Ultra Scott

What haven't I done?

2011-04-18T19:07:00.001-07:00

Wintertime was something of a bust. I did some long runs in the fall and hit the gym in the wintertime. I signed up for the Brew to Brew (almost too late) 44-mile run. The race went just okay. It was unbearably hot and, as I get older, it's harder to acclimate to the heat. 92 F high temp and a steady 25mph headwind made for a slow march from KC to Lawrence, KS. But I did it and lost only 90 minutes to the heat, I was one of the last solo finishers, but at least I finished. The heat finished a lot of other runners.

This is me at the start; it was daylight when I finished.

My new fixed-gear bike?

2010-10-21T05:58:00.000-07:00

This bike would satisfy my twin enjoyment of cycling and lawn care. (Photo courtesy of crazyguyonabike (though I forgot which journal)).

Went running yesterday morning but I probably won't do anything more until Saturday because my office is moving. We're going to be busy.

Short long run

2010-10-18T16:10:00.000-07:00

Saturday, I stayed stateside to run on Grant's Trail for a short long run (or a long short run). Went 16 miles and had a great time. Went slow and steady on the way out and picked it up on the way back while rockin' the tunes on my MP3 player. Ideally, I'll carry some of that magic over to next weekend's 20-miler.

Another good run in the park

2010-10-14T18:38:00.000-07:00

Repeated last night's run again this evening. Very enjoyable. Though when I got home, I ate too much leftover pizza. I really need to jump on a November marathon to take advantage of this fitness.

Surprise Run

2010-10-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Today was to be bike-run-bike day. Rode into work, moderated some squabbles, and left around 5:30 pm for a run around the park. All the way there I obsessed about the growing darkness and the dropping temp's thinking I should bag it or just run 3 miles. But as so often happens, once I hit the course, I had a great run. A steady effort at a good pace for 5+ miles - altogether a satisfactory workout. That is so often the case; when I'm pumped for a run, it's merely okay. But when I dread the run, it turns out well. I don't know why it went so well, but I'll take it and put this evening in the positive energy bank.

Excellent Bike Ride

2010-10-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

Decided to get some biking miles in today because I had the day off of work. Rode over the McKinley Bridge with the intention of riding to Edwardsville. Honestly, they should call the McKinley pedestrian bridge the "Bridge to Nowhere." The MCT Schoolhouse trail is but a mile or two away from the foot of the bridge, but there is no easy way to get to it. Nevertheless, I still reached Edwardsville for a cinnamon roll, iced coffee and bookstore perusal. On the way back I met Sharon - originally from Bristol in the UK - and her kids in tow. We had a nice visit as we were both headed the same direction. You meet the nicest people biking. All told, I guess I logged about 70 miles.

Second long run of the season

2010-10-10T07:15:00.000-07:00

Really, second 20-miler of the year on Saturday. Went back to the Madison County trail network for another stab at 20+ miles. I did so a couple of weeks ago and it was tough because all the water was on the front part of the course. I ran it in reverse yesterday, but it was still a slog because the weather was warmer 70's to 80's. Still, I stayed on my feet and I don't feel bad today and I didn't binge yesterday, so I guess it was mission accomplished.

Trail run a bust; sausage shop a boon

2010-10-07T17:48:00.000-07:00

Court yesterday lasted too long - if I had run I would have been home late. I decided to visit Stonie's Sausage Shop instead - it was great fun. I even bought a shirt for the boy (though he was decidedly underwhelmed).

Ran in Forest Park this a.m. Six miles were fun and a good start to the day. I can't understand why there aren't more people out in this mild weather.

Bike commuting

2010-10-05T18:35:00.000-07:00

I only rode to work and back with a detour to the supermarket on the way home. Good riding weather except for late afternoon gnats. Still beats driving. Tomorrow I'm off to Charleston, MO. The bootheel region has very few recreational opportunities so I will try to hit Hawn SP on the way back for 6-10 miles of trail running.

Morning run

2010-10-04T16:57:00.000-07:00

5.5 miles in a newly chilly Forest Park. Very enjoyable; I wish every run was so delightful. What will I do when it starts getting dark at 4:00 pm? Weekend was a bust. My planned 100-mile ride on Saturday was cut about 65 miles short by rain. But Molly and I did ride to Church on Sunday, a first for her.

Summer training

2010-09-02T18:43:00.000-07:00

Not much to report really. But I have been running and bike short distances. The past two weekends I rode with friend Stephen to get ready for the MS150 on September 11 & 12. It should be a fun weekend and if I can do so without abandoning Stephen, I might try the Century option at least one of the days. Runningwise, I have been out at least twice a week including a good 12+ mile effort last Sunday morning. If work would ever settle down, I think I could get some good running in this fall. Now is the time to start planning for a spring ultra.

Update

2010-06-27T15:51:00.000-07:00

The 600km event went well. Memorial day weekend featured good weather and, remarkably, a tailwind both ways. Saturday, I hooked up with George "El Diablo" Jarad and we worked our way south in good order. I was a little apprehensive at the start because I did not have a motel reservation. But John agreed I could share their room. I made it to Vienna, IL, in good time reaching the end of the Tunnel Hill trail before dark. Sunday went well, but the heat slowed our progress a bit. I finished in 36:30 which was a new best for me.

I wish I could say the same for the 400km this weekend. I thought it would be hot, but hoped that the forecasters would be wrong. No such luck. I crapped out - a total bonk - around mile 120. I knew I had I bonked when I fantasized about walking the bike - always a bad sign. It was so bad that before I reached Pickneyville, I was stopping every mile for a five-minute rest in the shade. I hung around P'ville for an hour before deciding to call it quits. John, with whom I rode my first 400km in 2006 (until he hit a dog and broke his collarbone), noted that it wasn't worth riding if I wasn't having fun. That was all it took. While I waited for my rescue team, I noted that the thermometer on the local bank read "102" That's too hot. I had a good ride until my collapse and averaged 17.5 miles per hour up to mile 120. I feel bad about quitting but it was impossible for me to ride any further. I'll have to see if I can make up a 400km some time this summer.

A lack of talc was the least of my problems

2010-05-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

This year's 400km ride did not go as planned. The winds were very gusty even as we headed out at 5:00 am. While the NW wind pushed us south, any westerly travel was positively mind-numbing. Still, I was feeling pretty good at mile 120. I was on pace for my quickest 200km ever, when my front tire flatted. I joked to Andrew that, due to an oversight, my spare tube wasn't packed in talc, but that was not so much a problem as the seemingly bad valve which caused the spare to flat right away. No patch kit either. So I was, as the French would say, MOL. Fortunately, my mobile support team was able to rescue me, but I was disappointed at not being able to finish, though I think I could have.

So my plan now is to go ahead and ride the 600km on the 29th and make up the 400km at the end of June. The first setting for the 600km is the better bet because there will be more riders - hopefully Andrew will ride with me again - for the lonesome miles. And doing the 400km in June might be a good bet - if the heat is not too bad - because I'll have an earlier start and slightly more daylight. I'm going to switch the Rando bike over to Gatorskin tires, they're easier to change and seem just as durable as those damnable Vittoria tires. And you can bet I'll have at least two spare tubes and a patch kit when I leave Edwardsville. If the weather is predictably sunny for the 400km, I might try it on the "race bike" which has a more sprightly ride. Rode that bike today for 55 hilly miles and had a great time.

Edwardsville-Roubaix

2010-04-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

"I was having a hard time following the accelerations and I basically ran out of fuel. I just wasn't firing on all cylinders today. I didn't feel as good as I have been feeling prior to this race, so it's definitely a disappointment."

Cycling-superman Bob Lundt is far too modest. Yesterday's 300km Brevet proved a challenge with high winds for 111 miles south, but it was nothing that couldn't be overcome with a little intestinal fortitude. Uncle Bob and I rolled out of Edwardsville about ten minutes after six a.m. The weather seemed promising but the southerly winds beat up our legs so that it was a bit of slog working our way back north. It was, however, a good, hard effort that brought us home when other, lesser riders, would have packed it in. It was, looking back, another audacious performance by Bob.

In other news, I have been working hard on getting the butterfly garden of good and evil ready for this summer. Hopefully, I'll have some pictures up this week. It is really taking shape and the hardest part will be waiting for the bloom to arrive. So far I have dill, fennel, butterfly weed, liatris, russian sage, echinacia, rudebeckia, bee balm, cardinal flower, sunflower, iris, loosestrife, goldenrod and iris in place. If there are fewer butterflies at your place this summer, it will be because they're in my backyard.

This is Randonneuring

2010-03-30T04:29:00.000-07:00

The first official Brevet of the 2010 occurred Saturday. The ride itself was unremarkable. The wind out of the southeast made the southward trek a challenge, but the final 40-50 miles were very enjoyable. The company was remarkable, however. I reconnected with a few riders I had not seen in a while and had plenty of company throughout the whole 200km. Even with a dead cyclocomputer, I managed a 10:14 finish, a new best for me on the fixed-gear.

The (bad) Luck of the Irish

2010-03-13T17:25:00.000-08:00

Feeling guilty about not having worked on the old house lately, I decided to forgo a long bike ride and instead run the St. Patrick's Day 5-mile race so I might have my afternoon free. I have never been superstitious, but one mock superstition I hold dear is: never wear the race shirt to the actual event. For 25 years, I avoided doing so. Initially, because I felt I needed to earn the shirt. And later, so not to look like a total piker. But this morning I wore my new shirt because it was one of the few green shirts in my wardrobe. Sure enough, I spilled boiling water on my leg minutes later while making coffee. Apart from a few minutes of cursing and a small blister, I was no worse for the wear. The run went fine, though I did switch from tights to shorts.

In other news, I was disappointed "Up in the Air" failed to gain the Oscar attention it deserved. I think that was in no small part due to this scene below having been deleted from the final edit. I know, this is really Facebook content, but I was reading the 2009 Boston Marathon results:

Build up Ride #2

2010-03-07T06:05:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday I rode 100km for my first official Brevet Series training ride. Yesterday, I went out again. To more closely simulate battle* conditions, I started from Edwardsville and rode a portion of the 200km course in reverse. The weather was cold (but not as cold as some people made it out to be - sheesh, thin-blooded biathletes!), but not too bad. I rode out the MCT trail east before heading south on Marine Road toward New Baden. Once in New Baden, I rode further south to check out Mascoutah where my buddy Patrick resides. A nice little town, I'd say, and fairly accessible from the course (only a small stretch of Rte 177 to deal with). I turned around and headed back north. All together it was 85 miles on the fixed gear or a shade under 150km.

I'm pleased with the effort, the weather was cooperative with winds out of the southeast. Mechanically, the bike worked fine but the rear tire needs to be remounted because it has a flat spot. And I ought to lube the chain. Physically, it was what I might have expected. I was tired at times and I felt a little metabolic burn but no bonking. It was a steady effort thanks in part to a quartering wind that helped push me home. My shoulders and neck bothered me, but they always do early in the season.

Mentally, I tried to focus listening to my body rather than "pushing past" rest and stretching opportunities. I was helped in that regard by my dead computer. Because I wasn't obsessing over average pace, I was able to stretch out every hour or so. I also tried to cultivate positive mental imagery by concentrating on the scenery, the terrain and good thoughts and not the effort. I resolve to remove the "no pain, no gain" stream from my internal monologue. The first thing to go is the martial vocabulary; I'm not out to "do battle" or complete a "campaign" this season. Rather, I'm focusing on the memorable (good memorable) aspects of randonneuring.

San Juan Solstice

2010-03-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

It does seem, as I contemplate another Springtime of traversing the featureless expanse of south central Illinois by bike, that there are certain, undeniable positives to trail ultras.

(photo credit, Blake Wood)

Skirting oxygen debt and the law

2010-02-28T07:03:00.000-08:00

This is a closed trail. (Photo by Dennis McGlasson).

Went for a brevet training ride yesterday along the Riverfront Trail from my house to Alton, IL, and back. Though the computer on my fixed-gear is out, I know from previous experience it is approximately 100 km. All in all it went well, it was very hard near the turn-around point because of the wind. And again at the very end, riding toward my house, I thought I pulled my quad muscle. But I got the kilometers in and I pray the decent weather holds. Wind I don't mind, but I can't ride in ice or temps below 20 F.

The Riverfront Trail north of the Chain of Rocks Bridge has a comical, "closed" section. Not the part featured in the above photo which is on the Missouri side and now repaired. The section I'm referring to is north of Choteau Island. To my knowledge, it's "closed" more often than it's open. And for as long as this important north-south connector has been open it's been a rough, gravel trail. I have long since given up hopes they will ever pave it (like the other 80+ miles of the MCT network). I just wish they would stop randomly putting closed signs up. The dredging/fill operation going on on the side of trail has been underway for eight years; I doubt trail traffic is slowing progress that much. I just ignore the signs. But the Madison County Trail network is great recreational asset, it is too bad Illinois lacks the will or funds to really maintain it.

The Off-season is On!

2010-02-02T17:28:00.000-08:00

Not much to report from Ultra Scott Central. I caught a cold at Christmas time and have been in low energy mode ever since.

Cold weather and general malaise have been the order of the day though I am starting to pull it together for the occasional run and short bike ride. I ran four or five hours a couple weeks ago in St. Charles and managed to get muddy and lost, but at least it was a good workout.

One positive of my layoff has been that it allowed me to start homebrewing again. I brewed a delightful pale ale shortly before the first of the year and have already consumed the whole batch. This past weekend I brewed a brown ale that I'm excited about. I do wonder if it had a high enough starting gravity, but if not, it'll just be a mild. I have been brewing with a partial mash - mashing a couple pounds of grain and adding extract.

But on the exercise front, I am hoping to get some riding in in the next few weeks to get ready for the Brevet series. Stephen invited me on a trail run Saturday, but I think if the weather is halfway decent, I should ride for a few hours instead. It's time I went out on the Riverfront Trail for windy, punishing ride. I'd like to do everything, but realistically I need to ride myself into shape this spring and use the summer to get ready for a trail ultra in the fall.

The perfect weekend?

2009-12-21T04:46:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-07T18:47:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-11-08T18:03:00.001-08:00

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

2009-10-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-16T19:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-16T16:54:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-23T18:55:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-05T04:04:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-06-20T04:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-23T04:53:00.001-07:00

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

2009-04-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

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

2009-03-08T06:00:00.001-07:00

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

2009-02-17T10:41:00.000-08:00

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

2009-01-20T17:32:00.000-08:00

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'

2009-01-06T20:15:00.000-08:00

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.

Final post for 2008

2008-12-30T05:14:00.000-08:00

It's been a busy few weeks here at UltraScott. We did find a new house and have relocated; still in town, but closer to the park and work. My bike commute suffers from our change of address though, because it takes almost as long to air up the tires as it does to get to work.

I was a little cranky during the move because I wasn't able to ride or run because of all the busyiness and the weather. Sunday, I headed out for a jog and I rode yesterday for a few miles. I want to get in shape for the Tour of California.

My brother invited me to join him to watch the prologue and ride and watch a portion of stage one. It should be a lot of fun. And the timing is perfect. I had resolved to spend more time this winter training for the Brevet series; the prospect of this trip will get me out the door for the next few weeks and stoke the fires for an April campaign.

Goofy weather

2008-11-15T04:47:00.000-08:00

Actually, I think that's a Pluto cap. The weather here has been typical for this time of year; nice days and not-so-nice days. Unfortunately, the nice days never seem to coincide with the times I have to work out. Right now, with the wind blowing and light precipitation, I'm debating whether to run or ride the spinning bike. I think I'll do both and run a shorter distance than planned and then ride the bike.

Not much news to report. The TdF route has been announced and I hope to make a return engagement. A woman from my church is running the Boston Marathon and fighting liver disease in the process - you may donate here. And we're still house shopping much to our realtor's dismay.

Recovery week

2008-10-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

Not one to let grass grow under my feet, I'm back running. Heartland 50 recovery was quick. After a couple of bike rides, I ran on the South Creek trail in Springfield, MO, on Thursday. Saturday, I rode downtown with an old friend, Rueben, to see Obama at the Arch grounds. And today, I ran a circuit of Forest Park (54:38). My legs feel okay, but they don't have the ooomph for faster running yet.

Heartland 50 Race Report

2008-10-13T05:17:00.000-07:00

The Heartland race is complete. All in all, it was fun experience. On the downside, the weather was quite warm (highs in the mid 80's and windy) to run 50 miles and I was a shade undertrained owing to my ankle and general laziness. But on the upside, we didn't embarrass ourselves and turned in a respectable 11:12 finish. Whatever success I had, is largely thanks to Stephen who kept us on task. He certainly would have had a sub-11 finish if he didn't have to wait for my sorry butt.

The Heartland was different from the Brew-to-Brew. At B-2-B, I have had more of a "wall" experience from miles 40 to 43. Saturday, I hit a wall all right, but it was more of a gradual collapse. My spirit never flagged though, I was just discouraged I didn't run more on the second half.

Despite feeling a little hungover, metabolically, on Sunday, I feel pretty good today - my legs just have some mild tiredness. The sunburn is the most uncomfortable reminder of the race. What I need to do for future 50's is a little mild speedwork and more miles midweek.

I'd like to run some more 50-milers; I'd definitely like to run the Heartland 50 again. I almost forgot to mention meeting Michael from Ballwin, MO. Michael kept us company over the last couple of miles of what was his first 50 too. Mike is a very nice guy and strikes me as very dedicated; I hope we'll be able to run again with him.

Heartland training

2008-09-20T16:04:00.000-07:00

I've been taking advantage of the milder weather to get a few runs in. I did a 22-miler two weeks ago on Saturday. And today I ran 27 miles under cloudy St. Louis skies. I should be better prepared for the Heartland 50-miler, but I'll show up in whatever shape I'm in.

It's been an exciting few weeks in St. Louis which were unfortunately dampened by a personal low motivation spell. I didn't even run last Saturday or go to watch the Tour of Missouri. But Sunday last, I rode downtown to watch the ToM's St. Louis stage. It was thrilling to see the pro's and think how fit they are. Here's Big George threading his way through the hoi polloi:

Living it up on the Katy Trail

2008-08-24T03:47:00.000-07:00

Stephen and I headed to the Katy Trail yesterday for a short run. It went well despite the humidity. My ankle felt okay while we tackled 13 miles. I'm still a long way from running fifty miles, but I'll keep plugging away. I'm going to run this morning to get the back-to-back training.

Photo credit is due to Mike Arnold and the Mo State Parks website.

Ultra Inspiration

2008-08-23T03:49:00.000-07:00

This could be good

2008-08-10T19:27:00.001-07:00

I finally put the ankle/leg to the test this weekend. I rode 75 miles Saturday with no problems. The Specialized Tricross has its matching wheels thanks to the good folks at Mesa who built me a Mavic rear wheel to go with the dyno-equipped front wheel Boz sold me. I rode over to Illinois and had a good time, about 14.5 mph average. I'm not 100% back, but the ride went well.

Surprisingly, the ankle felt better for the long ride and so this morning I chanced a brief 5-mile run (my first since July 19th). And it was great fun too. I had all but resigned myself from dropping out of the Heartland 50-miler, or perhaps pacing Stephen for a portion of it. But I might be able to tackle it yet. It will be a while before I do any technical trail running, but maybe I'll get some on-road miles in to build up my endurance between now and October. Tomorrow will be a busy day, but I'll try another run on Tuesday.

In other news, my daughter has a 2000 Jeep Wrangler thanks to my old man. I'm still not convinced a five-speed Jeep is the best vehicle for a 16-year old with a three-week old license. But I won't begrudge Dad doing something nice for his grandkid. (Heck, the boy now has two guns from the old guy and what 15-year old wouldn't like that) Just the same, it may be a while before she's driving it on a regular basis. Also, we found a nice house today which we'll probably make an offer on. It's near the top of our price range, but who knows what they will take as an offer. We've got our fingers crossed.

This can't be good, Part Two!

2008-07-31T18:48:00.000-07:00

One nice thing about doing home improvement while no else is around is that your work isn't interrupted - following a brief mishap - by womenfolk insisting you get sutures or a tetnus booster.

While replacing the subfloor on our sunporch (thanks, Idiot Dog) I managed to lose my balance when poised on a couple joists while holding a 4x8 panel of 3/4 inch plywood. My left leg went right through the particle board battens catching the edge of a storm window stored under the house on the way down. Once the stars and tweety birds cleared from my vision (the panel having landed on my head) my first clue I hadn't gotten off scott-free were the bits of flesh on the corner of the storm window.

Oh, well. I didn't bleed very much, so I showered, washed out the two parallel scars and doused them in betadine. Then I wrapped up with antibiotic ointment, gauze and an ace wrap, the ace bandage was close at hand due to my sprained ankle. I'll spare you a picture this time. I did still manage to get the remaining two panels in, so the project is not too far behind schedule. But I think I'll cancel my plans to hoist a barrel of bricks to the roof until next week.

Longing for an epic ride

2008-07-29T18:48:00.000-07:00

It's been a weird week. The family is gone: the boy is in Montana with my old man and the girls are in Florida with their mom. It would be the perfect week for a bike ride, anywhere. Alas, I'm grounded. Mostly because my wife is appropriately concerned about my durability since my 600km DNF and also because the ankle is still tender. I should be working around the house, but today I had Court and then went to the office to tie up some loose ends.

I should be riding. Yesterday, I found myself getting misty reading online accounts of others' glorious adventures in California, Colorado and France. And today I cornered a cross-country cyclist in Farmington, MO, whose bike I saw propped up against a laundromat. I raced in and said "You're the guy with the bike!" The poor kid, I was so busy peppering him with questions, I didn't even catch his name. He had come from Oregon and was headed to Virginia. Lucky guy. Tomorrow, I'm going for a ride, even if it's only ten miles.

My brother called tonight from California where it is very hot. Maybe this picture will keep him cool. Thanks for the call, buddy.

This can't be good

2008-07-20T05:47:00.000-07:00

Yesterday's trail running went awry when I sprained my left ankle on the Greenrock Trail. It wasn't too bad at first, but when I crested the next hill a few minutes later it twisted again on an innocuous rock. Stephen sagely suggested heading back (our run ended up being 7.5 miles instead of 10 - not that that matters). I gamely tried to run it in because it wasn't particularly painful, just unstable.

But it's painful today. And what has me crabby is how much of my non-athletic pursuits are ankle-based: gardening, tidying the basement, and bike refurbishment. All I have left is beer drinking and NT Greek (which never occupied that much of my time if the the truth be told). I guess blogging wouldn't be too taxing on the ankle.

So maybe I'll find a model kit and watch the Tour as it heads into Italy today. I suppose I should have gone with Boz yesterday; then I would only have sprained lungs to contend with

The new machine

2008-07-16T04:13:00.000-07:00

The I-don't-care-if it gets-stolen bike. This is what we'll all be on when, in the not so distant future, we fondly recall $4 gas. I fixed the wobbly headset, and put the old brake pads back on last night. It doesn't stop any more swiftly, but it's quieter. I teased my lovely wife that this is the sort of bike I'll ride when we retire to Florida where I'll ride it in just a speedo and some gold chains covering my tanned, leathery skin.

The new project is a Hercules frame I purchased at Bikeworks. It's a lugged, english lightweight, 3-speed from the late 60's I would guess. The frame weighs about a third what the Varsity's frame weighs. I'm already oogling a sprung Brooks saddle for it.

An update and a new ride

2008-07-15T04:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a good couple of weeks since the last post. I've been riding some to work and last weekend I tackled the Firecracker 100 on my fixed-gear bike. It was hot out and a little windy, but not too bad. What was really great was seeing some biking friends like Tom and George. Too bad Tom had a mechanical (he claims) that caused him to DNF. Now he has to do the Natchez Trace 600km to redeem himself.

I threw together the old Schwinn Varsity (which I purchased a few weeks ago) and rode it to work. It's pretty cool, though not set-up exactly to my liking. I'll have to put it on Craigslist to get some seed money for the next beer-fetcher. I'll post a picture tonight.

Now for your gratuitous TDF shot, "The Man" from 2005:

Goal Set

2008-07-06T04:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Stephen for helping me out of my funk by thrashing my down mood on the rocks and inclines of Greenrock Trail in west St. Louis County. Greenrock is quite tough; so tough that I remarked to Stephen it couldn't be good training because of all the walking (uphill and down). But he's right, it's toughness training. We ran a tough 10+ miles and it was very fun. I remember cruising along around mile 7 of our outing, leaping over limbs, arms pinwheeling, breath ragged; and I liked it! And even better, it was Training. Stephen talked me into running the Heartland 50-miler in October. Now I have no excuses, not to get out the door. Because this is a real 50, I'll have to adhere to the schedule or expect that my legs will explode at mile 45.

Viva Le Tour! One of things that has had me blue is the tought of the Tour starting and knowing I won't be there. I can still watch it from home, but it's fun to be there. I wish I could be on some sun-dappled french mountainside, willing my bike up a steep 20km Col, pacing the other cyclists, and craning my neck for a glimpse of the summit. And the feeling when you get to top is best summed up by this happy look:

Allez, Allez!

600 km DNF & a word on bike pricing

2008-06-27T04:44:00.000-07:00

Sadly dear reader, the 600km on June 7-8th ended in defeat. That weekend was too hot and humid and windy. Though I gave it the old college try, I just wasn't acclimated to the heat and had to bail out at mile 141. It wasn't just me apparently, the other six 600km particiants also dropped out. No one made it further 141 miles.

I regret bailing. The cold that I was nursing since Memorial Day came back. I have begun to doubt my stick-to-it-iveness. I wonder if I'm still Ultra Scott, or merely plain old Scott. I'm in a funk, sort of like Ricky Bobby after he crashed.

Enough wallowing in self-pity. Because I'm a "bike guy" people often ask me about bikes for transportation and commuting. Everybody wants something reliable and comfortable, but no one wants to spend more than $200. I'm no bike snob. I don't tell the neophyte they have to have a Vanilla or a Seven if they want to "truly enjoy their biking experience." I see enough high-end bikes on Craigslist with "5 minutes" ride time as it is. I understand the appeal of utilitarian transport. But really, it's not the 70's anymore. For better or worse, commuting bikes are going to cost more than $200 if you want to buy new from a bike shop. The problem is neatly summarized by this post I stumbled across on Commute by Bike . Thanks Rick, it's harsh but rings true to me:

Honestly I don’t understand why cost keep coming up as a major hinderance to getting more people on bikes. It’s not the cost! It’s peoples priorities. Flat panel televisions are selling in record numbers, XBox 360s and Playstation 3s sell for more than what you can buy a quality bike for, gas prices keep going up, the cost of driving a car continually rises. The cost of even a $750 bike pales in comparison to the yearly cost of commutting by bus or train. A montlhy bus pass where I live is around $90. It has nothing to do with whether employers supply a shower facility either. Do all the people that go for runs during their lunch hour have a shower at work when they get back?
It’s about peoples will and desire. The diet industry is worth billions of $$ a year. I’ll bet it cost more to join Jenny Craig than it does to make a VISA payment on a $1000 bike. Where there is a will there is a way. There just is no will. North Americans aren’t fat asses by accident. There are plenty of choices available to the consumer right now. Any quality mountain bike with lights, a rack, some panniers and slick tires will do the job more than adequately. We need to stop waiting for the manufacturers to build the perfect bike. We have literally dozens of bikes that will do the job available now.
Bikes are inexpensive!! People are lazy.

Amen, brother!

400km ride report

2008-05-19T19:22:00.001-07:00

Still too tired for a clever title. The 400km - the ride I dread the most - is now history. It was tough; they're always tough. But I made it and I shaved a few minutes off last year's time.

Bob (seen here at the Tour de Missouri) and I rolled out of Edwardsville at 6:00 am Saturday. The weather cooperated and we made Control #2 in good order. Bob was riding the 200km which he finished in 11:30 despite a bum knee. Truly an audacious performance!

My troubles started in Okawville at mile 78. I had trouble finishing my lunch and it was over 50 miles to the next food & water. By the time I hit mile 130 I just didn't feel like eating and was getting dehydrated. By the time I hit the northbound leg at mile 150, I had recovered somewhat but still couldn't eat much. And at mile 180 it was getting dark which brought my speed down from a daytime average of 15+ mph. The heat played a factor too. Heading north into the darkness, I caught glimpses of the computer reading "12 mph." And, darnit, the headwind I cursed most of the day evaporated just when it could have helped push me home. Though it did reappear as a headwind at mile 220 in the form of brief rain/hailstorm. I'm pretty sure the RBA has weather -control machine. I finished in 19:41, not a great time but a new best for me.

What would I have done differently? I think my fitness was there, but I should have done more bike-specific training. The legs and butt were okay, but my shoulders were sore and I fretted unnecessarily about little aches and pains most of the day. I've done this year's Brevet series cold - no long rides this spring and I relied instead on running to stay in shape since last fall. But Lance was wrong; it is about the bike. That is, I should have spent more time on my bike. The occasional bike commute (12 miles, roundtrip), even on a fixed-gear, is not sufficient. No matter how you slice it though, 252 miles in one day is going to involve a little suffering. I am looking forward to the 600km on June 6-7th. Happily, it allows for a brief nap. And, I rode to work today with no ill effects, so I think I'm good to go...

In other ultranews, Stephen Reynolds, trail-running deity, completed the Jemez Mountain Trail Run 50-miler in New Mexico on Saturday in 15:46. Not too shabby. I'm envious and I definitely want to do a trail fifty someday soon now that Steve has shown it's do-able. Who knows? -maybe my biking fitness will get me there.

300 km in the books

2008-04-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

The weather was nice, but it was a tough day. I'm not usually hung up on times, but yesterday I resolved to finish in daylight despite the 7:00 am start and to minimize time off the bike. Nearly made it on both counts. I had to hit the lights and don my reflective vest about five miles from the finish. And the computer showed about an hour and 20 minutes off the bike. Grrr, where does the time go? It was like I sat down for for a leisurely lunch. Though I suffered a bit, it was a chance to see how I could do solo.

Not too poorly I suppose. I finished in 12:57. My energy tanked a little over the last 40 miles when my average speed dropped off from 16 mph to 14 mph. It wasn't the bonk - just fatigue. And as I closed in on a 13-hour finishing time (remember, I'm not hung up on times!) I positively sprinted through downtown Edwardsville. So it was a little excitement at the end of the day which made me feel every bit the time-trialist Boz is!

Two hundred kilometers, one gear

2008-04-13T05:29:00.000-07:00

Bob and I completed the first Brevet of the season yesterday in smart order. The fixed-gear performed flawlessly and the ride went pretty well for my first ride over 40 miles since last October. Who knows maybe I'll try the 300km on old blue.
Yesterday's pace was leisurely because of the fierce winds. I've done the calculations, but it seems the best wind is little or no wind. Yesterday featured a crosswind all day long and temps in the low 40's... and rain. A perfect Randoneurring debut for Bob; if yesterday didn't scare him away, nothing will.
This is a shot from last year's event. We had to take a different route from the one represented here because of flooding in the low lying areas. But that was okay because it meant most of the farm dogs were stranded on the roofs of their dog houses and could only bark as we paraded by.

Brew-to-Brew

2008-04-07T10:27:00.000-07:00

Brew-to-Brew 2008 is in the books. It wasn't too bad; I had a low patch from miles 25 to 30, but after that it was mostly smooth sailing. Thanks to Stephen for keeping us going in westward direction and to the race organization and the KC Trail Nerds and their terrific aid station that propelled us through leg 10 much faster than last year.

Today I rode a spinning cycle at the YMCA for an hour to loosen up my legs. I can't wait until Saturday and the first Brevet; hopefully the weather will cooperate

Brain at absolute zero

2008-03-31T15:49:00.000-07:00

The countdown to the Brew-to-Brew has begun. My mantra throughout will be: rediscover the inner turtle (well maybe not this turtle). On the 22nd I ran 16 miles at a leisurely pace to see how my race would go: it worked out well and I finished feeling I could do another 27-28 miles. Last Saturday's run was less spectacular, but I still feel like I'm ready. I just need to book a room, find an ironic t-shirt, and get some last-minute supplies together. This is an exciting week. I'm looking forward to Sunday's run which promises mild weather and then - the following day - I'll mothball the running shoes and become some sort of Biking Giant.

I'm really more of a biker, but winter ultra-running is a nice change of pace and it's a weight-bearing exercise which Ed Pavelka has convinced me is important for cyclists to engage in. Still, it's hard not be excited about this year's cycling season: following the Boz's meteoric rise through the ranks of road and off-road racing; knocking out the Brevet series, completing the Five-star century series on the fixie, and (though France is out of the question) maybe taking a bike tour in Colorado or New England.

The above picture of Sammo was taken at the Royal Observatory at Greenwich a few years ago - left foot in the western hemisphere, right foot in the eastern hemisphere, brain at absolute zero.

Spring is Here!

2008-03-22T04:00:00.000-07:00

Well, not really. But this winter, any day that it's not snowing or raining torrents is spring-like. Brew-to-Brew training has been going well enough. On the 8th, I did another urban marathon (in my new shoes) which went fine. Last weekend I took just a short run on Sunday before Church. The weather was nice, but my gut rebelled (probably from too much pizza the night before) and I sprinted from porta-potty to porta-potty looking for TP. A meager four miles. C'est la merde!

Today I'm beginning my taper for April 6th. I'll do 10 to 15 miles this morning and maybe 8-10 next weekend - but fewer miles and maybe some biking will be the order of the day. After all, the cycling season begins the Monday following B2B. I'm very excited about knocking out the first 200km on the fixed-gear bike. I have a spiffy new Carradice bag to put on the revamped fixie - so, stylistically, I'm there. Now let's just hope the wind is not too bad on April 12th.

Semi-serious

2008-03-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

Actually, the training regime has been going well despite some snowy weather in these parts. I've been hitting the spinning cycles at the local YMCA twice a week in order to keep my sea legs under me and running on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Last Saturday, Stephen and I hit the Katy Trail for a brisk 20-miler. I'm excited about the Brew-to-Brew on April 6th.

I'm even more excited about the grand opening of Big River Running here in South Saint Louis. Ben there - though he looks about 17 - was very knowledgeable and hooked me up with a pair of Brooks Adrenaline shoes. I'm glad City residents don't have to travel to, say, Chesterfield just to buy a pair of running shoes from a dedicated running store. Pay them a visit and spend lots of money.

Time to get Serious

2008-02-19T19:26:00.000-08:00

I ran today in my Psycho Wyco trail shoes. They felt like they were permeated with cement - stiff and unyeilding. I developed a blister after four miles! How are the mighty fallen in the midst of battle!... 2 Samuel 1:25. But the time for excuses and lamentations is drawing to an end. I intend to get serious about consistency and quality of my workouts. Fewer junk miles; less whining. It's worked for my pal, the Boz. He went from the neophyte randonneur you see on the right:

To this:
simply by getting serious about his goals. I've mapped out a schedule for the next six weeks which takes me up to the Brew-to-Brew on April 6th. I'm going to see what happens if I stick to schedule of mixing hard and easy efforts and practice intentionally raising my AT rather than avoiding it. Maybe there's not much need for 400 meter intervals in preparation for a 44-mile race. But practicing 8-minute miles will make 9:30's a lot easier. What the heck, it's only 47 days - if I don't like being serious, I can return to my life of sloth and avarice.

Psycho Wyco 2008

2008-02-10T17:27:00.000-08:00

Fun, fun, fun. Lots of mud and lots of walking but I finished. The first loop of this 50 km trail run was tough and it only got tougher as the weather warmed and the permafrost turned to alternately slick, yet shoe-grabbing, soupy mud. For 20 miles. It took a while, but it wasn't bad for a first effort.

Stephen kept us moving forward and made sure I didn't tarry too long at the aid stations. I enjoyed it. I have to think that any future trail run less than 50 miles in length has got to be easier than Saturday's run. Once the old legs loosen up, I'm going to register for Brew-to-Brew.

Cold Weather Remedy

2008-01-21T05:36:00.000-08:00

It used to be that cold weather didn't bother me too much. Increasingly though I find that it's harder to hit a rhythm running when it's below 20 F. Must be a symptom of old age (today is my birthday!). My remedy is to wait for warmer temps. Rather than run Saturday, I volunteered to Stephen that we wait until today, thinking it couldn't get colder than it was Saturday. It might have paid off...

Above photo is of the Rockies near Glacier NP taken last February. See if you can spot the skiers.

Movin' Slow

2008-01-12T17:20:00.000-08:00

Taking it easy this week - went for a brief run Wednesday morning but I had some muscle soreness in my calves. So I decided to take a few days off from running and stretch out, take a warm bath, maybe paint my toenails ;-)

In the meantime I've been riding my bike and enjoying some of the dry weather. I rode to the office on the fixed-gear this morning and will probably take another ride before church tomorrow. Looking forward to warm weather.

Long run and a new bike

2008-01-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

My abbreviated 50km training schedule reached its apex this weekend - 26 miles. In order to prepare for the Psycho Wyco on February 9th, I've been using a truncated 50-miler schedule. This weekend was supposed to be the long run and, all in all, it went well - I didn't hurry and I respected the walking break I definitely think I have the suds to stay on my feet for 50km. Of course, running 50km on a frozen bridle path may be a different story.

The above picture is a funny shot of a misshapen Brooks B-17 I gleaned from Tzuo Hann Law's journal on Crazy Guy on a Bike. I picked up a new randonneuring bike last week - a Specialized Tricross. I've ridden it a couple times already and think I made the perfect choice. It's not a Rivendell, but it's light, comfy and good looking. And it has a Brooks Saddle.

A New Year's Day Run

2008-01-02T03:37:00.000-08:00

I went on my first group trail run yesterday. I'm getting into trail running and although I have been running 20+ years, this feels like starting over. I've never been a fast road runner; more of a jogger, really. Having decided to start ultramarathoning, I covered 43 miles at Kansas City's Brew-to-Brew last Spring. Now I want to complete some long distance events off-road.

Maybe it's too ambitious a practice. I, who never liked departing the road even for neatly manicured grass, now want to tackle muddy, rooty, rocky trails. Yesterday was decidedly a workout. Because I ran 19 miles Saturday (with 2 or 3 miles of real trail), my lower legs were a little stiff when we started. And they stayed that way all 7 miles. But it was fun running with Stephen and some of the SLUG's. Physically, it was merely an "okay" run, but overall the experience was fun because of the company and the new venue. It was cold too - about 25 F with a strong wind - I'm sure that didn't help; it's hard to see the rocks when your eyes are watering!

Content for the New Year

2008-01-01T04:25:00.000-08:00

Here's a picture to christen the new blog. This is my experiment in blogging about running, biking and assorted other topics. More later.