The perfect weekend?

Possibly. Saturday, I gave a pass to Concordia Christmas Cross in order to run with Stephen. I was glad I did. I had a blast on the Chubb trail and was only mildly sore afterwards - the trail did not make a complete chump of me. The light dusting of snow made it the perfect wintertime workout.

Sunday - against my better judgment - I headed out to CXmas in Weldon Spring. I was more than a little worried that my paltry CX skills were not up to 31 miles of non-racing. I needn't have worried; it was freakin' awesome. White-knuckle descents on icy, gravely "roads", long climbs to gut out, Pabst, whisky, and egg nog aid stations, and a little mud thrown in all made for a perfect course. My skills weren't up to going fast, but I did stay upright and there were more than a couple people out on the course longer than me. And the best part were the other non-racers. Bumped in to a work colleague, Dan - I did not know he was a biker (and a good one at that). Hoisted a few with the Boz and King Furby at the finish line. Met a fellow SLUG, Laura. What's not to like? I wish every CX race was a non-race.

The (run) Ups and Downs of Cyclocross

My cyclocross career is off to an ignominious start. As promised, I built up the old Bianchi. I watched a couple of races and figured I was good to go. My debut was a desultory DNF on November 30th up at Bellefontaine Park. After a couple of practice rounds, I could not get the bike to function right at all. Compounding the sketchy condition of my bike, I started with the hardcore SS racers. I threw the chain twice in the 1st lap and never could get it back on.

Emboldened by that dismal effort, I straightened out the mechanical issues and headed down to Hermann for the State Championships yesterday morning. I once again made the mistake of starting with the hardcore SS types. They lost me like a bad habit the first time I had to dismount and I was quickly overtaken by the women and juniors as well. My last place finish was disappointing, but (and I mean this) there is nowhere to go but up. It was a very fun morning: I did not cause any wrecks and I stayed upright on a very slick course - on the whole it was a positive experience.

I see I need to practice some of the finer skills of the sport, like dismounting and remounting at a trot. And some interval work would not hurt. Although, I cannot understand why honking up hills in 20 F weather, in the dark of night hasn't conferred upon me some fitness. Cyclocross is pretty much anaerobic. But latching onto another rider does take one's mind off the oxygen debt. Maybe I can develop the technical skills to at least stay in the mix. Nevertheless, it has been terrific visiting with Boz and Keith and I think I almost have Uncle Bob ready to discover his inner Belgian.

XC race?

Today I went up to Bellafontaine Park to see what the all the buzz about Cyclocross is. Boz has long been a participant (by virtue of his off-road credentials I reckon) and he recently got Keith into it. Because there was a run associated with it I figured I could do the run and watch a race or two.

The run was very fun; ~ 2 miles of anaerobic running (for me). I did not finish last, so I call it a success. But when the real racers showed up, the fun began. I only suffered for 16 minutes, but the riders really gave it their all for 40 minutes. Keith made a very strong showing in the C race. And Craig handled the B race "like a Boz" though he had an uncharacteristic DNF because of a respiritory bug that's been dogging him. Just the same, I think I would like to build up my old Bianchi frame into a SS 'cross bike. I have all the main components: heavy, steel frame and sexy Roval wheelset. Now if I can just get cyclocross tires in Celeste green.

Here's a picture of Keith riding too fast for the shutter:

Des Moines Report

The race went very well for me. I predicted a 5-hour finish. My marathoning career, you see, has been marked by diminishing returns. A PR in my first marathon (4:25 at St. Louis, 2001) which was followed by increasingly slower times every year. Some races have been easier than others, but I had reconciled myself to slower finishes.

I figured 5:00 seemed do-able in relative comfort. Last time I did Des Moines in 2002 it took me 4:45 and I really bonked at the end and had to walk a lot.

So I lined up behind the 5:oo pacer and followed him for 3 or 4 miles. I then moved up to the 4:45 pacer, but she was just a few yards up the road. So I picked it up a little to catch the 4:30 group (figuring they would be the Kenyans). Catching that group at mile 8 or 9, I found the pace comfortable and reckoned I could run with them a while and drop back to the 5-hour group as the race wore on. I was worried my right knee would act up, and it did at mile 9. I fiddled with my stride and it never bothered me again.

This was my first experience with pacers. But "Mr. 4:30" was right on the advertised at the halfway point. I found a 10:10 pace wasn't too bad, so I stuck it out. It proved to be the right move. The pacer was very encouraging and I didn't walk at all except through the aid stations. I focused on staying just ahead of the pacer. And I did - my second half was faster than the first. The last six miles were tough, but fun as I struggled to keep that diabolical pacer in sight. I was very happy when I ran the 4 blocks in to the finish and broke the tape in 4:27:34.

I'm already thinking a 4:15 marathon is possible. I'd like to tackle another trail ultra in the Spring or maybe run the Brew-to-Brew again, but I also want to prepare the randonneuring series. Decisions, decisions!

Winter Training

The Des Moines Marathon is the day after tomorrow. I think I'm ready, with a couple of 20+ mile runs under my belt. The last week or two has been shot with family visiting, lots of rain and an inexplicable shortening of daylight hours. But I needed to taper anyway. After the race, I'd intend to go into Fall/Winter training mode.

That means fixed-gear riding and trail running. I'm going to dust off the Raleigh (having tightened the sagging Brooks saddle this evening) and invest in some new trail shoes. Maybe I'll convince literary bon vivant and trail-running zen master Stephen to let me join him for a circuit around Green Rock trail.

Tour of Missouri 2009

What excitement! As good a field as I saw in California last February and much better weather. I wandered over to the Start and caught some photos of the big names signing in. Then I headed over to Lafayette Park to catch the race in its lovely confines. Molly even came and joined me for a breathtaking view of the peloton as it turned the corner from Lafayette onto Missouri.

In other news: I registered for the Des Moines Marathon tonight, so now I have to get serious about training.

Here are some more pics from today's World-class cycling here in the STL (Zabriske, Landis*, Cavendish, and Big George):

Training update

I'm starting to feel a little bit in shape the past few weeks. I ran 16 miles this morning on Grant's Trail and it went very well. It was a lot cooler though, so that helped. Grant's Trail is pretty boring because it's so flat, but it's good spot for long run with the MP3 player. (Image coutesy the Trailnet website)

I think I can ramp up the miles in time for a Fall marathon. I'm eyeing Des Moines on October 17th - my shirt from the ingural run back in 2002 bit the dust and it was one of my favorite shirts. Plus Des Moines in 2002 was a bad marathon for me in terms of hitting the wall. It was my second marathon and I guess I got cocky because I burned out over the last 6 miles. I'd like to go back and have a better time (if not a faster time). The trick will be to stick with the midweek running. I feel like I've lost some weight since I stopped drinking. Beer has a lot of calories and it tends to make me binge. It's been two weeks already and with the money I save on beer, I can pay for the entry fee.

Naked Bike Ride and (clothed) training update

Saturday marked my first participation in the St. Louis Naked Bike Ride. I arrived barely in time to start at 9:00 pm. I really had no excuse not to attend because everyone asked me last year whether I had participated and it begins about 100 yards from my house. I wasn't brave enough to go the full Monty; a speedo had to suffice. But it was terrific fun. No pictures of me, though Amiya did try to snap a picture with her friend's phone. (There was a video, I posted briefly last night, but it's already been yanked -Ed. Well, it's back now - look for UltraScott's back at 1:55 or so).

I'm already thinking of a more daring outfit for next year. Sam summed it up best surveying the racous crowd at the start, "I don't know what's more exciting: the nudity or the energy conservation."

Training has gone well the past few weeks: 10 miles running last Sunday and then 13 Saturday morning as well as a few jaunts around Forest Park in the meantime. I've lately gotten in a couple of brisk 30+ mile rides as well. And today I rode the fixed gear to my in-laws for a 54-mile workout. Once in Wentzville we had a nice little celebration for my sweetheart's birthday.

Tour de France excitement

I have to say I'm enjoying this year's Tour greatly. It's been tough to see Lance struggle so, but for a guy who has been out of cycling for a while he is actually doing remarkably well. To see those flashes of brilliance is as exciting as when he dominated the event. And he has been pretty gentlemanly about his role as "merely" a podium contender. The Schlecks and Contador and Wiggins have provided plenty of fireworks so even without Lance it would be an exciting Tour. I don't know what is going on with Evans and Sastre though. If Levi wasn't injured, I bet he would be in second or third place. I spied this Euskatel rider ready to tackle the high mountains a couple of weeks ago.

My own comeback has been delayed temporarily. Montana was great fun. I ran a couple of times and rode bikes with Molly the rest of the week. And we swam a bunch. Though I resolved to jump right back into things on my return, a nagging tendon injury has caused me to rest. I did have nice workout last weekend, 20 miles of biking and a brisk 6-mile run. The night before, I sprinted around Forest park with Bob on our fast bikes - so maybe I overdid it. But I'll be back into the swing of things soon.

Work has been super busy. If our press is to be believed, the Missouri Public Defender System is the most overworked in the country. And my office is the most overloaded (on a case-weighted basis) in the System. And I have the most cases in the office. Which means I'm the most overworked public defender in the country! Let's see if Lance can cap a grueling stage in the Haute Savoie with a motion for declaratory judgment.

Going Backwards

Excuse-making is the most important weapon in the distance athlete's arsenal. I suppose my schedule has finally caught up with me though. I've been slacking off big time. I rode 51 miles with Boz and Keith and assorted friends of Boz on Friday last. It was fun and, as expected, I barely hung on with 4200' climbing but I didn't embarrass myself. What has troubled me since is how all my friends are so serious about their training. Boz consults with a dietitian, Keith is doing two-a-day's, and Stepehen is running hill repeats. I have no focus. The members of my small fitness fraternity are going forward, I'm going backwards.
What keeps us striving is the quest to better ourselves; to set goals and achieve them and then seek out a new goals. My goal since last October has been: Don't Become a Total Sack of Crap. Sure, I have gotten some miles in. But when I reach for that extra beer or finish the last bratwurst, my conscience doesn't bother me at all. So what if I run a little slower tomorrow? Or if I run at all? I'm not training for anything.
I'm going to take the next two weeks in Montana to reassess, to get in some consistent miles, pick an event and build a schedule. I need something to get me out of bed and out the door: maybe it will be a 50-mile trail run or marathon with a time goal. Any suggestions?

600 km ride report with Action Photos!

June 13th and 14th saw the St. Louis Area 600 km Brevet in south central Illinois. The weather promised to be cooperative, warm but without high winds or torrential rain. We pedalled off at 4:00 am Saturday morning.

I rode alone to Okawville just checking systems and doing pace-calculation games in my head. Stephen the Elder met me at the 80 mile point so we could visit and get a ride in together. We headed east as I gradually warmed to the task. By the time we reached Dix (mi 111) the heat was starting to take its toll. No upset stomach, but my temp was rising. I worried a little that last year it was on this stretch to the next control (at mi 141) I bagged it. I did have to stop and recuperate once in the shade, but I made it to the checkpoint, with my dignity intact.

I caught up with the other leisurely-paced guys on the road (though I had been seeing them at checkpoints) a few miles later. Dennis, Ralph, RBA John, and I made our way south always keeping each other in sight. It turned out Dennis and I work in the same field and knew a lot of the same people - so it was delightful talking with him.

The low point for me was the last 15 miles into the overnight on a steamy, buggy, gravel bike trail - it seemed to last forever. The only strategy I can think of for next year is to get there earlier so I won't have the bugs and darkness to contend with. I reached the motel (mi 211) at 9:50 pm, I guess.

We started day two, John and Dennis and me, at 2:45 am. Though we all wanted to quit the night before - the next morning was not too bad. The rain held off, the hills were rideable and by mile 250 or so, the whole exercise seemed doable. Sunday was uneventful - it was hot and we had a headwind, but it would take more than that to stop these intrepid randonneurs! My stomach was feeling a little rebellious, but other than that and some sore tendons (bad shoes the second day), everything worked out. Finish time was 38:04.

I could have done with some more training - I don't ever see myself riding one straight through, but I could boost my average speed. Dennis and John are talking about a 1200 km this Fall, but I'll have to think about that.

And now your moment of zen...

Lazy Sunday

I thought today would be a good day for an update. Things are slow at Casa Ultra Scott. I have not done much training for the 600km next weekend, but surely I can knock out 213 miles the first day. I do need to replace the front tire's tube because the valve seems to have failed. The 600km is going to be fun; a chance to get some fresh air and forget about my troubles for the weekend and bragging rights when I get back home.

The other good news is the completion of the new around-town bike seen above. I sold the Varsity (the "Wizard of Oz bike," as it was dubbed) and converted that money into an early '90's Schwinn Mirada. After a few weeks of stripping and painting and gathering parts, the new bike is finally roadworthy. I'm very pleased with how it turned out and look forward to many pleasant hours spent commuting and bumming around town. I just need a rack and a milk crate for the back.

tiredguyonabike.com

My police escort into Sparta, Illinois.

I finished the 400km brevet last weekend. It was a challenge because I have been slacking off bigtime the past few weeks. But temp's were mild and the wind only a minor annoyance. I rode the first 80 miles with my new friend Stephen (Stephen the Younger because he reminds of trail-running legend Stephen Reynolds). I enjoyed visiting with Stephen while we worked our way Okawville.

After a snack I headed out into the great unknown. Though I wasn't breaking any speed records, I did arrive in Pickneyville (mile 130) feeling much better than last year. Even the later miles - fueled by McDonald's - went pretty well.

At mile 177 I caught up with John and Ralph and we surged (crawled) north. They catnapped at mile 216 but I headed north because I was freezing and it wasn't getting any warmer as Saturday turned into Sunday morning. At mile 240, I finally bonked, but good, so the last few miles were awful. But I didn't crash my bike or lose my lunch and I finished in 21:41. Now the 600km will be a piece of cake because I have paid my suffering dues.

Update: 200km and 300km Brevets

The Brevet series has been rolling along nicely, though it has presented some hurdles. The second 200km on March 21st was something of a challenge with milder temp's but higher winds. The 300km on April 4th was a bigger challenge yet with strong winds throughout the first 110 miles that really beat up my legs. There were a couple of 15-mile stretches that had 15-20 mph headwinds. Not as bad as 2006's first 300km (which had rain, gusts up to 50 mph and a 14-mile detour) but a challenge nonetheless. We've got another 300km to knock off before the 400km. Hopefully all this hard work will get me ready for the 400km and 600km events. Last year, I did the 400km on one 200 and one 300, this year I'll have twice as many miles.

I'm trying to get back into running to get some exercise midweek. I rode 65 miles Sunday out to my in-laws, but I need the running to stay active and focused and keep my weight under control. I did a loop around Forest Park this evening and had great time. I need to get out there more often.

First 200km of the season

The brevet season came early this year, but it arrived with perfect weather. Bob and I headed east out of Edwardsville yesterday morning ready to make 2009 a great randonneuring year. It was chilly, but the wind was very cooperative. We had a gentle ENE wind all day long which pushed us to the turnaround but did not give us too much trouble on the way back. I rode the fixed-gear bike and enjoyed visiting with John (the RBA), Bob, and Tom (Tom decided a 126-mile ride wasn't enough and tacked on 20 miles more). It could not have been a more perfect day: a good time (for a fixed-gear bike) of 10:58 and I had energy to spare at the end.

Training ride

I took a short training ride yesterday with my buddy Bob to get ready for the first Randonneuring event next week. We rode a portion of the course for approximately 100km. We would have liked to do more but we both had things going on in the afternoon. On the other hand, riding even 100 mi would have had us out there all day. The wind was very steady and strong out of the south. On my fixed-gear, I could only make 12-13 mph into the wind. We flew back north at 18 -19 mph. The temprature was too mild to be a true randonneuring experience, but we did get some practice rding for hours into a headwind and that's the best practice there is.

Greetings from Sunny California

Not so sunny after all. But the 2009 Tour of California has not been a washout by any stretch.  My brother obtained press credentials for the two of us for Saturday's prologue and it turned out to be a great day.  I had a close up look at some of the stars such as Landis, the Schleck brothers, and Hincapie - just to name a few. I even got the chance to wish Jens Voight a "good race" and shake his hand.  A very cool guy with the fans (and the press).

Our viewing spot was just past the finish line and the race flew by once they got started. Plus, we were in a good spot to view the awards ceremony.

Sunday was slightly less thrilling for all the rain and wind.  Still, it was fun hanging around on the course and the little climbing we did was satisfying. Because of the rain, I had to put my planned  double Dipsea run on hold until another visit.  Marin county was great to see again.  And it's still raining today here in Red Bluff. Tomorrow should be nice, I'm told.

Anywho.... enjoy the pic's; the one guy in the black cap looks vaguely familiar.

Wintertime training

It's not really training, if there's no event on the horizon. I haven't been sharpening this winter so much as I have just been trying not to get too lazy. Cold, windy weather and a new routine in a new house have slowed me down some, but I've stuck with it.

Ups and downs. The bike commute is shorter, but running in the park is much easier. I rode 50 km on the fixed-gear two weeks ago, 100 km last week, but only 20 miles on Monday because it was too cold and windy. Today, had a pretty satisfying 6 mi run. Ups and downs.

I marvel at Stephen's fortitude because he's getting the long runs in and hitting the tough trails. I will to, as soon as I replace my trail shoes. Tomorrow (my birthday), I plan to ride to work and maybe do a loop around Forest Park on the ride home

California dreamin'

Honestly, there's a special place in hell reserved for people that get to run with vistas like these. I've always said the problem with the midwest is that gets cold during winter, but not cold enough to do anything - just cold enough to make you miserable.

Well I'm going to try to work in a groovy trail run while I'm in California next month - the Dipsea trail (actually a double Dipsea because I assume I'll have to find my way back to the start). So I'll have to do a little hill work between now and then. Plus, I want to look good in my bike kit on stage one.