Check out this page I just posted, featuring some members of the Thursday Night Ride Group, including myself. I created it on the website http://www.elfyourself.com, and the results are absolutely hilarious.
The stars of the show are Ronnie, Ross, myself, and Larry. If only we could replicate these moves on our bikes!
There’s a nor’easter headed for the East Coast, but I’m safely tucked away here, doing winter training “stuff.” Yesterday, I blacked out for the second day in a row. I came home, and the next thing I knew, it was 8 in the evening. I quickly did an hour of Tae Bo and then spun down on the rollers before talking to Mom and Dad on the phone. Maybe that half marathon affected me more than I thought.
Well, I spent too much time responding to the chatter here at the lodge, and I’m late for work. Some of us have to work, Rogue! lol … talk later!
It’s snowing out East, and the rowing records are being shattered here in the West (shoutout to ROAR and ROGUE!) while I sit here, dreaming of next season. Today is a rest day, and I’ve spent the evening preparing my plan of attack for next year’s season.
I was supposed to do chores but fell asleep after work instead. As Marcy gave me a dirty look for not going hiking like I had promised, I felt the urge to do something constructive. Now that I have something to focus on, it’s off to training I go.
Yesterday, I went for a road ride out to Turah and back. Initially, I had planned to go to Clinton and back, but as I rolled out of town, I realized I might cut the ride short from my previous plan of 3 hours to 2 or even 1. My CamelBak nozzle accidentally got exposed and froze solid, so I figured I’d go home and get on the rollers.
As I left Bonner and Milltown, I decided to try that road called ‘Rustic Road.’ I was pleasantly surprised to find that it looped back under the Interstate at Turah. Cool, a new shorter loop (possible multi-loop on a sparsely traveled road)!
As I rode under the interstate at around mile 12.1, it looked like it was going to snow a little. As I approached East Missoula, I found myself in a full blizzard. I rode home in a complete whiteout and arrived as the snow started to pile up.
Here we go again with the snow! And I was psyched to get back out on the bike. I’m thankful that I have other outlets like running and skiing; maybe I’ll try out Pattee Canyon this week. I just noticed Missoula Nordic has posted the race calendar. Let’s race!
Good morning from my apartment, where I find myself running late again, probably because I was updating my 2007 training log. So, I guess I’ll have to skip my emails and other morning routines and cut this blog post short. I’ll try to update everyone more if I catch a break sometime today. Isn’t it funny how we just try to survive on Mondays? I’m thankful that today I’m feeling rested and not as sore as I thought I would be. More later, have a great morning!
*People, please feel free to comment. Hi ROAR!
This frosty morning in Missoula finds me gearing up for a recovery ride. The roads are inviting, and with the right layers, it’s bound to be a good one. Yesterday’s ride wasn’t just for the sake of it; it was a journey to the Freezer Burn Half Marathon.
After an 18-mile spin out to Frenchtown with Josh, we met Larry at the race. A bonfire warmed us before the start, where the entry fee was a steal. Early on, I was doing well, close to the lead pack, until my leg warmers began their descent. A quick stop to remove them, and I was off again, this time with bare legs. The weather was kind, sunny and encouraging.
Running alongside Ashley, she nudged my pace from 160 bpm to 168 bpm. It seemed doable until my stride began to falter. Eventually, my pace dropped to a shuffle, the hard pavement challenging every joint and ligament. Crossing the finish line at 1:41, I smashed my 2-hour goal. Mission accomplished.
We capped off the event at Iron Horse Brewery, celebrating with Cold Smoke and a heap of nachos. What a day!
I’m off to bed. Has anyone been to Woot.com? It’s a site with incredible deals, one day at a time. Sometimes, they have “Woot-offs” like today, where they post an item until it sells out. People buy it to see what’s next in line.
The other day, I received my Woot from a Sunday morning purchase. I saw this 1GB Scandisk memory card, media player, and radio for about ten bucks. With a click of a button, it was on its way.
Well, all the excitement is over, and I need to get an early start to pack and get my bike ready for the ride to Frenchtown for the half marathon. See you there! Otherwise, you’re a wuss!
Hello from a undisclosed position in Missoula Montana where the rain is starting to come down and I sit here wet from my bike ride. today is my Aunt Paula’s birthday so I would like to shout out her way and wish her a happy birthday. I will see you in a couple weeks.
What is good about today is that it’s my aunts birthday. When you look at all the other events it all seems like the earth is spinning backwards. Every cupboard I open, stuff falls on me. At work everything is breaking and people all around me are having problems. I think one person has called it the “February Montana Blues”. I am hanging in thought with only good thoughts of all the beauty and good weather.
So tonight I see if I can run 10 miles. I know I can but what will be my status afterwards and how will my performance be. It is important because this weekend is the “Freezer Burn” half marathon. I am glad there are things that I am attempting for the first time still. Makes everything so interesting.
Long term I am sick of being off the bike and hope to return to the saddle soon to prepare for next summer. I cant wait.
In the meantime I have my buddies bike to build and with parts on the way it will be getting real fun soon. He is going to have a kick ass ride (quality wise). Some may look at the bike and wonder where all the society, toy-boy, name brand, “your only cool if” parts. If they were up your ass you would know it!
The weather is good enough to feel like spring. It is raining outside and the air is warm.
Good morning. Are we getting more snow? According to the news, we are. The ground in Missoula has been white and frozen for 11 days without a warm-up. For me, this is not welcome, and I was not ready for winter as it was. It’s these conditions that have made running, training for a half marathon, treacherous.
I have been running the treasure trail and just completed a three-day half marathon. I did 13 miles in 3 days, totaling 2.6 hours. I covered 1,900 feet vertically, and the conditions were snow to packed snow and ice. That’s a slow pace, but conditions are not good. My plan next is to put that distance into two days this weekend, rest, then a long ten miler before the actual race. Last night, I was glad to be facing two days off from running because I sat in the tub, sore and with a blister that needs a break. I talked to my grandma on the phone about my new training goals and this year’s holiday bash at my aunt’s.
My aunt Paula has a party during the holidays once a year, and it is the most fun and best party around. It is the highlight of the season. She usually ships in Lobster and Crab from Alaska, and there are enough “adult” beverages to put down an elephant. In preparation for this event, I finally got the photos from last year posted in my Picassa Gallery.
Well, it’s spinning (indoor cycling) tonight and then a complete house cleaning, so I better run. Oh yeah, my apartment gets “looked at” tomorrow, so I have to clean it up. I think my landlady calls it “appraised,” whatever that means.
Last weekend’s tele ski trips left me with a souvenir – blisters on my heel. But there’s no rest for the weary, as I gear up for the Freezer Burn Half Marathon just a week and a half away. Sitting here, I gaze at my bikes with a mix of love and longing. I miss the thrill of the ride, and I’m itching to assemble my winter rig to conquer snowy roads and trails on two wheels.
The training doesn’t stop, though. Last night, I embarked on a 5-mile journey up into Crazy Canon. The night was so luminous, I didn’t even need a light (though I’d forgotten it anyway). That run started to test my limits – my legs aching with a blend of soreness and fatigue. But the plan must go on. Tonight, it’s a 3.5-mile run, an essential step towards nailing the half marathon in just three days.
After that, I’m giving myself a two-day breather. Then it’s a 13-mile weekend challenge, followed by another short rest. I’ll cap off my preparations with a hearty 10-miler next week. It’s a tough regimen, but the finish line is in sight, and my spirit is undeterred. Bring on the Freezer Burn!
I just put in workout #2 in preparation for the Freezer Burn Half Marathon in two weeks. But not before a cup of Big Ring Coffee by 53X11 a local company (visit the web site). I won this coffee at the State Cyclocross Championship. This is good coffee folks and given my form tonight it is just the ticket for a winters night workout. The coffee smells great and has a good taste as well.
Tonight I ran with Marcy up the Treasure Trail for about 4.5 miles. I know, far cry from 13 but baby steps first. I know the fitness is there because I can ski up a mountain for 4 hours without rest pretty easily. Tonight I felt good and did not feel like it was hard. No body I know is going to do the Freezer Burn yet but hopefully someone will see the benefit in freezing their ass off.
Good morning! It’s back to work, and I’m wrestling with the urge to pick up the phone and declare, “I quit! I’ve decided not to work anymore; instead, I’m just going to exist.” Ah, Mondays… they can be so brutal. Maybe that’s why I’m feeling a bit off-kilter today.
This morning, I was tending to the blisters I got from tele skiing twice over the weekend. I think I clocked in about 12 hours on the slopes. So, as I was prepping a bandage (they stick better on clean skin), I reached for a new bottle of rubbing alcohol and… surprise! There was a “protective seal” to break. Really?
What in the world survives in rubbing alcohol? If anything, I’d use this solution to clean something contaminated. It’s not like I drink this stuff. This is akin to our government’s “protective” measures with homeland security. Yeah, sure!
Well, it’s back to work for me, and there’s also the nightly decision about exercise. I’m thinking a 4-mile run to prep for the half marathon in two weeks. This weekend, maybe I’ll hit Lantern Ridge. Any takers?
Terrain Distance (approx): 7.6 miles
Climbing Distance: 3,600 feet
Highest Altitude: 9,800 feet
Trip Time: 6.1 hours
Difficulty: 3-mile hike, windy and harsh on top, easy glades coming down but short
Maps: Google Map, Topo Map, Google Earth
Photo: Picasa Album, Slideshow, Video
Hello from “City Brew” in Missoula. I have just posted the photos from yesterday’s ski trip to Trapper Peak. Paul, I hope you enjoy these. Today I am just hanging out, doing chores, and watching football. If you are not doing anything, head on over to my Picasa gallery to see the photos.
Trapper Peak is in the Southern Bitterroots (click to see map). We did not encounter the snow we did at Lolo Peak two days ago, but the skiing was good nonetheless. We went up about 3,500 feet in about three hours and then came back to the trailhead. After the ski, we did a simulated “Deer Camp” – i.e., build a fire and drink beer. The trip took us a little over 6 hours.
I’m thrilled to share that my mom has recognized my passion for photography and has sent one of my photos to her local weatherman. It’s a wonderful feeling to know that my work will be appreciated by a larger audience, and I’m grateful for her support in showcasing my hobby in this unique way.
Hi my name is Dorlene Buckey and my son sent me this picture by email that he took and called it snowman waiting to cross the street. It was taken on wed. when Missoula, Mt. got a lot of snow. I thought you’d enjoy it. Love all the work for animals and charities you do and keep up the good work on the weather. ~Dorlene Buckey
GREAT PICTURE! I LOVE IT..NOW THAT LOOKS COLD..THANKS AGAIN ~BRAD
Brad Wills is the weatherman at KYMA.com (BWILLS@KYMA.com).
Terrain Distance (approx): 9 miles
Climbing Distance: 2,823 feet
Highest Altitude: 8,694 feet
Trip Time: 5.4 hours
Difficulty: Easy skin up, last 2 miles very technical coming down
Maps: Google Map, Topo Map
Hello from ‘City Brew’ in Missoula. I have just uploaded some pictures from yesterday’s trip up Carlton Ridge.
The first tele-ski of the season was on Thanksgiving. My friend Ronnie and I skied up from the Mormon Peak Trailhead. The lower gate stays open until the end of hunting season, so this trip was a treat. We skied up Carlton Ridge and then topped out on the high point to the West (Northeast of Lolo Peak) at 8,694 feet. [link to topo map of high point]
After the ski, I went to the Brown’s house for Thanksgiving Day dinner. The feast was prepared by their daughter, which was fabulous, and it was nice to see them. After the feast, we settled in for a movie called ‘Ratatouille.’ After some pie and coffee, I was home for a good winter’s sleep.
So here I am, planning to do Trapper Peak tomorrow and finishing up my coffee. Have a good weekend, everyone.
Tonight I started training for my first half marathon. I am planning on running in the Freezer Burn in three weeks. Tonight I ran 3 miles up the Mount Sentinel Fore Road in our new blanket of snow. There were others before me but no ground to be found. I felt good physically but the joints were complaining coming down. It took me a little over 30 minutes. Tomorrow I plan to do a 7-hour tele-ski so I must turn in for that.
The final standings (link here) are out for the 2007 MBRA Cross Series. I finished out my season with three 3rd place finishes, including the State Championship (see photo to the right). I ended up in 2nd place for the series! 🙂
So, that’s it! I am thankful for a great season of cycling. At the beginning of the season, I wondered if I would ever get to feel what it was like to win races again (like old times). I am thankful to have won quite a few races this season. I am so glad I was able to race with the group this year instead of behind the group like last year.
So, if you’re saying, “How selfish” … I will say that I am thankful for all the friends who shared in my experiences. As we all know, without someone to share it with, it just sucks. So, I would like to shout out to Ross, Nancy, Lydia, Emily, Alden, Ronnie, Mike, John C, Larry, Lisa, Alex, Julie, Kathy, Dianne, Keith, Aron, Garland, Josh, Charlie, Paul, Idaho Racers, everyone who reads this blog, and all the Montana Racers I got to know.
Everyone is gone at work today, gone to their families for the holiday. Me, I am going to go freeze my ass off tomorrow … something wrong with that picture. Tomorrow it looks like I will be heading up Carlton Ridge with my friend Ronnie. I think the plan is to tele-ski. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Boneshakerbike 