intensity. The derive self-image from the quality of their work and their ability to excel. They don’t wear makeup to the gym, and they wouldn’t be caught dead with a vinyl pink dumbbell. They move iron, they do pull-ups, they jump, sprint, punch, and kick, and they use the elliptical machine—as a place to hang their jump rope. They spend their weekends in sport, climbing walls, winning races, and running rivers. They laugh as they sprint circles around the unschooled, turning the image-obsessed into bench warmers. Beautiful women don’t care if they’re soaked in sweat and covered in dirt, if their nails are chipped or their hair out of place. They care only about quality of life. Beautiful women are happy, healthy, and strong, and they’re right there beside me, tossing conventional beauty on the ever-growing flames of what used to be.
Be beautiful.

By Jon Glisan

Happy New Year!

Tray, Mom and I finally spent Christmas in the same house for the first time in years. Todd, Tracy's boyfriend, joined us and helped fill the house with holiday cheer when he wasn't listening to his headphones to drown out the mother-daughters conversations...beyond me why anyone wouldn't be fascinated by our topics of discussion: dogs, clothes, books, dogs, food, dogs, clothes and chocolate. My only complaint for the trip was the lack of individual time it afforded each of us with each other. But with Bob and Dawn joining us for Christmas Eve and everyone pitching in to make the dinner a success...ok Tray and I had to shop a bit, then I had to workout...and shower...but I was 100% supportive of mom as she moved around the kitchen like a pro. I'd forgotten what a good cook she was. The turkey was delicious as were the salad and sweet potato sides Dawn brought for us. The girls kept the begging to a minimum and were rewarded generously by Todd, who withstood my tongue-lashing for giving the dogs people food. It was Christmas after all.


New Year's Day Chester took me for my second Telemark Skiing lesson. I made more progress as I settled into my left turns and worked hard to commit to those scary right hand turns. With an incline of about 2% I am dialed on the left and, thinking hard enough, can piece together a right turn. But when gravity pulls me downward to the tune of any decline beyond bunny/green hill proportions...I become slightly less committed to bending and lunging and readily forget my heels can and should leave the secure and stable backing of the ski. With that said, I feel very confident on the chairlift. I was settling into both quad and double lifts easily with my innate ability of sitting down and taking a breather.

I can't wait to get up to the mountain again and again. Hopefully, someday this year, Chester won't have to ski backwards while skiing with me.

I'd like to write more...but I'm at work and need to get some exercise. I think I'm going to, as caleb said, kick it old school and hop on the treadmill for an hour. Let's see if I can last that long running in place. I think it's a great thing that this very skill was once easy and now seems very challenging. Running in place for too long doesn't seem like a good idea...physically or metaphorically. Cheers.