I will have more thoughts on this later, but as of now, all I can feel is excitement. Go Dawgs!
12.14.2009
11.30.2009
fiction!
I don't know if it was slight dehydration or fatigue or maybe it was a touch of food poisoning, but I was pretty sick for most of the day. The details I will spare. One good thing, however, did come out of it. I was able to finally finish, Theodore Rex, by Edmund Morris. The completion of this book also signifies my renewed commitment to fiction. I figured it was time to knock out some books I have been putting off for a long time.
On tap:
The Magic Mountain, Thomas Mann
Ulysses, James Joyce
The Guermantes Way, Marcel Proust
Should be quite the task as I often loose focus when I begin reading projects, but as of now, consider me committed.
On tap:
The Magic Mountain, Thomas Mann
Ulysses, James Joyce
The Guermantes Way, Marcel Proust
Should be quite the task as I often loose focus when I begin reading projects, but as of now, consider me committed.
10.18.2009
10.14.2009
Race Report: Black Diamond Long Course
Black Diamond Long Course
9.26.9
Swim: 1.2 Miles
Bike: 56 Miles
Run: 13.1 Miles
The final race is over and it took me several weeks to post this report. I had a few other things going on, namely getting engaged the weekend after this race.
Life has settled back into its daily routine and its time to finalize another season. This was a good race for the end of the year. Now that a few weeks have past it came at the right time and the season ended at the correct time.
Aleck and I drove up on Friday afternoon. Traffic getting to the greater Puget Sound region was bearable. Aleck's new VW Routon was comfortable, but lacked sufficient bass. I have been assured he is working on it.
One of the great things about this race is its late start time. Nine a.m is nice. I got a great nights rest. Nutrition in the morning was standard. We arrived in plenty of time to get things prepared in transition. This was a welcomed change from my last race. Those escapades were detailed in another race report. I am very happy things went more smoothly this time. After posting my race report from Spokane my coach asked if this was my first race. Apparently things go more smoothly in your second race.
The swim started out very hectic. It felt almost like an Ironman start. Everyone was very aggressive and I am unsure why. There was a smaller channel in between the first buoy and the edge of the lake. I can only think that people wanted to be the first through that gap because it was almost like an all out sprint to the first buoy. That is the only excuse I can think of for such poor behavior.
I swam fairly well, but didn't feel overly strong. I hadn't been swimmingly that well leading up to this race, so I didn't expect to go under 30 minutes which would have been a good swim for me. I was able to find a set of feet to get on for a large portion of the second half of the second loop. It doesn't sound substantial, but it put me in a good frame of mind going into T1.
Swim: 31:08
I did not have the disastrous transitions in this race as I did in Spokane. It just goes to show that you shouldn't over sleep your alarm on race day. My time was pretty much in line with everyone else, so good for me.
T1: 2:15
Heading out on the bike I felt pretty good. This was the first time racing with specific power targets and it made a huge difference. This was easily the best bike split I have ever had. There was a different feeling in my legs throughout that had never been there before. I wasn't overly prepared for this race. Training had gone well, but not superb. However, there was some fluidity in my legs and it felt good.
The course was two loops and I held my target watts the entire first loop. On the second loop the air temp actually cooled down and the wind starting coming off the mountain. I tried to maintain my target watts, but just wasn't able to do it and settled in pretty comfortably 10 watts lower.
Jason passed me about ten miles from the finish. In the last couple races it has been m goal to stay in front of him as long as possible. I know I wont be able to fend him off for an entire race, but the longer the better. I stayed within sight of him the rest of the ride and we came into T2 within a minute or so of each other.
Bike: 2:32:06
My second transition was equally uneventful. Just as it should be. As we left transition Jason yelled to me, "Let's run this together."
T2: 1:25
For nearly the entire run Jason was about 45 sec. to a minute ahead of me. The entire run I tried to bridge the gap and couldn't. He just loomed out there, just far enough I couldn't make up the differential.
The run was tough. There were a couple really steep inclines. They were the kind of inclines that break up an momentum you have and sap the strength out of your legs. I tried not to think about it, and just kept focusing on what was in front of me. I was pretty consistent the entire race in terms of pacing. I know I slowed a little toward the end on the trail portion, but that is the way it ends.
Run: 1:31:08
In terms of overall races it was a good one. I PR'd by a few seconds, which leaves me with a sweet taste in my mouth heading into the off season.
4:38:02
Ironheads did exceedingly well. As we team we took four of the top seven places.
9.26.9
Swim: 1.2 Miles
Bike: 56 Miles
Run: 13.1 Miles
The final race is over and it took me several weeks to post this report. I had a few other things going on, namely getting engaged the weekend after this race.
Life has settled back into its daily routine and its time to finalize another season. This was a good race for the end of the year. Now that a few weeks have past it came at the right time and the season ended at the correct time.
Aleck and I drove up on Friday afternoon. Traffic getting to the greater Puget Sound region was bearable. Aleck's new VW Routon was comfortable, but lacked sufficient bass. I have been assured he is working on it.
One of the great things about this race is its late start time. Nine a.m is nice. I got a great nights rest. Nutrition in the morning was standard. We arrived in plenty of time to get things prepared in transition. This was a welcomed change from my last race. Those escapades were detailed in another race report. I am very happy things went more smoothly this time. After posting my race report from Spokane my coach asked if this was my first race. Apparently things go more smoothly in your second race.
The swim started out very hectic. It felt almost like an Ironman start. Everyone was very aggressive and I am unsure why. There was a smaller channel in between the first buoy and the edge of the lake. I can only think that people wanted to be the first through that gap because it was almost like an all out sprint to the first buoy. That is the only excuse I can think of for such poor behavior.
I swam fairly well, but didn't feel overly strong. I hadn't been swimmingly that well leading up to this race, so I didn't expect to go under 30 minutes which would have been a good swim for me. I was able to find a set of feet to get on for a large portion of the second half of the second loop. It doesn't sound substantial, but it put me in a good frame of mind going into T1.
Swim: 31:08
I did not have the disastrous transitions in this race as I did in Spokane. It just goes to show that you shouldn't over sleep your alarm on race day. My time was pretty much in line with everyone else, so good for me.
T1: 2:15
Heading out on the bike I felt pretty good. This was the first time racing with specific power targets and it made a huge difference. This was easily the best bike split I have ever had. There was a different feeling in my legs throughout that had never been there before. I wasn't overly prepared for this race. Training had gone well, but not superb. However, there was some fluidity in my legs and it felt good.
The course was two loops and I held my target watts the entire first loop. On the second loop the air temp actually cooled down and the wind starting coming off the mountain. I tried to maintain my target watts, but just wasn't able to do it and settled in pretty comfortably 10 watts lower.
Jason passed me about ten miles from the finish. In the last couple races it has been m goal to stay in front of him as long as possible. I know I wont be able to fend him off for an entire race, but the longer the better. I stayed within sight of him the rest of the ride and we came into T2 within a minute or so of each other.
Bike: 2:32:06
My second transition was equally uneventful. Just as it should be. As we left transition Jason yelled to me, "Let's run this together."
T2: 1:25
For nearly the entire run Jason was about 45 sec. to a minute ahead of me. The entire run I tried to bridge the gap and couldn't. He just loomed out there, just far enough I couldn't make up the differential.
The run was tough. There were a couple really steep inclines. They were the kind of inclines that break up an momentum you have and sap the strength out of your legs. I tried not to think about it, and just kept focusing on what was in front of me. I was pretty consistent the entire race in terms of pacing. I know I slowed a little toward the end on the trail portion, but that is the way it ends.
Run: 1:31:08
In terms of overall races it was a good one. I PR'd by a few seconds, which leaves me with a sweet taste in my mouth heading into the off season.
4:38:02
Ironheads did exceedingly well. As we team we took four of the top seven places.
9.25.2009
9.20.2009
irony
Yesterday, the University of Washington, won what we all hope will be a program defining game. The Huskies defeated the University of Southern California. No two programs could have defined the two ends of the football spectrum more perfectly than these two. On this day, however, the mentor was defeated by the mentee. It was a day that everyone who was in attendance will be telling their grandchildren about. When the horrible memories of the Tyrone Willingham led Huskies become distant, 162,000 fans will say there were when in reality there were 62,000. It was a day of lore. A day of redemption.
It was day I spent in Autzen Stadium.
Much of my family has ties to the University of Utah, who played in Eugene yesterday. When the idea of going to the game was proposed many months ago I could not have imagined such a quick turnaround for UW. After last year's drubbing, I was pretty sure I couldn't bear sitting in Husky Stadium to watch the repeat. So, in a show of support for the Utes we all traipsed down I-5 to attend to football game.
The Utah/Oregon game was one marred with quarterback ineptitude. I will spare everyone the link to the stat sheet, but I will say, it was not good for either team. Before the game started, I had made a deal with my good friend Joe to send me updates. As the game progressed and each text arrived to my phone on the wings of angels, it became abundantly clear -- The Dawgs were not (repeat NOT) outclassed. As one reported later noted, we were winning 'old school'.
Then the updates stopped. I was on the edge of my seat. The game I was attending suddenly was interesting after three quarters of football purgatory, but I couldn't keep my mind of what was happening in Seattle. I was cursing Joe! Didn't he know what I was going through.
Picture this: four Husky fans in Autzen Stadium, sitting in the Utah section of the stadium, huddled around my sister's Blackberry hitting refresh every time it loaded in hopes of an update while the Oregon legions were copying the sideline to sideline 'Go Huskies' chant. (Their rendition was both inaudible and ill informed.) Oh....the irony. The Dawgs were winning and I was in Eugene. I was in EUGENE!
In spite of my absence, the Dawgs won, and the riot ensued.
Image Credit: Leslie Danielson
It was day I spent in Autzen Stadium.
Much of my family has ties to the University of Utah, who played in Eugene yesterday. When the idea of going to the game was proposed many months ago I could not have imagined such a quick turnaround for UW. After last year's drubbing, I was pretty sure I couldn't bear sitting in Husky Stadium to watch the repeat. So, in a show of support for the Utes we all traipsed down I-5 to attend to football game.
The Utah/Oregon game was one marred with quarterback ineptitude. I will spare everyone the link to the stat sheet, but I will say, it was not good for either team. Before the game started, I had made a deal with my good friend Joe to send me updates. As the game progressed and each text arrived to my phone on the wings of angels, it became abundantly clear -- The Dawgs were not (repeat NOT) outclassed. As one reported later noted, we were winning 'old school'.
Then the updates stopped. I was on the edge of my seat. The game I was attending suddenly was interesting after three quarters of football purgatory, but I couldn't keep my mind of what was happening in Seattle. I was cursing Joe! Didn't he know what I was going through.
Picture this: four Husky fans in Autzen Stadium, sitting in the Utah section of the stadium, huddled around my sister's Blackberry hitting refresh every time it loaded in hopes of an update while the Oregon legions were copying the sideline to sideline 'Go Huskies' chant. (Their rendition was both inaudible and ill informed.) Oh....the irony. The Dawgs were winning and I was in Eugene. I was in EUGENE!
In spite of my absence, the Dawgs won, and the riot ensued.
Image Credit: Leslie Danielson
9.14.2009
Race Report: Spokane Triathlon
Spokane Triathlon
9.13.9
Swim: 1.5k
Bike: 40k
Run: 10k
This race report will be different than most, as this trip was one part road trip, one part race. I signed up on a whim after some convincing from Aleck. I hadn't planned on racing, but he said, "The team needed me to earn some points for the team competition." I said, "ok."
I met Aleck at his house early Saturday morning. We packed up the van, and after some minor delays getting our bikes set on the rack, made our way to Kaytee's house to pick up the rest of the crew save for A.J. This went more smoothly. We had a system in place for bike loading. I think this helped quell any suspicions, as we were already behind schedule.
The drive to Spokane was relatively uneventful. Kaytee and Kelly seemed to drift in and out of slumber most of the waking only when we stopped for gas or needed a natural break. Aaron, Denny, Aleck and myself chatted lightly, for 5+ hours about how this course was supposed to be 'flat and fast', faster than Blue Lake.
We also learned almost immediately, this van had bass. Dirty, dirty high school bass that would be put to the test later.
We arrived in Spokane, ate food, and some of the contingency left for an ill-fated highway ride. They were only called 'fags' once. I think the perpetrators may have been confused because two of the four people riding were women. Maybe they didn't know the difference. I will give them the benefit of the doubt because this I believe was the only negative interaction we had with locals. Spokane was strangely friendly, even as I wore my University of Washington shirt all day after our first win in 666 days.
Aleck and I stayed behind to pick up A.J. from the larger than expected Spokane Airport. En route we put the bass to the test. This would help define the rest of the trip. Bass. Sweet, sweet bass. On this trip we learned the major differences between new school bass (Black Eyed Peas) and old school bass (Sir-Mix-Alot). Neither one is better than the other, both contain their own merits. We learned that optimally they both should be played on the 'supr bass' setting on a volume ranging from 36 to 40. We also learned that Eazy-E now makes me a little uncomfortable.
We ate at Old Spaghetti Factory. We came back. Watched some of the Oregon/Purdue football game, and fell asleep hoping Oregon would find a way to loose that game. (We awoke to find this was not the case.)
The following morning was interesting. A few of us woke at 4am, on schedule to eat. I drank down my calories, and without even thinking about it, crawled back in bed and quickly fell asleep. Seriously, all of us fell back asleep until there was a report on the door. The girls were waiting and wondering where in the hell we were. We sprang into action quickly, maybe a little too quickly.
We made it to the race site on time. We prepared our stuff. I got in the always long bathroom line. Did my business. Went back to my bike to get my wetsuit on...and discovered my shorts were on BACKWARDS!!!! I needed to get my wetsuit on, I was starting to think I wasn't going to make the start. AGhhh. My friends started walking to the start. I didn't have a towel. I didn't want to strip down right there. Fortunately, a girl sharing my bike rack recognized my dilemma and lent me a towel. I promptly fixed my shorts. I got my wetsuit on, but not well, found A.J., Aaron and Aleck and got position in the water where we thought there was a good line to the first buoy.
We all heard the course was clockwise, keeping the buoys on the right, but things weren't adding up. We weren't the only one who heard this, A.J. even asked someone for confirmation, but there was also a lot of people lined up to the right of us, obviously lined up for the opposite buoy. When the gun went off, I took a quick look at them and realized they were not heading for the same buoy. I thought, "oh shit!" I got back on course, but I know I missed at least a minute, maybe more, getting back on course. I swam the whole, shallow, knuckle-dragging thing, by myself. No drafting, which sucks. I was not happy with my time at all.
Swim: 24:12
T1 was an exercise in frustration. Since I hurried through getting my wetsuit on, I had a hard time getting it off. It got stuck on my ankle. It felt like I was in there forever and ever. I was building a camp there. Staying, making a home, right there in that parking lot. Some one would find me there fossilized and tangled in my wetsuit. Finally it broke free. I was free. Free...and off on the bike.
T1: 1:41
The bike was neither flat nor fast as the website had indicated and liaisons in Spokane had confirmed. It was slow. It was hilly. It was a good course, fair, but not flat and not fast. I went out slightly conservatively. I was expecting it to be flat, but there were obviously hills at the beginning. I thought I was conserving my energy to lay it out on the flats. There weren't any flats. I probably should have gone out a little stronger, but as I was not familiar with the course. I also lost a bar end.
At the turn I decided to give it what I had. I knew there would be a couple stiff rollers, but would power through them. I was a little distracted by the dude that came screaming past me drafting behind a car. He said, "Nice bike" as he passed. I was so flabbergasted I said nothing, but thought about many unrepeatable phrases. I had a good second half and started to prepare myself for a 'flat and fast' run.
Bike: 1:07:36
T2 was pretty smooth. No real issues. I was about average in the top 20.
T2: 0:47
I went out on the run and felt good. At the first mile post I looked at my watch and it read 5:47. "Ummmm.....I should slow down." The run course was flat, but not fast. I passed the dude who drafted past me on the bike. Repeated those colorful euphemisms in my head and proceeded.
There were like a million turns and the entire thing was on a gravel road. Gravel is not fast. I past a couple dudes in my age group and felt pretty good. I feel like I should have pushed a little harder. I should have been under 40 minutes, but it happens. "Sometimes you eat the bar, and sometimes the bar eats you."
Run: 40:54
It was a fun race, everyone involved was great. They were happy we made the trip from PDX. It was a great experience.
Total: 2:15:07
3rd AG
14th OA
As a team we killed it. Veni, Vedi, Vici. Congrats to all.
Team Scores:
And then....the miracle. Kaytee and Kelly flagged down a car. In the very first car, the driver worked at the gas station. No kidding. We were in the middle of nowhere. The first guy that stopped had gas. He would be right back. I was thinking, "No way. The only way out is going to be riding to Moses Lake. We have bikes."
But...he came back with gas. It was enough to make it to a gas station. He told us about the race cars he owned. We paid in cash. We were out of there. A miracle indeed.
We made it home safe and sound, many hours after we started. I wouldn't change it for anything. A very wise friend of mine once said, "the meaning of life is making stories."
We just added a few to the book.
9.13.9
Swim: 1.5k
Bike: 40k
Run: 10k
This race report will be different than most, as this trip was one part road trip, one part race. I signed up on a whim after some convincing from Aleck. I hadn't planned on racing, but he said, "The team needed me to earn some points for the team competition." I said, "ok."
I met Aleck at his house early Saturday morning. We packed up the van, and after some minor delays getting our bikes set on the rack, made our way to Kaytee's house to pick up the rest of the crew save for A.J. This went more smoothly. We had a system in place for bike loading. I think this helped quell any suspicions, as we were already behind schedule.
The drive to Spokane was relatively uneventful. Kaytee and Kelly seemed to drift in and out of slumber most of the waking only when we stopped for gas or needed a natural break. Aaron, Denny, Aleck and myself chatted lightly, for 5+ hours about how this course was supposed to be 'flat and fast', faster than Blue Lake.
We also learned almost immediately, this van had bass. Dirty, dirty high school bass that would be put to the test later.
We arrived in Spokane, ate food, and some of the contingency left for an ill-fated highway ride. They were only called 'fags' once. I think the perpetrators may have been confused because two of the four people riding were women. Maybe they didn't know the difference. I will give them the benefit of the doubt because this I believe was the only negative interaction we had with locals. Spokane was strangely friendly, even as I wore my University of Washington shirt all day after our first win in 666 days. Aleck and I stayed behind to pick up A.J. from the larger than expected Spokane Airport. En route we put the bass to the test. This would help define the rest of the trip. Bass. Sweet, sweet bass. On this trip we learned the major differences between new school bass (Black Eyed Peas) and old school bass (Sir-Mix-Alot). Neither one is better than the other, both contain their own merits. We learned that optimally they both should be played on the 'supr bass' setting on a volume ranging from 36 to 40. We also learned that Eazy-E now makes me a little uncomfortable.
We ate at Old Spaghetti Factory. We came back. Watched some of the Oregon/Purdue football game, and fell asleep hoping Oregon would find a way to loose that game. (We awoke to find this was not the case.)
The following morning was interesting. A few of us woke at 4am, on schedule to eat. I drank down my calories, and without even thinking about it, crawled back in bed and quickly fell asleep. Seriously, all of us fell back asleep until there was a report on the door. The girls were waiting and wondering where in the hell we were. We sprang into action quickly, maybe a little too quickly.
We made it to the race site on time. We prepared our stuff. I got in the always long bathroom line. Did my business. Went back to my bike to get my wetsuit on...and discovered my shorts were on BACKWARDS!!!! I needed to get my wetsuit on, I was starting to think I wasn't going to make the start. AGhhh. My friends started walking to the start. I didn't have a towel. I didn't want to strip down right there. Fortunately, a girl sharing my bike rack recognized my dilemma and lent me a towel. I promptly fixed my shorts. I got my wetsuit on, but not well, found A.J., Aaron and Aleck and got position in the water where we thought there was a good line to the first buoy.
We all heard the course was clockwise, keeping the buoys on the right, but things weren't adding up. We weren't the only one who heard this, A.J. even asked someone for confirmation, but there was also a lot of people lined up to the right of us, obviously lined up for the opposite buoy. When the gun went off, I took a quick look at them and realized they were not heading for the same buoy. I thought, "oh shit!" I got back on course, but I know I missed at least a minute, maybe more, getting back on course. I swam the whole, shallow, knuckle-dragging thing, by myself. No drafting, which sucks. I was not happy with my time at all.
Swim: 24:12
T1 was an exercise in frustration. Since I hurried through getting my wetsuit on, I had a hard time getting it off. It got stuck on my ankle. It felt like I was in there forever and ever. I was building a camp there. Staying, making a home, right there in that parking lot. Some one would find me there fossilized and tangled in my wetsuit. Finally it broke free. I was free. Free...and off on the bike.
T1: 1:41
The bike was neither flat nor fast as the website had indicated and liaisons in Spokane had confirmed. It was slow. It was hilly. It was a good course, fair, but not flat and not fast. I went out slightly conservatively. I was expecting it to be flat, but there were obviously hills at the beginning. I thought I was conserving my energy to lay it out on the flats. There weren't any flats. I probably should have gone out a little stronger, but as I was not familiar with the course. I also lost a bar end.
At the turn I decided to give it what I had. I knew there would be a couple stiff rollers, but would power through them. I was a little distracted by the dude that came screaming past me drafting behind a car. He said, "Nice bike" as he passed. I was so flabbergasted I said nothing, but thought about many unrepeatable phrases. I had a good second half and started to prepare myself for a 'flat and fast' run.
Bike: 1:07:36
T2 was pretty smooth. No real issues. I was about average in the top 20.
T2: 0:47
I went out on the run and felt good. At the first mile post I looked at my watch and it read 5:47. "Ummmm.....I should slow down." The run course was flat, but not fast. I passed the dude who drafted past me on the bike. Repeated those colorful euphemisms in my head and proceeded.
There were like a million turns and the entire thing was on a gravel road. Gravel is not fast. I past a couple dudes in my age group and felt pretty good. I feel like I should have pushed a little harder. I should have been under 40 minutes, but it happens. "Sometimes you eat the bar, and sometimes the bar eats you."
Run: 40:54
It was a fun race, everyone involved was great. They were happy we made the trip from PDX. It was a great experience.
Total: 2:15:07
3rd AG
14th OA
As a team we killed it. Veni, Vedi, Vici. Congrats to all.
Team Scores:
Ironheads- 88 Points (4-1st, 2-2nd, 1-3rd, 1-5th)
Tri-Fusion- 66 Points (3-1st, 1-2nd, 1-4th, 1-5th)
Team Blaze-53 Points (2-1st, 1-3rd, 4-4th)
As with all good road trips there has to be some obstacles and miracles.
The obstacle came in the drive home. We were tired. We had swilled down a few celebratory beers, ate some chow and headed home. We were dropping serious bass on I-90. Cruising. Not reading the signs. We missed our exit. We had overshot US 395. It wasn't by much, but we missed it alright. There was a classic deserted farm road, real 'Grapes of Wrath', that cut the angle back to the highway. We were still dropping bass and also using gas. More gas than we should have. Right before the highway, in what can only be described as as ghost town, we ran out of gas. There was only a Pacific Pride station in town. No one had an access card. We were screwed. As you can see: I decided to check the bikes. Someone was going to have to ride to Moses Lake. It seemed our only option.
And then....the miracle. Kaytee and Kelly flagged down a car. In the very first car, the driver worked at the gas station. No kidding. We were in the middle of nowhere. The first guy that stopped had gas. He would be right back. I was thinking, "No way. The only way out is going to be riding to Moses Lake. We have bikes."
But...he came back with gas. It was enough to make it to a gas station. He told us about the race cars he owned. We paid in cash. We were out of there. A miracle indeed.
We made it home safe and sound, many hours after we started. I wouldn't change it for anything. A very wise friend of mine once said, "the meaning of life is making stories."
We just added a few to the book.
9.08.2009
Hulaman Video
I am fooling around with some video editing software. Here is my first (ish) shot at putting something together. Obviously, I haven't gotten it all figured out yet.
9.05.2009
A New Day
Today begins a new day in the history of Husky football. I have been contemplating this post since the day Coach Steve Sarkisian was hired. I have scraped many, many ideas of what to say today. I have run the breadth of emotion in regards to this team over the past decade, and now we start again. We start with a new coaching staff in a new Husky world.
I know today will be a test. We face one of the storied programs in the country, from a place where football means more than anything -- LSU. The current line has the Huskies at about 18 point underdogs. No one, I mean not a single sane person, expects UW to see any amount of measurable success today.
Yet, in some way, there is hope. Sark's enthusiasm and energy has permeated the outer reaches of Husky Nation. Husky fans have been infected with an optimism we haven't felt in a long time; an optimism long since pushed to the recesses of our hearts. Sark has sparked a small flame in all of who remember our once proud tradition. Sark has ignited that precious flame that will one day conflagrate the remains of these last dark years and light a path to the new and bright day of Husky Football.
It is hard not to feel something special is going to happen today.
Go Dawgs!
I know today will be a test. We face one of the storied programs in the country, from a place where football means more than anything -- LSU. The current line has the Huskies at about 18 point underdogs. No one, I mean not a single sane person, expects UW to see any amount of measurable success today.
Yet, in some way, there is hope. Sark's enthusiasm and energy has permeated the outer reaches of Husky Nation. Husky fans have been infected with an optimism we haven't felt in a long time; an optimism long since pushed to the recesses of our hearts. Sark has sparked a small flame in all of who remember our once proud tradition. Sark has ignited that precious flame that will one day conflagrate the remains of these last dark years and light a path to the new and bright day of Husky Football.
It is hard not to feel something special is going to happen today.
Go Dawgs!
8.26.2009
8.20.2009
Race Report: Hulaman Half
Hulaman Half
8.16.9
Swim: 1.2 Miles
Bike: 53 Miles
Run: 13.1 Miles
Wake up time was 5a race morning. This race was a point to point race, so I drove out by myself and Dacia came with her family to help facilitate the moving of cars from T1 at Hagg Lake to T2 at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR. I started drinking my standard 700 calories of Endurox as soon as I work up and finished it on the way to the race. I arrived at Hagg Lake, after dropping off my run stuff, at 545a. Set up was pretty easy and I was able to catch up with some friends after racking my bike and before putting on my wetsuit.
My legs just didn't have the strength to rattle off a great run. I could really feel that my turn over just wasn't that springy. I am sure this is the remainder of IMCDA in my legs. They just weren't recovered and I could tell the entire run. It was pretty painful. Nonetheless, it was good for the 6th fastest time of the day. I need to be faster.
Thanks to everyone.
My new coach Dave.
My training partners: Jason, Aleck, Jake, AJ.
My family.
Dacia. Most of all.
8.16.9
Swim: 1.2 Miles
Bike: 53 Miles
Run: 13.1 Miles
Wake up time was 5a race morning. This race was a point to point race, so I drove out by myself and Dacia came with her family to help facilitate the moving of cars from T1 at Hagg Lake to T2 at Pacific University in Forest Grove, OR. I started drinking my standard 700 calories of Endurox as soon as I work up and finished it on the way to the race. I arrived at Hagg Lake, after dropping off my run stuff, at 545a. Set up was pretty easy and I was able to catch up with some friends after racking my bike and before putting on my wetsuit.
There weren't any butterflies fluttering in my stomach before, in fact I was slightly sluggish and unmotivated. For some reason, before the race started, I just didn't feel it. Right before the gun went off I remember thinking, “eek, here we go.” I, however, quickly settled in for a day that would ultimately be one of the more painful races I have endured. It becomes even more clear on days when you are mentally ill-prepared how difficult this sport can be.
I started the swim toward the front, but not far enough. I was busy thinking, "why am I racing today?" and missed my cue to get forward. I should have found some of my friends I know were going to swim faster than me and tried to stay on their heels as long as I could. Instead, I found myself fighting a little traffic and by that time they were gone. I wouldn’t see them again until after they turned on the run.Pacing was good. I tried to draft when I could, but there wasn’t many people to get behind after I lost the lead group. I was kind of in the middle of nowhere. Also, I have found I almost always take a cleaner line to the buoys than most people. I kept looking out on my breath to see a pod of swimmers about 20 yards to my left. I would immediately sight I found I was on a direct course. I don’t know what they were doing, but I am glad I didn’t swim in their draft. I was pretty satisfied with my time. I would like to swim under 30 minutes, and probably would have if I were a little smarter.
Swim Time: 30:28
There were no real problems in T2. I was pretty smooth. There was a hill coming right out of transition so I decided to get my shoes on before getting on my bike. There would be nothing more embarrassing than falling over because I couldn't get my shoes on. This was a risk I wasn't willing to take. I got out and on my way without any problems.
The bike course was tough. Although I am beginning to think they are all tough for one reason or another. This course was two loops around Hagg Lake before heading into rural Forest Grove. I tried to pace the two loops pretty evenly, but the hills were killer. I knew I was going to probably average less watts after leaving the lake, but I knew this would probably be the best course of action. There was one other climb of note, but Clapshot Hill didn't seem as bad as it could have.
Fuelling was pretty standard. I did lose one bottle of nutrition at the end of the second loop of Hagg Lake. I was able to substitute the missing calories with a few gels I had stuffed in my pocket. My total caloric intake was pretty much the same as if I would not have lost the bottle. The loss could have been worse.
Bike Time: 2:34:37There were no major issues in T2. I did take the time to put on socks. I know this probably took some time, but I thought it better. I wasn't that confident that my shoes were not going to give me blisters.
My legs just didn't have the strength to rattle off a great run. I could really feel that my turn over just wasn't that springy. I am sure this is the remainder of IMCDA in my legs. They just weren't recovered and I could tell the entire run. It was pretty painful. Nonetheless, it was good for the 6th fastest time of the day. I need to be faster.
Run Time: 1:30:41
Considering I am only 6 weeks from an Ironman I felt ok, and I can feel ok about my time because of that, but if I didn't have that as an excuse I would be pretty frustrated. I need to be faster.Thanks to everyone.
My new coach Dave.
My training partners: Jason, Aleck, Jake, AJ.
My family.
Dacia. Most of all.
Finish Time/place/AG place: 4:38:48/10/5
7.27.2009
7.20.2009
7.08.2009
Race Report: Ironman Couer d' Alene 2009
Ironman Coeur d' Alene 2009
Date: 6.24.9
Swim: 2.4 Miles
Bike: 112 Miles
Run: 26.2 Miles
The day before was great. Usually it is a day filled with race anxiety as I approach a day of the unknown. This time was different for a lot of reasons. I was the most relaxed I have been before any race for a long time. When I woke up, I chose to accept the next two days for what they are and make the most of them. I focused on controlling what I can control. Watched golf. Prepped my bike and nutrition for the next day. I tried to remain 'zen'. One of my favourite books of all time is Eugene Herrigel’s classic exploration of the Western mind grasping at the complex approach to the Zen arts: Zen in the Art of Archery. In it he says about his task, “the object is not to hit the target, but to be the bow.” For me, this has always meant staying present, remaining in the moment and staying out of my head. I wanted to do my best and this year it meant I needed to focus on the task and not the result. Training for this race was, to say the least, sporadic. It was riddled with obstacles.
Wake up time race morning was 4:30a, sleeping in. Our house was a five minute walk from transition, so I was able to get an extra half hour of sleep. Nice.
I arrived at transition with my friend Aleck at about 5:00a. It is always good to have someone else around for me. It keeps my mind off of things and allows me to stay relaxed. I met up with Jason, John and Laura to get our wetsuits on. For some reason things then got little hectic. Everyone was forced to funnel through a 10 foot gap in the seawall. By the time I got onto the beach and in position there wasn’t much time until the gun sounded. I had barely put my goggles on when I heard the cannon report. Through everything I was calm. Cool as a cucumber. My mental state the day before really helped.
I started the swim from the middle right of the beach. This location was pretty much exactly where I had wanted. The swim conditions were not favorable. The lake had considerable wind chop. On the way out, on the first loop, pacing was more like survival. Although having swam a couple days earlier in similar water conditions I knew it was going to be a struggle to the second turn. I had my goggles knocked ajar twice in the process of jockeying for position. The cross stretch was equally difficult, but different. Instead of swimming perpendicular to the swells, we were parallel. Literally, one wave dropped someone right on top of me right near the turn home. The second loop was slower, but also slightly easier. I knew I had expended a lot of energy on the first loop. Also There were many less yahoos slapping me in the face on the second loop. I really enjoyed that aspect of the second loop. I was able to get a good draft coming home and I exited the water happy to be out of Lake Coeur d’ Alene. There is not much to say about the swim, other than it was brutal. It was draining mentally and physically. I had hoped to swim right around an hour, maybe a little faster, but given the conditions 1:06 was damn good. I was only 4 minutes behind Aleck, I will take that any day.
Swim Time/place/AG place: 1:06:44/247/38
I was pretty calm in T1 until I couldn’t get my arm warmers on. I really wished that would have worked out, but it didn’t. I have learned a few tricks since then and I wont let it happen again. I freaked out a little when I couldn’t get them on. I left them with a tent volunteer and left. (Miraculously, they ended up in my bag after it had left. Thanks to the many wonderful volunteers that made the day a success.)
T1: 3:37
I went out on the bike pretty easy. I tried to break each loop into three sections. I tried to maintain a pretty solid, but easy pace for the first 20 miles. It is about then that the hills start the second section. The hills were tough, but manageable. I really tried to spin up the hills the first time around. I knew they would be much tougher the second time around. I didn’t really get passed by a lot of people, but I did loose some positions, but more importantly time. I managed through, and based on some rough estimates it didn’t seem like I lost too much time. The last section had some pretty good wind all the way in. This really messed with my head and by the end of the first loop legs we a little wobbly.
On the second loop things were about as I expected. Tough. The hills seemed longer and steeper, the wind more stiff. By the time I got off the bike I was more than ready. I don’t really know where things went wrong, but I did expect to go a little faster. I need to find a way to get under 5:30. Period.
Bike Time/place/AG place: 5:38:02/242/49
I felt good going into T2. No problems. I was able to get my compression socks on without any problems. Thanks again to Aleck for giving me a hint on that one. I felt in control and glad to run.
Time: 1:53
On the run I went out at a pretty controlled pace, maybe a little slow, but given my mishaps at Canada last year, I didn’t want to repeat the same mistakes. For the first 50 minutes I ran slightly under 8 minute pace. My plan for the rest of the run was pretty simple. I was going to walk every 25 minutes until the turn to come home on the second loop. Then reel in as many people as possible. This worked pretty well. It kept my HR low and allowed me to break the run into very clear defined segments. At the turn into town I tried to reel in as many people as I could. Every time I passed someone I looked to pass the next. I was moving at a pretty good clip. I don’t know pace and the time on the website is wrong, so….hopefully they will update it.
Fueling was a bit of challenge. My plan was to wear my fuel belt and use the same strategy I use in training runs. I quickly learned my stomach was not going to take any fuel anytime soon and ditched the belt and decided to rely on whatever I could in my special needs and the aid stations. I didn’t really take anything in for the rest of the run besides water. I could tell things were loosening up, but not enough that my stomach was going to be ok with more gel. I decided to take water at every aid station and stay as hydrated as possible.
This was a PR on the run, so I feel good about it, but it is hard to feel that I may have left something out there on the run. It is hard to say.
Run Time/place/AG place: 3:38:22/174/37
I really felt good the entire day. I think, based on my limited running and uneven training this year, I was a little too conservative to start both the bike and run segments. I just didn’t have to confidence to go out harder, so I settled on a comfortable pace. I knew much of the training was in place, but not enough for me to be super confident and let it all out.
Finish Time/place/AG place: 10:28:38/174/37
As always, there are people to thank. People who have been integral in my success.
Thank you Scott for a plan that worked for me this year.
Thank you to my training partners: Jason, Aleck, Jake, AJ, Laura and Bonnie.
Thank you Family. Your patience with me is astounding, your encouragement endless.
Thank you most of all to Dacia. None of this is possible without her love and support.
Date: 6.24.9
Swim: 2.4 Miles
Bike: 112 Miles
Run: 26.2 Miles
The day before was great. Usually it is a day filled with race anxiety as I approach a day of the unknown. This time was different for a lot of reasons. I was the most relaxed I have been before any race for a long time. When I woke up, I chose to accept the next two days for what they are and make the most of them. I focused on controlling what I can control. Watched golf. Prepped my bike and nutrition for the next day. I tried to remain 'zen'. One of my favourite books of all time is Eugene Herrigel’s classic exploration of the Western mind grasping at the complex approach to the Zen arts: Zen in the Art of Archery. In it he says about his task, “the object is not to hit the target, but to be the bow.” For me, this has always meant staying present, remaining in the moment and staying out of my head. I wanted to do my best and this year it meant I needed to focus on the task and not the result. Training for this race was, to say the least, sporadic. It was riddled with obstacles.
Wake up time race morning was 4:30a, sleeping in. Our house was a five minute walk from transition, so I was able to get an extra half hour of sleep. Nice.
I arrived at transition with my friend Aleck at about 5:00a. It is always good to have someone else around for me. It keeps my mind off of things and allows me to stay relaxed. I met up with Jason, John and Laura to get our wetsuits on. For some reason things then got little hectic. Everyone was forced to funnel through a 10 foot gap in the seawall. By the time I got onto the beach and in position there wasn’t much time until the gun sounded. I had barely put my goggles on when I heard the cannon report. Through everything I was calm. Cool as a cucumber. My mental state the day before really helped.
I started the swim from the middle right of the beach. This location was pretty much exactly where I had wanted. The swim conditions were not favorable. The lake had considerable wind chop. On the way out, on the first loop, pacing was more like survival. Although having swam a couple days earlier in similar water conditions I knew it was going to be a struggle to the second turn. I had my goggles knocked ajar twice in the process of jockeying for position. The cross stretch was equally difficult, but different. Instead of swimming perpendicular to the swells, we were parallel. Literally, one wave dropped someone right on top of me right near the turn home. The second loop was slower, but also slightly easier. I knew I had expended a lot of energy on the first loop. Also There were many less yahoos slapping me in the face on the second loop. I really enjoyed that aspect of the second loop. I was able to get a good draft coming home and I exited the water happy to be out of Lake Coeur d’ Alene. There is not much to say about the swim, other than it was brutal. It was draining mentally and physically. I had hoped to swim right around an hour, maybe a little faster, but given the conditions 1:06 was damn good. I was only 4 minutes behind Aleck, I will take that any day.
Swim Time/place/AG place: 1:06:44/247/38
I was pretty calm in T1 until I couldn’t get my arm warmers on. I really wished that would have worked out, but it didn’t. I have learned a few tricks since then and I wont let it happen again. I freaked out a little when I couldn’t get them on. I left them with a tent volunteer and left. (Miraculously, they ended up in my bag after it had left. Thanks to the many wonderful volunteers that made the day a success.)
T1: 3:37
I went out on the bike pretty easy. I tried to break each loop into three sections. I tried to maintain a pretty solid, but easy pace for the first 20 miles. It is about then that the hills start the second section. The hills were tough, but manageable. I really tried to spin up the hills the first time around. I knew they would be much tougher the second time around. I didn’t really get passed by a lot of people, but I did loose some positions, but more importantly time. I managed through, and based on some rough estimates it didn’t seem like I lost too much time. The last section had some pretty good wind all the way in. This really messed with my head and by the end of the first loop legs we a little wobbly.
On the second loop things were about as I expected. Tough. The hills seemed longer and steeper, the wind more stiff. By the time I got off the bike I was more than ready. I don’t really know where things went wrong, but I did expect to go a little faster. I need to find a way to get under 5:30. Period.
Bike Time/place/AG place: 5:38:02/242/49
I felt good going into T2. No problems. I was able to get my compression socks on without any problems. Thanks again to Aleck for giving me a hint on that one. I felt in control and glad to run.
Time: 1:53
On the run I went out at a pretty controlled pace, maybe a little slow, but given my mishaps at Canada last year, I didn’t want to repeat the same mistakes. For the first 50 minutes I ran slightly under 8 minute pace. My plan for the rest of the run was pretty simple. I was going to walk every 25 minutes until the turn to come home on the second loop. Then reel in as many people as possible. This worked pretty well. It kept my HR low and allowed me to break the run into very clear defined segments. At the turn into town I tried to reel in as many people as I could. Every time I passed someone I looked to pass the next. I was moving at a pretty good clip. I don’t know pace and the time on the website is wrong, so….hopefully they will update it.
Fueling was a bit of challenge. My plan was to wear my fuel belt and use the same strategy I use in training runs. I quickly learned my stomach was not going to take any fuel anytime soon and ditched the belt and decided to rely on whatever I could in my special needs and the aid stations. I didn’t really take anything in for the rest of the run besides water. I could tell things were loosening up, but not enough that my stomach was going to be ok with more gel. I decided to take water at every aid station and stay as hydrated as possible.
This was a PR on the run, so I feel good about it, but it is hard to feel that I may have left something out there on the run. It is hard to say.
Run Time/place/AG place: 3:38:22/174/37
I really felt good the entire day. I think, based on my limited running and uneven training this year, I was a little too conservative to start both the bike and run segments. I just didn’t have to confidence to go out harder, so I settled on a comfortable pace. I knew much of the training was in place, but not enough for me to be super confident and let it all out.
Finish Time/place/AG place: 10:28:38/174/37
As always, there are people to thank. People who have been integral in my success.
Thank you Scott for a plan that worked for me this year.
Thank you to my training partners: Jason, Aleck, Jake, AJ, Laura and Bonnie.
Thank you Family. Your patience with me is astounding, your encouragement endless.
Thank you most of all to Dacia. None of this is possible without her love and support.
7.02.2009
failed contact with the mothership
So, my motherboard fried itself the day before I planned on posting my race report from Ironman Coeur d' Alene. I will post it as soon as real and lengthy contact can be established with the interwebs.
3.15.2009
3.14.2009
dilemma
The problem of the dilemma has long been discussed. Beginning with the classic Greek philosophers, the dilemma has presented the specific problem in decision making. Robert Pirsig, in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, presents the dilemma problem as a metaphorical bull that elicits a response. This bull presents three classical metaphorical responses, you may throw sand in the bull's eyes, you may sing the bull to sleep, or you may refuse to enter the arena. (All metaphorical responses of course.)
If you prefer, the dilemma can be expressed with logic as well.
Constructive dilemmas--
Last weekend I checked the weather for the next. It said sunny and 60, perfect Spring riding conditions. As the week progressed, those sunny days moved to Thursday and Friday, leaving the weekend awash in rain and wind.
I was planning on going to Dave's house and riding with him and other friends through the wilds of Eastern Multnomah County. This, however, seemed to be more and more unlikely as the weather reports progressed. Not only could I expect rain and wind, but also its bastard children wet chamois and frozen fingers. I knew the ride would be miserable.
I decided not to bear the brunt of this vicious weather, but in doing so I certainly sacrificed some gained fitness. Instead of 6000' of climbing, I rode the trainer for three hours with some interval work mixed in. Hardly, the effort I would have endured outside, but passable.
Therein lies the dilemma. What are the boundaries we place around our training? What is acceptable to endure? What isn't?
For me it was unacceptable to ride out to the Gorge in 30 mph winds. It just didn't seem like something I was going enjoy, it seemed dangerous on some level. So I took one of the bull's horns and lived to tell about it, but what did I sacrifice in the long run. I saved a couple hours of personal comfort and safety, but sacrificed some personal fitness.
If you prefer, the dilemma can be expressed with logic as well.
Constructive dilemmas--
- 1. (If X, then Y) and (If W, then Z).
- 2. X or W.
- 3. Therefore, Y or Z.
- 1. (If X, then Y) and (If W, then Z).
- 2. Not Y or not Z.
- 3. Therefore, not X or not W.
Last weekend I checked the weather for the next. It said sunny and 60, perfect Spring riding conditions. As the week progressed, those sunny days moved to Thursday and Friday, leaving the weekend awash in rain and wind.
I was planning on going to Dave's house and riding with him and other friends through the wilds of Eastern Multnomah County. This, however, seemed to be more and more unlikely as the weather reports progressed. Not only could I expect rain and wind, but also its bastard children wet chamois and frozen fingers. I knew the ride would be miserable.
I decided not to bear the brunt of this vicious weather, but in doing so I certainly sacrificed some gained fitness. Instead of 6000' of climbing, I rode the trainer for three hours with some interval work mixed in. Hardly, the effort I would have endured outside, but passable.
Therein lies the dilemma. What are the boundaries we place around our training? What is acceptable to endure? What isn't?
For me it was unacceptable to ride out to the Gorge in 30 mph winds. It just didn't seem like something I was going enjoy, it seemed dangerous on some level. So I took one of the bull's horns and lived to tell about it, but what did I sacrifice in the long run. I saved a couple hours of personal comfort and safety, but sacrificed some personal fitness.
2.24.2009
slow
It has been a slow start to the training season. My knee is feeling better, but I have contracted the cold, riff with unbearable sinus pressure, that has been sweeping Portland, Oregon. Just as I thought things were going to get rolling I have already missed several workouts this week. It seems I am finding it difficult to sustain any kind of momentum this winter. If this continues I will be slow come June 21st.
2.08.2009
2.07.2009
influenced part 2
I made some inadvertent, but blatant, omissions in the last list I hastily through up. Oops. Below are the additions.
Albert Camus
Louis-Ferdinand Celine
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Emily Dickinson (For You Kate)
Jean-Paul Sartre
Leo Tolstoy
Richard Yates
Albert Camus
Louis-Ferdinand Celine
Fyodor Dostoevsky
Emily Dickinson (For You Kate)
Jean-Paul Sartre
Leo Tolstoy
Richard Yates
2.02.2009
franchise
I listen to sports radio almost exclusively when driving by myself. It is my not so secret indulgence. It seems to make me nostalgic for a time that feels too long ago now, often distilled into half hour radio segments as I run errands for my job. I have been ridiculed and taunted by my family with their religious devotion to NPR and its news. I have long given that up for what can only be called male soap opera, complete with heroes and villains, love and hate. Sports radio is a man's equivalent to Days of our Lives, but I am unashamed.
Today, on one program, there was a pertinant post Super Bowl discussion of the franchise quarterbacks in the NFL. Discussing sports exists on two levels, one being winners and losers. This discussion is black and white. Scores determine winners and records, eventually champions. This elementary discussion always evolves into something more gray. This is the spectral discussion of 'Why?'
Today the discussion about franchise QB's devolved into first defining what franchise means and finally which one's in the NFL were and which were not. This is a classic example of sports discussion. First you have to take a very specific word, like franchise, place an extraneous meaning on it, then argue. In this case franchise, as defined by the host, was that the QB, no matter what happened would still be the quarterback the next week. The team and its organziation would, barring an injury, still play the quarterback week after week no matter the performance in any singular game.
Security defined by performance. That would be nice.
Today, on one program, there was a pertinant post Super Bowl discussion of the franchise quarterbacks in the NFL. Discussing sports exists on two levels, one being winners and losers. This discussion is black and white. Scores determine winners and records, eventually champions. This elementary discussion always evolves into something more gray. This is the spectral discussion of 'Why?'
Today the discussion about franchise QB's devolved into first defining what franchise means and finally which one's in the NFL were and which were not. This is a classic example of sports discussion. First you have to take a very specific word, like franchise, place an extraneous meaning on it, then argue. In this case franchise, as defined by the host, was that the QB, no matter what happened would still be the quarterback the next week. The team and its organziation would, barring an injury, still play the quarterback week after week no matter the performance in any singular game.
Security defined by performance. That would be nice.
1.22.2009
progress
Today. Today, I can speak about progress on two fronts. First, my knee seems to be feeling better. The tightness in my calf has subsited and I am looking forward to running more than 6 minutes. I can hear the din in the distance...."Wait! You ran! There was no post about this momentous event!" Nope, five minutes is hardly worth noting, but I can tell we are moving toward something more substantial. Infact, I may run for 6 minutes tomorrow.
Also, this week we make progress as a nation. WE make progress together in so many ways this week that I can't begin to enumerate them. I feel childish in my hope. I know there will be disappointments. There has never been anyone who has faced both challenges with this chasm and the expectations to immediately eradicate them as our new president does. Nonetheless, I can't help feeling hopeful.
Also, this week we make progress as a nation. WE make progress together in so many ways this week that I can't begin to enumerate them. I feel childish in my hope. I know there will be disappointments. There has never been anyone who has faced both challenges with this chasm and the expectations to immediately eradicate them as our new president does. Nonetheless, I can't help feeling hopeful.
1.11.2009
at war
The true warrior is not that person who blindly destroys for the sake of destruction, or creates a path of fire in his wake. Rather he bends to the will of his environment only to shape his world in his own reflection. He understands himself so that the future nor the past exist. Therefore, he can concentrate on the matter of living.
from The Cave by Jose Saramago
Fire lays down one irrevocable condition if we want it do to what we expect of it, the clay must be as dry as possible when it is placed in the kiln. And this is where we humbly return to that business about breathing into nostrils, and here we have to recognize how very unjust and imprudent we were to take up and adopt as our own the heretical idea that the said god coldly turned his back on his own work.
from The Cave by Jose Saramago
Fire lays down one irrevocable condition if we want it do to what we expect of it, the clay must be as dry as possible when it is placed in the kiln. And this is where we humbly return to that business about breathing into nostrils, and here we have to recognize how very unjust and imprudent we were to take up and adopt as our own the heretical idea that the said god coldly turned his back on his own work.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)