Mud on the Tires

New Blog Site

2010-07-19T05:42:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone just wanted to let you know this is my new Blog site.

Thanks.

New Blog Site: http://zimcycle.blogspot.com/

Mid-Summer blues, reds, and yellows.

2010-07-13T11:38:00.000-07:00

Ah summer, yes it's here and will be for the next few months. My training has been going well as I've actually acquired some type of periodization into my training. I love summer for it's 9 P.M sunsets, massive amounts of ice-cream eating, and fun in the sun with my girl and pups. But as each season comes and goes there is a time when you get this small feeling inside of you. You start thinking about the future. This near-future reflective perception can come in barrels of internal meditation or simply one huge thought after another. My thoughts have been looking forward to this fall which will be my first Cyclocross season. In my mind I keep downplaying cyclocross. I keep reiterating to myself, "This is your first season Adam, no sweat, no pressure." But, inside my body and mind there is a large competitive naturethat screams to be unleashed. I am more excited than ever to test myself in the dirt. I'm not sure mountain bike racing is in the near future because of my road racing endeavors but what's nice about Cyclocross is the time of year, and the simple fun behind getting a little dirty, post race beer drinking, oh and of course falling off your bike and not worrying about making a trip to the local emergency room.

Over the past two years as I've moved through the ranks of competitive road cycling I have become more confident in my bike handling skills, and ever more important have found Criteriums fun and exciting. But, I have no idea what it's like to jump off the bike, navigate barriers, and remount. In any case I have been quite excited about this coming fall.

This past weekend Maija and I took a trip to Providence Rhode Island as she was set to compete in the Rhode Island 70.3. I'm reluctant to to place advertisement names in my blog entries unless it's for a good cause. So, I have not used the title Rhode Island 70.3 Half Ironman. Half? Hmmm I wonder why Ironman chose to downsize from their first installment of the full ironman distance. For a while I've been teetering on reason and trying to understand how Ironman races have grown to become the #1 marketing company for endurance athletes. Sure someone has to be number one but at what cost? With their monopolized implementation into endurance sports, does this leave room for the small race directors, and race organizers trying to put on similar races? My mind changed this weekend when I was a spectator at the Rhode Island 70.3 Half Ironman.

Maija and I made late reservations at the Westin Providence Hotel in downtown Providence. After searching for a few hours on internet sites for the best rates, I still was not satisfied. I made a call to Westin reservations to find out if they were a pet friendly hotel; They were! The man on the phone was very nice and gave us a great rate for a three night stay. I learned sometimes the best rates and deals are not always found on the internet. There are times when a simple phone call can help you find what you are looking for. The internet still doesn't beat the power of a human voice. The person on the other end of the phone is more likely to help you out (with price or location) if you just tell them your situation and what you are looking for. I feel the internet gives people an easy way out from human interaction when it comes to travel and reservations. At the same time it's easier to order food online from your computer in a hotel room than it is to call up and find out what you like. So, I suppose my point is sometimes human interaction works better on what your looking for and sometimes the internet gives you a sign of relief.

We left NJ around 10:30 and the ride was smooth until we hit some traffic on I-95.

Although temperatures were in the mid 90's I rolled down, well I actually pressed the down window button so Coop could enjoy the outside smells. When was the last time you rolled down a window?

We arrived at the hotel mid-Friday afternoon and were greeted by likable valet and bellman staff. They were attentive to the small details which separated them from the majority of hotels. Maybe it was the Rhode Island hospitality but after traveling around the country quite a bit I was more than impressed by their professionalism.

Friday and Saturday we hung around at the hotel, ordered in food, watched movies, and played on the computer. It was the perfect way for Maija to relax before a big race.

Race morning we got up around 3 A.M or so. We headed about 30 miles away to the start of the swim where I dropped Maija off and watched her transition from the swim portion of the race to the bike. Then I hopped in the car with my two travel/spectator buds (Frito & Cooper) and headed back to Providence where the race finished.

The second transition area where athletes trade their bikes for running shoes was already flooded with fans, reporters, and photographers. Cooper and Frito made me feel like a mild celebrity as they were constantly greeted by strangers who wanted to pet them. Even though it was a long hot and tiring day in the sun with two dogs by my side it was definitely worth it when I finally got to see Maija race. I brought a large backpack filled with water bottles for the pups and myself. Within four hours we went through 6 bottles. It was hot!

With a black coat on Cooper, he drank more water than I did.

Maija was not having the best race. Lately she has been dealing with some iron issues which can hinder ones performance drastically. It almost feels as if someone is holding or pulling you back as you ride a bike or run down the road. I know exactly how she feels because I dealt with this problem at the end of last season when I was completely burnt out from overtraining. It took me about 2 months to fully recover and get back to where I once was.

Here is a photo I snapped at the finish. I'm proud of Maija for finishing the race. She didn't have to finish but for her own self she pushed past the draining fatigue and got the finish line just under 6 hours.

It was a long and hot day for all the competitors out there but as they came in I found myself near the finish line barriers ringing my cowbell and cheering for whoever came through. I haven't spectated at a lot of endurance races because I'm usually in them. This experience was uplifting as it made me feel good watching other people accomplish a goal. People of all ages, races, and religions, participated this event.

My only issue with the race was at the finish line. After you crossed a line where was a large pool where they would give you a water bottle. Maija wanted a second bottle but the woman told her she had to get it from the "Athlete's Lounge" about a half mile away.

A half mile is a long way to walk after just finishing a half ironman.

Notice the large pool of water bottles where you were only allowed 1 bottle!

After the race Maija and I headed back to the hotel for a much needed nap. Her tired from the race and myself burnt out from sitting in the sun all day. All in all it was a great weekend. We left RI late Monday morning and headed back to NJ.

Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.

2010-05-24T11:46:00.000-07:00

Luck is a preservation of the past, present, and future. I have been trying to calculate the exact amount of luck one needs to accomplish a goal, like say a bicycle race. I truly believe when luck is combined with fate it brings ourselves to a specific point during competition. This spot is then traversed into a sign one receives either consciously, unconsciously, directly, or indirectly. It is then in this split second our muscles and brain make a decision whether to continue down the path of mediocre or rise up....

With that said it's no surprise I'm saying these words unless I have already reached this point past what I believe to be mediocrity. So far this season I have raced three times with only one positive outcome. Although this outcome was not personal I believe my presence has been known. I can, in the future be a force to reckon with.

Many changes are coming my way in the near future. I'm relectent to share these ideas yet because it is not set in stone. But if we never waited for good news then what would we have to appreciate?

A few updates....

Battenkill did not go as planned. I was racing well for the first 30-40K until my chained decided it was time to snap. The neutral mechanic was able to get rid of the broken link but by the time he finished the field was too far to chase. Ah amateur racing...Where is the team car when you need one?

Bear Mountain was another upset for the most part.

I had the most beautiful and hard working girl, in the feed zone.

Thanks Maija :)

So the day was not totally wasted. Early on there was a crash I got stuck behind and I used everything I could just to catch the main field. After a few attacks I found myself off the back not able to maintain the suicidal pace. Among other things I was seriously dehydrated and started getting leg cramps. But I kept going with a group of about 10 riders. We took turns working and for a short period actually we rode as if we thought we could catch up with the group. After another 40K or so guys would drop out but we would pick up other stragglers along the way.The expression on my face tells it all. Pain of being in a Pro 1/2 race.

On a more happy note I feel my body changing. Of course our bodies are always morphing but mine in particular feels different than it ever has. I'm learning a lot about the sport of cycling, especially this season since it's my first introduction into the "pro" ranks. My body feels strong and more able to handle the pain accompanied with racing competitively.

The Tour of Somerville is this weekend. Lets see what the future brings...

Back to the dirt...

2010-04-06T12:10:00.000-07:00

Now things are finally underway here in the Northeast for racing bicycles. Central park is filled with spandex bicycle aficionados at 6 A.M with something to prove. Central Park (Manhattan) and Prospect Park (Brooklyn) will always be home to those who need to prove their bike handling and sprinting skills. Now a category 2 cyclist in two years my best placing in Central Park is 3rd and that was in a 4 race! Every time I finish a race in these two locations I'm more happy to be alive with all the skin left on my body. Speaking of flesh, skin, and staying alive I'm heading back to the Tour of the Battenkill. Last year I had a bad crash which left me in the hospital while two nurses scrubbed small rocks out of my legs, hands, and arms.

That was an experience I will never forget. Especially being on morphine, eating ice cubes and watching a Star Wars Marathon.

So this Saturday I'll be heading back to the dirt roads of Cambridge, New York. It's a great race and the promoter was the director of my team from last season. The race grew from it's first year of 200 participants to now over 2,000. It is considered the largest Pro/Amateur race in the United States. Usually with racing I try to stay away from superstitions, tales, legends, fallacies, and prayer.

But I think this season I need some type of cycling angel.

AH! NO! NOT THE SPECIALIZED ANGEL!

First year at Battenkill I was a Cat4, it was 80 degrees and my fourth race EVER. I had one bottle, no food, and got massive leg cramps after 30 miles. Somehow managed to get 19th overall.

Last Year CRASH.

This year? Hat Trick? NOOOOO!

On some other news I have decided not to finish my Masters, at least for now. I am going to start my own business. I'm not obliged to go into details right now considering I'm so broke donating sperm doesn't sound like a bad idea. I'll get back to the details later but lets just saying it seems like my calling in life. A way to homogenize life, sport, love, time, family, and community. It's going to take a lot of planning, support, but anything is possible in life. I'm the first to say

I'll update after Battenkill.

Be well Blog followers.

A

Central Park Sprint Finish

2010-03-23T06:48:00.000-07:00

Here is a taste of what it is like in a sprint at Central Park.

I believe I was in the top 15? If you play it a few times in slow-mo you can see me wearing my bright green sunglasses and all black kit.

Also notice the recreational cyclist who never got out of the way and almost got nailed on the right side. Serves them right!

Race season has begun!

2010-03-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

Ah race season is finally underway for me. I've been in this training bubble alone outside in the cold everyday since December. The clouds have part ways more and the sun expresses it's hotter temperatures onto the earth. It feels nice not having three+ layers on me while I cycle. I already have my zebra/cycling tan going on. It looks pretty cool and my girlfriend Maija admires it :)

My first race of the season was also my first race with a new team; Team Somerset/Somerville Bike Shop. Gill the owner of the Somerville bike shop took me on even though everyone else on the team is CAT1. I'll have to work hard to show him and the rest of the team they are not wasting their time. If anything I'm sure it's comedic to have a muchacho blanco on the team. Our first race together was this past Sunday at Central Park in NYC. The course is a little over 6 miles long and we did 5 laps. A short race for most 1/2 guys. It's one of the many reasons I'm not a big fan of racing in Central Park. In my opinion it's a place for sprinters or beginner competitive cyclists. Just as New York City can be claustrophobic so can a bicycle race in the park. The road twists and turns like a snake and because of it's short distance the pace is blazzing fast from the start. Sunday was no different. It was a great temperature (mid 50's) for a morning race but I was still felling overdressed in my all black cycling kit. Our team kits have no come in yet so we are all wearing matching black kits with no sponsors. The black knights! My legs responded to every hard effort the pack or the course threw at me.

New York City racing is a small community of people. For this reason it was no surprise when my teammates and I rolled up to the starting line everyone had that "who are those guys" expression on their face. In the end it really doesn't matter what your wearing. I'm sure if they had full results instead of only top 10 our team would have spoke for itself. All 4 of us finished in the top 15. The race went off with a few attacks that were brought right back. Gill did a great job of working hard on the front, chasing down any attacks. I did exactly what he said which was sit in until 1 lap remaining and then get up into the top 15. With one lap to go I waited until the hill to get a good position in the top 15-20. I sat right on Gill's wheel but didn't see our other two teammates which was essential for a proper lead out. Coming into the final 1-2K it was very hard getting around people because we were veering in and out of the joggers lane. (Not intentionally) In the final sprint I had no wheel to chase, went hard as hell to still have a top 15 finish. I was a little pissed with this result. Also because one of our other teammates finished 6th. Where was he for my lead out? Guess I will have to wait until next weekend for another shot at a lead out. I've been thinking lately that still at the CAT2 level it comes down to what I can do for myself in a race. I can understand why it's hard for people to sacrifice themselves in a race for someone else. Especially when they are not getting paid. Tour of the Battenkill will be my first good test to see how I match up against other CAT2's. I'm very excited for the day.

On other news my body has been a little bit of a mess lately. Two weeks ago I had some pain in my big toe. Turns out I had an ingrown toe-nail and needed it removed. That set my training back a day or two. I'm still dealing with some residual soreness. Then about a week ago the right side of my mouth was killing me. Turns out I had a bummed wisdom tooth that needed to get removed. Right after the race on Saturday I headed back to Long Island where I went straight to the Dentist where he ripped my tooth out. OUCH! I've been on painkillers for 2 days now. I'm hoping today will be the last day of this.

Other things on my mind...

Thinking about finishing my Masters.

Thinking about what to finish my Masters in...

Thinking about how much I love training and living in NJ compared to Long Island.

I really like cookies.

I have become crazy attached to our dog Cooper :)

Video games are cool but a waste of time.

March Madness is crazy fun and the games are so close!

I can't wait for my mouth to stop hurting.

I have been realizing I might be a Philanthropist. I've been looking into volunteering so of my time but haven't told anyone yet. There is this organization that needs people to help out with war veterans. It could be senior citizens or people who are the same age as myself. I think this would be interesting. My life of cycling and training sometimes makes me a selfish person. I'm constantly thinking about how I can improve myself as an athlete physically. But I am realizing that to help others and donate your time can be not only mentally stimulating but effects our minds positively. This week I'll look more into this veterans help idea.

I have also realized that we should never try to be someone that we ARE NOT. While trying to figure myself as an individual I do not want to become a person on the basis of someone's own endeavors. We can only be who WE choose to be. Most jobs out there are respectable professions but we must respect ourselves before we can commit to that type of livelihood. Parents are quick to think of the top respectable jobs for their kids because those professions are well regarded intellectually. No matter what the circumstances if we do not choose our own path to righteousness then we are living the dream of someone else. Those words do go with the fact of finding ones lifework. The question we must ask ourselves is, If we could live our lives all over again would we change anything?

Ah but the real question is:

What choice did we actually have from the start?

We can't run from who we are, our destiny chooses us...

The Continuation...

2010-03-04T08:15:00.000-08:00

Ah so I promised that I would continue to update my blog from the other day but somehow I seemed to get preoccupied. So where did I leave off? Ah, yes the woman's mind. While I'm speaking about relationships between men and women this does not count out relationships with two men or two women. In the end, they are still relationships! I feel as if there is no true understanding of our counterparts inner thinking. Life and relationships are meant trying to figure out those idiosyncrasies, quirks, and favoritism's. So what gives with the high divorce rate in America and beyond? Were we meant to be monogamous people in this world? I think it comes down to obvious signs. But the true question is, when you meet the right person that fulfills your cognitive and physical desires, do you need to look any further? Sure we can say common recounts such as "Time will tell", or "Fate will lead me in the correct direction." I have a friend who was constantly fighting with their partner. It seems their physical emotion was letting them get the most of their relationship. While they cared quite dearly for each other they could not seem to stop fighting over every little thing. Of course being the outspoken person I am, I gave my friend my two sense. I told my friend they needed to communicate differently if they wanted to keep the longevity and relationship healthy. Last I heard they were on a "break". I never understood the reason behind a "break" in a relationship. I'm sure there are couples who need time away from each other but in this specific case I said it was not the best option. This couple would take a "break" from seeing each other and then some time down the road, a couple of weeks or months, they would reconnect and be happy when they saw each other. The only downside to this so called break is that the problem still lingers behind the curtain. I said to my friend time would go by and things would be fine but the next time a fight or argument came about they would be at each others throats, still lacking the needed communications. Lastly, I said to my friend they needed to figure out a better way to solve their problems than fighting it out. Don't get me wrong we (couples) needs fights every now and then to solve issues but I definitely feel there is a decisive difference between healthy fighting and destructive fighting.

On a more positive note, my winter training is coming to a close and the race season is around the corner. This is good news! Over the past few months I have been working with my coach Mike Monestero and using a powertap to regulate training days. Last year as a CAT3 I would ride 3-4-5 hours a day and I thought this was "good training". Sure it was boat loads of fun getting lost on Long Island but ironically it didn't get me anywhere! Training in central New Jersey has been a blessing. Sure I would like climbs that would be a little longer than 15-20 minutes but it beats climbing over-passes on Long Island. Oh and there are not many traffic lights and the drivers around here are quite friendly, well at least where I train.

I'm very excited for this up coming season. I keep thinking of getting to CAT1 and getting my name out there to some domestic pro teams. Sure this is a totally long shot but I have always believed in endurance sports you need to constantly shoot for the stars because no one is going to ride my bike for me. I've been looking at getting a pair of race wheels for some time now but with my finances not in the GREEN I am not sure if this is a possibility anymore. I wish this could change because having a nice pair of race wheels definitely makes a difference.

The sun is shining and above freezing so that means it's time to head out and train.

Talk to Ya'll soon!!

A

The Last Gunfighter Ballad

2010-02-28T07:57:00.000-08:00

Well it's now the end of February and the white daemons are still falling from the sky. When looking at different forms of optimism, no matter how many more times it snows it will sooner-or-later go away. Living in the Northeast makes you become evasive to simple realizations of nice weather. I never thought I would spend my winter days training outside for cycling. Each day training in the winter was a struggle. Right after work I would spend fifteen minutes suiting up 5+ pounds of winter cycling gear before duct taping my booties so the cold crisp Nordic air would not invade my already numb feet. But, this year's winter training made me a little more mentally tough, a tiny bit more hard as a competitive cyclist.

On another subject....

I will never totally figure out the inner working of a Woman's mind. I sometimes would gloat about myself and other men who attempted to relish on thinking we understood what women wanted to hear. This has been the first time I have ever lived with the girl I dated. While many people might be saying been there done that, well for me it's a first and I'm realizing I have so much to learn!

The first lesson I have learned is that women in general want men to listen more. Sometimes we "men" think we have a solution to every woman's problem. NO! What they want from us is to just sit, listen, and smile :) Boy this is hard! It seems there is something ingrained into the males brain and nervous system about responding to a female. I do believe men are good listeners but horrible at figuring out problems that do not concern us. The point I'm trying to make is we (men) need to bite our tongue before lending our words of moral support. Yes these revelations can only be exemplified by experiences.

This is an abbreviated versions of today's post....headed out for a ride. Be back later for some more writing.

2010 Updates

2010-01-06T12:31:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year everyone. I'm back in New Jersey from a two week stint on Long Island. I went home to see my family and make some money walking dogs for my old boss. It felt good to be back on the Island to rejoice, and gather my thoughts about the future. Being at home gives us the opportunity to remain nostalgic but positive about changes in our lives. While this might be obvious to many to me it seems the older I get the less I'm calling my parents house home. As we age something inside of us tells us it's time to grow up, start a family, or just simply move on to the next stage in this complicated world we live in. For the first time in my life I'm happy away from home. I am truly starting to fall in love with Maija. She is a great girl and has welcomed me into her home with open arms. Her smile lights up my world and the very fact we can sit around and make each other laugh over the smallest of things gives me goosebumps. Many girls would be apprehensive about starting a new, serious relationship after getting divorced but I pride her on moving on with her life and taking one step in a positive direction. Life is all about change and adapting to what is thrown in our face. Relationships are the glue which keeps us guessing about all the What If's, Could, Would, and Should. It it a nice feeling when two people can come home to each other and truly be happy. I wish this was the case in all relationships. I have a friend who is in a relationship with their significant other who tends to be controlling, and yet while they might seem in control it is the other person who is dominates the relationship. Usually in this case the person who is being controlled is also the one who ends the relationship. I hope they can find a way to balance each other out. If we do not tell our significant other how we feel then we are selling ourselves and our kinship short. What is so unique about every individual is how each relationship differs from the next. I have always believed it is those relationships that continue to have open lines of communication grow and prosper. I see it in those friends who have been together for years. I see how well they communicate with each other. How they will wear their heart on their shoulder for that person to see everyday. It is true we all do not posses this characteristic but that doesn't meant we can not obtain it. Maybe you wish your significant other would communicate better with you, or that you feel you need to open your feelings to them more. Give it a try. Chances are at first they may shut you out. But if word it correctly it can end with approval rather than refusal. If we never take a chance on saying how we feel then we will never know how the other person will react. At times yes it is better to bite your lip but do not keep that thought or feeling inside permanently. Come back once you have given yourself time to digest and go about sharing your feelings in a different manner. We need to continue expressing our feelings to one and another. Maybe start with an E-mail or a phone call, then once the foundation has been set move on to a face to face conversation. Technology gives us many ways to share our compassion with others. But leave yourself open to variety. Don't just text and E-mail 100% of the time. Or vice versa, do not always confront in person if you tend to be a bit on the louder side (like me). Do we all need to be in relationships? of course not but it is my belief a story, idea, or experience is better shared with someone than without. We all seem to be seeking a balance in life. A balance of money, health, time, friendship, and rest. A balance of solidarity, togetherness, and most importantly nature.

The balance I seek is yet to be accomplished or even half found. For the past two years I have dedicated myself to bicycle racing. Instead of going out and working a 9-5 job I choose to find mediocre employment which would grant me the opportunity to train and race. I tend to live a life without regrets. If money was not a problem I probably would have been racing in in Europe.

In any cases greatness can be achieved in a a variety of ways. But at what cost? How many other people and experiences do we have to shut out in order reach these goals? Not all goals are obtained with negative side effects but sometimes it seems near or next to impossible to not be selfish when your mind is on auto pilot.

I have found endurance sports to be both exhilarating but yet a selfish feat. Cycling is a sport where you need to learn to suffer within before you can consider yourself worthy of the sport. It doesn't matter what category racer we are but if we can't learn to suffer than we will always remain mediocre. A life of mediocrity is not the way I intend to live.

This weekend I'll be heading to New Hevaen CT to take part in the Yale University Police Physical and Written test. I wish it was done on one day but for some reason they split itup on two different days. Then on Monday I have my oral board interview with the Delaware State Police. At this point I'm using every opportunity to get as many offers as I can in a bunch of different Police Departments. Once the application process is over and if I am offered a position I'll make a decision if that is where I want to go. I also landed a job as a dog handler at a dog daycare facility. The pay is not that good but it's close to Maija's house and I can take Cooper and Frito with me. I probably won't take them everyday or they will get burnt out from all the excitement. Another good perk about the job is that it's only 7 miles away so once Spring comes I'll be able to commute by bicycle instead of driving. I can't tell you how happy that makes me! Maybe one day I'll live in a town where I can commute everywhere by bicycle.

Time to play with the pups and relax for the night.

Until next time.

A

Very Random Thoughts...

2009-12-28T13:17:00.001-08:00

Have you ever been in the shower had soap all over your body but still felt dirty?

Life would be a lot different without cars.

Maybe one day I'll get another tattoo. But only on my back and have my brother do the art work.

Don't you love that feeling you get after 1-3 beers. That warm fuzzy feeling you get where you can still comprehend reality but you don't care too. Where you are standing on a tight rope of perception and idealism?

Doesn't it feel good to be in love? Really really good?

Doesn't it feel good to type sometimes, not knowing who is going to read what you wrote? Ah the mystery in it.

Have you ever just wanted to drive over other cars, through cars, and around cars but something kept you from doing the unthinkable?

Have you ever been so cold you were hot?

Ugh dog walking makes me think a lot. Too cold for an ipod....

Have you ever been so scared of something but then hit fear right in the face and jumped in with two feet?

Do you challenge yourself enough?

I love all dogs but I LOVE certain dogs.

Why does time slow down when you want it to speed up and vice versa?

Are endurance athletes crazy obsessed or is everyone else?

Have you ever wanted to listen to someone but not respond?

I'm writing this is non-paragraph form for no apparent reason.

Love, cycling, reading, dogs, dogs, dogs, dreaming.

We hear people but we rarely listen.

Time to cycle. Time to cycle. Time to cycle.

I'm my mothers therapy when I'm hope. I sit and listen when she does stuff but sometimes don't respond. Makes me laugh :)

Craving an update...

2009-12-21T17:43:00.001-08:00

I know it's been a while since I've written. I hope my 8 followers do not take it personally but sometimes I need to recharge, refuel, and renovate my inner reasoning. There is a side of me that wants to write and update my blog consistently but then I start to fringe and vilify the rationale behind a daily blog. Daily, weekly, monthly? I tend to be an extroverted person. I say and tell things how they are and wear my heart on my shoulder. But, there is this small side to myself that represses, and awaits a chance to write here. Sometimes It's OK to keep ideas and feelings inside but only if you are able to control those sensations.

I have no real end to this segment :)

I spent this past weekend at Maija's house in New Jersey. It was a lazy weekend (except training) but I had a great time like always. We got hit with a bad snow storm and had some fun playing with the dogs in the snow.

I have always acted as a calm assertive leader around dogs but I'm beginning to become a bit of a sap for Frito & Cooper. I ironically enough never have spent serious time 24+ hours with the same dogs. There were specific traits I had not learned about our fury four legged friends. Maija and her dogs taught me a good strong leader does not need to run the show 24/7. During specific times during the day it is important to establish yourself as the pack leader. Other times are meant for the "pack" to enjoy each others company.

I think my Dad needs a dog. While it's no business of mine I wish they would look past the notion that it's Bonnie's house. (Bonnie the cat)

Humans tend to place superficial roles to animals instead of maybe realizing that all animals can and will get along with the right type of leadership. Of course this will come a bit easier when it is the same type of animal, but who's afraid of a little challenge? My parents seem to think this is Bonnie's house and not "our" house. All animals have this instinct to either lead or follow. We all play a role in natures game. Which one do you see yourself as? Maybe a little of both?

How have dogs impacted your life? Emotionally? Physically?

I might not get a chance to post again until after the new year. The coming days are going to be filled with training, walking 10+ dogs a day (not in a row), eating, sleeping, and repeating. It's good money so that is the most complaining I'll do. After the new year I'll be headed back to Jersey where I hope to find employment, train my butt off for the coming race season, and get into a Police Academy. Hopefully in that order!

Be well, and have a happy and healthy New Year.
A

Back on Long Island

2009-12-14T14:33:00.000-08:00

Got back to Long Island today. I'll be here walking dogs for some extra money during the Holiday season. I'm still on the hunt for a part-time job while I go through the whole Police application process. It's not as easy as I thought because I need to find a job that has a varied schedule or will be humble because I'll constantly need to take days off so I can travel for different portions of the process. Most Police application processes are the same. The only difference is the order in which they complete the affair. The majority of Police applications consist of a written and physical exam, oral board interview, polygraph exam, medial review, and interview with the Chief of Police. WOW! It's a long and stressful process but definitely worth it in the long run. Well, that is if law enforcement is the career path you are interested in.

Yesterday I took the City of Wilmington (Delaware) physical fitness test. Like the other tests I have taken in the past it consisted of push-ups, sit-ups, and a 1.5 mile run. The run didn't go as well as I had planned. My back was getting tight after going through the mile in 5:50. The past few weeks I've been training hard on the bike. My coach Mike has been giving me some intense workouts so I couldn't expect to run fast than 9:00. I ended up running 9:10 but I was all alone. The next guy was about two minutes behind me. I was a bit surprised to see people walking during the run. It seemed as if they gave up way too easily.

Time for some family dinner!

A

Customer Service with a FROWN?

2009-12-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

I was not going to post until the end of the weekend but I had to let off a little steam after Maija and I had a recent trip to a local running store called Sneaker Factory. We walked into the store and noticed the woman helping another gentleman. I'm an observant person and right away I started listening to her tone and energy with the man she was helping. Her responses were quick, jumpy, and at most she gave off a sense that it was a privilege for people to be shopping here.

After a while Maija had to chase the woman down to try on a pair of shoes. "I'd like to try on a pair of these" Maija said to the woman. "Oh well your going to have to order those" the woman responded. Then the woman went on to tell Maija what she "needed" not what she "might" want to try. Maija preceded to try on the pair of shoes and ran around the store for a bit to get a feel for them. The woman was gone before we knew it and when she returned it didn't seem sensible to ask Maija how they felt or if she wanted to try anything else on.

Next it was my turn. Although I do not consider myself a runner anymore I always like to try on different racing flats to see the new innovations companies have come out with. I wanted to try on the Luna Racers. They reminded me of the Nike Mayfly's. Remember those shoes you could wear for 100k and then they fell apart?
I was not interested in buying them but their luminous neon green grabbed my attention and started pulling me in saying "Put me on your feet spaceman". The woman said to me "They are like running barefoot". "Oh? So they are similar to the Nike Free's?" I retorted. "NO, they are not". Boom done end of conversation. At this point her voice had gotten loud and obnoxious. I didn't even care to try on the shoes at this point but I kept staring at the green shoe on the display case and it's gravitational force was too much to bear. Was I actually in a running store or was I in line at a food store on Long Island?

Endurance sports (to me) are about community not about making sales. I can't think about a time where I've been in a cycling or running shop and had a bad customer service experience. This woman had no intention of growing a rapport with any of her customers. While this might seem acceptable in the majority of retail shops, small running and cycling store should want to embrace every customer they come in contact with.

When Maija was checking out at the register she told the woman she used to run for their team. The woman responded by saying "So?". WOW! She is lucky I was flipping through a magazine across the store. This woman should not be working at a running store, with little kids, dogs, or any contact with anything living because she obviously has no perception of how to deal or handle a humble conversation.

After the shop Maija and I headed over to the local dog park where we let the dogs run loose for a while. Unfortunately we didn't have the best experience because there was an unsafe dog with an unstable owner. I'm not going to get into details today about this because I don't want the whole post to be negative.

Lastly we headed over to Liberty Cycle because I could not for the life of me get my old cycling pedals off. They have been on numerous bikes and needed to be changed. I rode one morning with the Liberty Cycle group ride and saw some of the most beautiful scenery. Greg the owner is a nice guy. It would be nice to join their cycling club but I do not have an extra $60 to join right now. If I get some extra money I think I'll join even if I'm racing for a different team. They are a great group of guys and I like to support local area shops.

Wish me luck in my Police Physical Test tomorrow!

A

Coffee, Dog, Cats, & Life

2009-12-10T14:52:00.000-08:00

I had a tough workout yesterday on the trainer. I think it was more mentally tough than physically. The workout was only 2 X 20 minutes @ 225 Watts. 225 is well below my threshold in season. I don't produce the most amount of watts unless going uphill because I only weigh 135. But my Watts per KG is not too bad. My goal by the time April rolls around is to have my Threshold / Tempo watts around 300. I never realized the benefits a power meter can have for my training until I started using one. While there is never one standard way to train for anything it's nice when you can use a technological tool in order to establish a guideline. I know it's only December but 225 should feel easy and yesterday it felt like a chore. Ironically enough I'm realizing it's a lot harder psychologically than physically.

Once the pain starts setting in it's good to try and accept it rather than rebel.

A long time ago back in 2001 when I was in boot camp for the Army there was a quote that a Drill Sergent said to me during a long road march. While many might have heard this quote it has always stuck with me when the going gets tough. He said to me "Your mind will give out before your body does." There have been many times I wanted to cut a workout short or even not train for the day. In the end all the times I made it through those tough days running or on the bike I still felt a sense of accomplishment. There will always be days where you are sore, tired, or stressed out. The most simple cure is a small dose of exercise. This does not mean you have to hop on a bicycle, run, or even swim. Maybe you have a dog. A quick game of hide-and-go-seek with your pup can take your mind off the present. This is something I regularly do with my girlfriends doggies. I'll keep them downstairs and then find a good hiding spot. Once I'm good and ready I'll call them up and try to act as silent as possible. Frito the "hunter" usually sniffs me out first. It doesn't take much to get the mind off of the stress you might be having. While this example or others may only be a temporary fix, it's sometimes does more good than harm.
On Sunday I'll be taking the City of Wilmington's Police Physical Fitness Test in Delaware. I think if I run under 8:30 for the 1.5 mile I'll be considered in the 99th percentile. It's funny but I never thought I would be worried about running 8:30 for a mile and a half. For the Delaware State Police test I went out way too hard. 35 seconds for the first 200! On Sunday I'll try a lot harder to run a more consistent pace. For an in shape cyclist and an out of shape runner 8:30 shouldn't be too difficult. You might be wondering why I'm looking to work in Delaware. Well, there are not many Police Departments hiring. I can't find one department in New Jersey that has openings. I already took the NYPD test so I'm still waiting to hear back from them. The whole police application is a long and stressful process that can take anywhere from 6 months to a year. Wilmington PD is looking to hire by February and have an academy start date of March. Lets hope I get picked! Ultimately I still need to think about where I want to start my law enforcement career but sometimes you have to start somewhere out of your element.

There are the physical standards for the TEST.

If I don't write until Sunday enjoy the weekend!

A

Oh and here is a video to make you laugh!

Cold Days = Indoor Training

2009-12-08T09:28:00.000-08:00

The month of December and it's cold air has finally hit the Northeast. For an endurance athlete/competitive cyclist this means a lot of lonely days either on an indoor trainer, fighting the cold outside, or cross training. Since my coach has me doing specific workouts with a variety of intensity changes I succumb to indoor trainer riding because I can in more ways than one "zone out". I either put on some slightly motivating movie, or throw my ipod on and get the work done for the day. As an endurance athlete for a bunch of years now I've made revelations about my training. Some are quite accurate while others are definitely questionable.

When I was running track and cross country throughout college I used to always be on the brink of over-training, burnout, or injury. This happened because I always believed more is better. Being the stubborn "Long Islander" I am, I would shut out others who opposed the idea and think of them as lazy, or unmotivated. Especially people on my team. There were always those runners who would do the minimum of the day's training. If our coach said go out for a 30 minute recovery run many would do just 30 minutes and call it a day. I on other hand and a few select others would always go above and beyond the desired duration because we somehow thought:

1) We were invincible

2) We were better, stronger, faster

3) Smarter?

The list goes on and on. Those who I always ran high mileage with were either a lot faster than me or slower. Personally I always felt as if I need to prove something to myself, and others but in a negative manner. My running races speak for themselves. I consistently ran workouts as hard and as fast as I could thinking this type of program would make me have a "breakthrough", maybe even qualify for certain races.

I remember during my Freshmen or Sophomore year in college I had to go on a two week leave for the Army. We had to do some medical and field training. Anyway, it was the middle of the indoor track season and I was trying to run faster than 2:38 for the 1,000meter run. When I felt for two weeks all I could think about was how much fitness I was going to loose because I would not be able to train. During those two weeks I almost didn't run a step because we were so busy. I got back to the campus on a Thursday night and left the next day for a track meet. The first day I ran 2:40 for the 1k but on the next day I ran 2:35! I new PR with two weeks off?

The point I'm trying to make out of all this is that everyone is different. Some people need to run or train for very long durations at a time while others can get away with 50% less. So whether you are an endurance athlete or just someone looking to do exercise make a plan, schedule, and training regiment which works for YOU. Ironically enough others will follow your plan because they either think you have knowledge (which you may or may not) or because they haven't yet learned or figured out a plan for themselves. In the mist of training there will always be those who follow. This is not a negative form of training, just a means to getting in a workout. During college I would always follow (to a certain degree) the training plans of those runners who were faster than me. I would run 60-70-80-90 or even 100 mile weeks with no intention or direction. Then when I would get to a race and run no where near my own potential I would gloat on those runners who made it look so darn easy. The one single most important lesson I have learned from endurance sports is that our body and mind constantly need to be challenged. Movement has been the single most important aspect of who I am today. But ironically enough rest needs to remain an unremitting portion of our existence as athletes.

I was reading Outside Magazine the other day and came across an interesting article about some influential people of 2009. Individuals who might have came from money or not but decided to give back some of their time to others. One person specifically named Brad Ludden, 28, who is a Pro Kayaker, started and organization called First Descents. After his Aunt was diagnosed with cancer in 2000 he started this organization to aid in the second chapter in a survivors recovery. This is also known as the "emotional cure". Ludden took them on some fast exhilarating kayaking adventures to restore the courage they had lost from their illness. Even after a traumatic life experience there are ways to realize we are not as fragile as we may seem. Let loose once in a while. Go into a field and scream as loud as you can, or sprint down the street with all your might (watch out for cars), meet and talk to a stranger... Do something to exert built up energy inside of you in a positive manner that will challenge your daily routine. This could even mean driving a different way to work than you usually go.

With the Holiday's not too far away lets not forget those family members and friends who we care about most in our lives.

Enjoy the day!

A

1st Post into the Indifferent Conundrum

2009-12-07T06:54:00.000-08:00

It's taken me a while to start an ongoing narrative. I feel I'm doing my part in terms of technology. I have a blackberry, I have a Facebook infatuation, I use a macbook pro, and I have a powertap on my bicycle. For those who are not cycling inclined a powertap is a bicycle computer that measures the amount of torque you are putting onto the spokes. Then a wireless sensor picks up the RPM and with these two output numbers voila a watt is produced and the computer screen reads the amount of power you are putting out at a given time. It looks something like this:

Anyway getting back to my story. So I've always felt as if I have been connected to the world but there must have been a piece of the puzzle missing because I didn't have a blog. I suppose there are a million and one reasons to start writing a blog. I'm not about to pontificate and try to justify my reasons at this poist. Even getting a powertap at times seems overkill in terms of training technology but this realization and the technological benefits for training surpass my stubbornness.

Now back up to speed. I have recently decided to become a Police Officer or State Trooper. I'm not sure which one yet because it all decides upon location, where I get an offer, ETC...Last Friday I drove from my girlfriend's house in NJ to take the Delaware State written and physical fitness test. The written part was not as difficult as I had imagined. The questions ranged from different police situations, memorization, and what they call a "Life Questionnaire". This part of the test is suppose to gauge your motivation, dedication, and integrity. They are the same type of questions human resource people ask you when your going for a corporate job. If it was up to me I would get rid of these exams. I would base entrance into the academy from a resume and past experiences. Then once they get to the academy I'm sure the officers there will easily be able to weed out the unmotivated and weak minded.

The physical fitness test was a bit too easy. Since I have started my competitive cycling career I haven't had much desire to run. Sure on some warm fall days it's great to get out there for a run and enjoy the scenery at a much slower pace, but I just love the bike way too much. The test consisted of doing as many sit ups then push ups you could complete in one minute or less respectively. I did 61 situps and 51 pushups. After about a 60 second break they were already yelling for us to line up on the track for the 1.5 mile run. I could barely life my arms! The 1.5 mile run was held at the University of Delaware's indoor track. It was hot and the air was dry but I managed to run around 9 minutes. I went out way too fast but still lapped everyone in the group at least 3 times. Hopefully the instructors took a mental note of who I was.

After taking a Police Exam your score is put on the eligibility list where you are picked based on the score you received. I'm not the best test taker so fortunately many Police Departments are combining your exam score, physical fitness score, and oral interview score.

While I had to take an entrance exam for the Military it was not the deciding factor if you were going to become a solider or not. After you passed a lengthy medical exam you were shipped off to basic training. Within the first three weeks the people who couldn't hack the drill sergeants mocking remarks were sent home, back into civilian life.

My main goal once I do become a Police Officer is to get into a specialized Police unit; K9, SWAT, or Narcotics. Currently I've applied to the NYPD, Delaware State Police, Connecticut Police Department, and on Tuesday I'll be going to an orientation for the City of Wilmington Police Department. I'll keep everyone updated.

Aside from pursing my professional career my training is going well for next season. My coach has me doing a lot of base training right now so I'm strong once April rolls around. My first goal of the season is to place well at Tour of the Battenkill. I had a horrible crash their last year so you could say I'm looking for a bit of closure! My crash was recorded on a tiny camera he had on his bike during the race. It even made it to bicycling.com! Check out the CRASH.

I'm also going to be racing on a new team based out of NYC. The actual name and sponsors have not been announced yet so I'll keep you posted.

I'm spending the rest of this week with my girlfriend Maija at her place in NJ before I head home to the Island. Over the Xmas break I'll be walking dogs for some extra cash, and training my butt off. I'm hoping by then I'll have a better picture or at least a narrowed view of which department I want to work for. But, then again this process can take anywhere from six months to a year.

A