Gratitude

Don't know if it's age or just a state of mind, but this holiday season I was more greatful for the things I have then what I got. I know that sounds childish, but my point is I would have been happy with minimal gifts. I spent quite a few moments reflecting on "the good stuff"
I am healthy,, and over the last year I have been able to ride myself into some good shape, I was able to put the hurt on a number of racer friends, and my time trial tests were on par with my best rides when I was an active racer. Greatful because a number of years ago, I was sick, and riding a bike was the farthest thing from my mind. I actually sold off my racing stuff thinking life as I knew it was going to be changed forever. SCARY times...
I'm greatful that I have the desire (still) to get out there and stay in good shape. My latest challenge of a spring marathon and the winter training that goes with it is a testament to my fortitude, dedication and passion to come into the spring fit and fast. A goal I will no doubt achieve.
I'm greatful for my family, for the runs thing#1 does with me. Times like that I don't have to be dad, we are simply out running, and openly sharing thoughts, ideas, and inspirations. I look forward to these becoming more and more frequent. I wonder if he realizes how talented he is? 8 miles on Thanksgiving no problem...
I'm greatful for the time spent training my "personal manager" to complete a 1/2 marathon especially since the farthest she ever went was a number of 5ks. Regardless of the obstacles we encountered along the way, she was successful, and the one on one time spent running with her was good quality time. I particularly liked the way she saw that my competitive search and destroy hammer persona was non existent, and it was her best interest that I focused on. Making HER a better runner...
I'm greatful that thing#2 shined with athletic ability on the football field. The day in day out coaching schedule I was part of was more than worth it. Those kids were wonderful, and for a first year player to rise to first string offense AND defense? I couldn't have been prouder of my son.
I'm greatful that I have been able to realize, on a number of occasions that faith,and perseverence get you thru anything. YES 2008 had it's downs (probably more so than in recent years) but the hardships faced have turned out or are turning out to be blessings and good situations. Is life perfect? Hell no, however I'm glad I'm able to see the good and hope for better....
So here's to 2009 and all the GOOD that it brings.
Allez
Ray

starting the new year on a good step

So the holiday's are done, and the last thing we did was a small trip to a water park for New Years. The boys had fun, and I once again spent a majority of my water time in the hot tubs :)
First thing I did when we got back home was go for a 3 mile run with "thing 1". I'm really glad we do that. It's some great one on one time and we all know the mindset you have when running. Another thing in my life to be greatful for, and a great way to start 2009. First couple of weeks of marathon training were a bit rough (recovery, not the actual runs...)But I seem to have adjusted at this point. I mentioned I was adding Super Green food, and FRS to my diet and I'm not sure if they are making the difference or if it's training response. Probably a bit of both. At any rate I'm feeling good. Today is an 11 miler.

The countdown continues 6

snake oil? Devils food??

Devils food? THAT'S an Alice Cooper song :)
so I (like a LOT of athletes) have dropped $$$ into suplements that promise lactic acid buffering, increases in performance, drop in weight, or the one I like best that don't seem to work, improved mood LOL Well the latest interest I have is in something to carry me thru longer workouts and provide improved recovery times AFTERWARD. I am taking advantage of an offer from FRS and getting a 30 day free supply. that lance guy is behind it so it's got to work wonders LMAO In all seriosness I used it in the summer and it seems to take the place of Starbucks coffee pretty well, so I had my PR manager LOL order a free trial on her credit card sneaky yes but then again its FREE! Another thing I'm doing is adding a serving of super green food to my daily diet. The crazy thing is we pretty much have to trust the vitamin and supplement industry and with so many things available NOBODY knows what they need. My opinion.... So currently I'm a bit blown after a long workout, so I just started the super green food routine. Lets see how I do, and when the FRS stuff shows up I MIGHT even quit visiting SBUX!! Turns out every so often the stomach gets upset if I had a coffee too close to working out. Too many choices and the last time I checked I wasn't getting paid to use a companies miracles, BUT I am savy enough to get a couple orders of FRS :)
Allez!
Ray

that which doesn't kill ya...

OHH Boy,
the last week or two has been crazy! Bitter cold, lots of snow, and finally driving rain and temps near 60?! That made for some interesting runs as I embarked on my training for April's marathon down at the U of I. I've handled the mileage, and more importantly, the longer distances with no problems but the one thing I've noticed is recovery afterward seems tougher than in the past. Might be a sign of age, - I never felt like this after hard efforts in past years, but if the 40's brings on recovery that normal people always dealt with so be it... Looking forward to a brief New Years getaway and the countdown to actually owning that beauty thats been sitting in the basement since August CALLING me to build it up ;)

the beginning of my obsession

First off MERRY Christmas!
So a very long time ago (practically in a different lifetime) when my passion or as some would call it obsession with Colnago started, I was lucky enough to buy a beaten C40 from a friend who owns a shop. I came across a photo of the exact same frameset that started this craze. Thanks for that one Freddie!

reoccuring dreams

Last night I had one of a few dreams that reoccur from time to time. This one involves me showing back up at a job I used to have YEARS later (in which I'm very aware in the dream) and I act as if I've never been gone. I simply jump in and try to pull off the fact that I haven't been around. The weird thing about last nights (unfortunately), is I awoke and was thinking about what I just dreamt about and started thinking about A LOT of details and people from that part of my life, it was strange and unfortunately kept me up for a good hour. Trans Lux, Brian Sims(wonder how he's doing), Jeff Bowers, Joe Kosina, Art Hitterman, part numbers like 50294-01 50386-11, details on assembly... STRANGE sh!%!!
So I'm a bit tired and trying to figure out what the issue is, I have an idea...

so it begins

Today is day one of my training for this springs marathon down at the U. of I. The weather was 5 degrees - fitting..... It may have been no different than any other run, but the fact that today was the start of this winters training and it was so cold made it "special".
Allez!
Ray