I went out to fight the "skin-walkers" solo around 7pm. It was a bit chilly, 35 degrees and it seemed darker than usual. I jammed to the tunes from my iPod to drown out my fears of blood-thirsty coyotes or other sharp-toothed mammals looming in the dark. All was good until Michael Jackson's thriller song kicked in...(I had a buddy tell me the "skin-walkers" come out after 7! eep.)
I had borrowed different night riding lights from a buddy to compare the difference to what I already own. The differences: First, I had two lights this time, one mounted to my helmet with a second on the handlebars. My original setup only had a helmet light. I think I like this dual light setup and will have two lights for next years 24 hours of Moab.
I just took a few minutes of the video from the entire ride( I don't want to you to die of boredom so don't expect anything thrilling). When your watching the video, the camera is mounted behind my helmet light (you will notice the off/on green light). Take note of the two lights moving around and some of the few snow spots on the ground!!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Winter swimming: Form drills.
We re-started our swim training; however, we are focusing initially on swimming drills. The below video focuses on 5 basic form drills. Over the next month we will focus on more advanced drills. (stand by for those videos!)
I plan on working on form once a week while slowly increasing our distance. Early spring we will work in our speed training.
I took the drills from the Total Immersion philosophy. Feel free to check out the site: www.totalimmersion.net
Drill 1
Float on your back, head back, water-line along the side of the goggles, chest and hips up, and a smooth yet quiet kick.
Drill 2 (also called the "Sweet Spot")
Here it is important to turn the body as one unit keeping the knuckles on the hip and at waterline,one goggle partially submerged with a smooth kick, and continuous breathing.
Drill 3 ("Sweet Spot" with extending arm)
Same as drill 2 except for extending your arm keeping the arm below water at approximately 3-4:30 and midline.
Drill 4 (also called the "Fish")
Start on your back, move to Sweet Spot, but this time turn your head underwater while kicking smoothly. When breath is required roll back to the sweet spot. This underwater head position is also the same position when doing the crawl.
Drill 5 ("Sweet Spot/Extended Arm" then underwater switch)
Basically, the same as drill 3 but performing a underwater switch of arms then back to the "Sweet Spot".
Enjoy the video of Tyler learning the drills.
I plan on working on form once a week while slowly increasing our distance. Early spring we will work in our speed training.
I took the drills from the Total Immersion philosophy. Feel free to check out the site: www.totalimmersion.net
Drill 1
Float on your back, head back, water-line along the side of the goggles, chest and hips up, and a smooth yet quiet kick.
Drill 2 (also called the "Sweet Spot")
Here it is important to turn the body as one unit keeping the knuckles on the hip and at waterline,one goggle partially submerged with a smooth kick, and continuous breathing.
Drill 3 ("Sweet Spot" with extending arm)
Same as drill 2 except for extending your arm keeping the arm below water at approximately 3-4:30 and midline.
Drill 4 (also called the "Fish")
Start on your back, move to Sweet Spot, but this time turn your head underwater while kicking smoothly. When breath is required roll back to the sweet spot. This underwater head position is also the same position when doing the crawl.
Drill 5 ("Sweet Spot/Extended Arm" then underwater switch)
Basically, the same as drill 3 but performing a underwater switch of arms then back to the "Sweet Spot".
Enjoy the video of Tyler learning the drills.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Cruising November 7th
Today, we woke up and Brianna, Rebecca and I did a 5k near the hospital. It was Brianna's first race and did outstanding. We took no pictures!
After we got home, Rebecca and I took the cruisers out and headed downtown to a ski swap meet. I needed a new pair of AT Boots, Tyler needed a helmet and goggles.
Chica got to sit in the front basket!
Beautiful day in Durango.
After we got home, Rebecca and I took the cruisers out and headed downtown to a ski swap meet. I needed a new pair of AT Boots, Tyler needed a helmet and goggles.
Chica got to sit in the front basket!
Beautiful day in Durango.
Monday, October 26, 2009
24 Hours of Moab
Nothing is a total failure; and all education has a cost are my life's mantra. Learning about the various aspects of the race I believe require a couple iterations to really learn the basics. Furthermore, I believe you will learn new things each year.
What did we learn? First, I am thankful for the friends and family that decided to help support the race. We learned that the race is not only about the racers but very much the support staff. There are a variety of roles that are required outside the racers to make this successful. Rather than go into the details, I will summarize that the race support of a team needs to have some management and defined roles. Second, the various training, equipment, food, and patterns of behavior for the racers are more clearly defined.
The bottom line, I cannot wait until next year! Check out some of the pictures below!
Below the entire crew; my cool company Mercury Payment System sponsored our team and we in return broadcast our name. We also considered how Mercury Payment System could involve the merchants at the event to help land strategic accounts elsewhere. We even made the company blog!
Here is the link to the company's blog. http://mindset.mercurypay.com/?p=306
(click for larger image)
Notice how my head is hanging a little lower. This was after the majority of the climbing and i was resting my lower back.
(click for larger image)
Tyler, looking like a pro whipping around the corner.
(click for larger image)
This is after the same climb, Tyler looking strong.
(click for larger image)
If you click to get the larger image, look closely at the loose sand. This can be brutal while on the bike. The route was a combination of hard pack and suddenly you hit deep soft sand. Maintaining balance in the sand while pedaling was something new for Tyler and I. Yes, this was some pro chick in front of me, I had to pass her! and I did :)
(click for larger image)
The race was a La Mans start. This is where everyone starts at a start line and runs to the bikes!
In conclusion of the year...
I want to thank everyone for their good attitudes and team spirit!
Tyler, honestly, you totally made me proud this year. Starting from the early years Xterras to finishing up the season with your first endurance race. Your dedication of learning all aspects of training from open water swimming to mental endurance when the things become cold, dark, and tiring brought many hidden tears to my eyes. All season long you you held a dedication not common amongst teenagers: waking up early to trail run, swim during my lunches and bike ride during the workdays and weekends. Finally, the endurance training rides started when you were in High School; maintaining all A's, taking college classes as a Junior, having girlfriends, yet you still trained. You are totally awesome and you are just planting the seeds to your opportunities of the future! The world is your oyster.
What did we learn? First, I am thankful for the friends and family that decided to help support the race. We learned that the race is not only about the racers but very much the support staff. There are a variety of roles that are required outside the racers to make this successful. Rather than go into the details, I will summarize that the race support of a team needs to have some management and defined roles. Second, the various training, equipment, food, and patterns of behavior for the racers are more clearly defined.
The bottom line, I cannot wait until next year! Check out some of the pictures below!
Below the entire crew; my cool company Mercury Payment System sponsored our team and we in return broadcast our name. We also considered how Mercury Payment System could involve the merchants at the event to help land strategic accounts elsewhere. We even made the company blog!
Here is the link to the company's blog. http://mindset.mercurypay.com/?p=306
(click for larger image)Notice how my head is hanging a little lower. This was after the majority of the climbing and i was resting my lower back.
(click for larger image)Tyler, looking like a pro whipping around the corner.
(click for larger image)This is after the same climb, Tyler looking strong.
(click for larger image)If you click to get the larger image, look closely at the loose sand. This can be brutal while on the bike. The route was a combination of hard pack and suddenly you hit deep soft sand. Maintaining balance in the sand while pedaling was something new for Tyler and I. Yes, this was some pro chick in front of me, I had to pass her! and I did :)
(click for larger image)The race was a La Mans start. This is where everyone starts at a start line and runs to the bikes!
In conclusion of the year...
I want to thank everyone for their good attitudes and team spirit!
Tyler, honestly, you totally made me proud this year. Starting from the early years Xterras to finishing up the season with your first endurance race. Your dedication of learning all aspects of training from open water swimming to mental endurance when the things become cold, dark, and tiring brought many hidden tears to my eyes. All season long you you held a dedication not common amongst teenagers: waking up early to trail run, swim during my lunches and bike ride during the workdays and weekends. Finally, the endurance training rides started when you were in High School; maintaining all A's, taking college classes as a Junior, having girlfriends, yet you still trained. You are totally awesome and you are just planting the seeds to your opportunities of the future! The world is your oyster.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Moab - warmup.
This weekend we drove to Moab, UT to complete a practice run before the big race this coming weekend, 10 and 11th of October.
It was a bit of an adventure; I missed a turn and ended up adding 2 hours to my overall drive. :) But, we got to see the beautiful country on the way to Telluride!
We ended up camping in the Sand Flats east of Moab. It was a bit crowded for my personal taste, but the accessibility and cost was worth it!
Part of the goals this weekend were as follows:
1) Sucessfully pull a pop-top camper to Moab via our Jeep.
2) Setup the camper.
3) Spend the night in the camper.
4) Pre-Ride the 24 hours Moab route before the race!
Well, all was accomplished except for #4. We did however ride on the Slick Rock trail near our camp site.
We will just have to adapt for the race; I am sure we will be fine.
Below, my three children. Aren't their faces beautiful!?
Edward Abbey would roll over in his grave seeing the cars out here! Beautiful sunset with the clouds.
Inside our new home!
Didn't Rebecca tell you we sold our townhome and downgraded?
Our camp spot. Ryan from work is in the background; it is also his red Jeep. We took both cars. The Jeep pulled the pop-up camper and the Element carried the bikes.
We were chased out of Moab early due to some approaching storms! Here we are getting out of dodge!
Next week, here we come!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
More Durango bouldering
Tyler and I went out today while the girls stayed home. We found a new problem to work on that presented an acceptable challenge!
Action shot as Tyler reaches for an opposing force hand hold.
The initial aspect requires the use of a reverse ledge to create an opposing force while positioning your left foot on a decent hold. This then leads into two more holds for the hands which are again opposing forces to keep your Center of Gravity (CG) close to the boulder face.
Blah, blah blah, I could continue on about bouldering buzz words; however, it was a good project. I would rate the crux (the most difficult move of a route on a boulder) of this route a 5.9.
Short video.
Tyler will get this next time we go out. It is one of those things you try, try, and try again, then the next time you attempt it, it will be easy!
Action shot as Tyler reaches for an opposing force hand hold.
The initial aspect requires the use of a reverse ledge to create an opposing force while positioning your left foot on a decent hold. This then leads into two more holds for the hands which are again opposing forces to keep your Center of Gravity (CG) close to the boulder face.
Blah, blah blah, I could continue on about bouldering buzz words; however, it was a good project. I would rate the crux (the most difficult move of a route on a boulder) of this route a 5.9.
Short video.
Tyler will get this next time we go out. It is one of those things you try, try, and try again, then the next time you attempt it, it will be easy!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Rebecca the Boulder
Rebecca wanted to enjoy on the fun; purchased some shoes and a chalk bag!
She has nice balance and finesse to her movement!
Now, I had to purchase a crash pad!
She has nice balance and finesse to her movement!
Now, I had to purchase a crash pad!
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