Wednesday, March 30, 2011
More running than riding...
Something is terribly skewed. I've run twice now since my last post and the only action my bikes have seen was for Punkin to get a bath and new tires. Started classes again this week, so hopefully I can remedy the bike drought this weekend.... Those tires look too clean. =)
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Thinking
Made it to the gym one day this week, otherwise I haven't felt like doing much of anything. We were extremely busy at work Monday and Tuesday. The rest of the week I've worked until 5p, so by the time I get home it's getting to be dinner time and then I get lazy and don't want to go back out. I should have run tonight, but it was chilly and it got dark. Excuses excuses! I need to stop it! Classes start back on Monday, so it is important that I get into a routine fast. I need to run and ride as much as I can - I'm planning to run my first ever 10k (road or trail and 2nd ever trail race) on May 7th at my favorite park - Falling Creek in Bedford. Shortly thereafter, I will need to be getting it into gear for the Bedford County Mountain Bike Championships which mostly take place at... Falling Creek. =) I am super psyched about the trail race and like I said it is important that I run. The race will be 6.2miles long. I ran 4.4 last week although I did have to walk some. I'd love to be able to get to the point where I can run 5 miles comfortably!
I need to start thinking now about when I can work all that I want to do in!!! At least I have things to look forward to, but man I don't want to struggle through any of these events! I want them to be fun.
Now, can I please have the warmer weather back?
Thanks!
I need to start thinking now about when I can work all that I want to do in!!! At least I have things to look forward to, but man I don't want to struggle through any of these events! I want them to be fun.
Now, can I please have the warmer weather back?
Thanks!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
ACK!
Today's ride was fun, but I was cold then hot then freezing cold. The weather is blah so that didn't help. I must have sweated a ton under my jacket, then when I wanted to ride without I nearly froze - the wicking was working. HA! As part of my ride today, I decided to park in the garage at work. I rode through Riversedge to the alley next to Valley Bank. Took the alley up a ways then road to another alley. Got to Fern Park and ascended the trail. Once up to the CRL, I debated riding it, but decided against it once I saw two or three runners. It would be my luck that someone would call the ranger and I'd get a ticket.
Instead, I rode up the road to Woodthrush which I of course, I rode down. I wanted to see what the deal was with the new trail I spotted last week. I had heard that they built a new one from the Star Trail Parking lot up to the intersection of Star and Woodthrush. It's a short, but sweet downhill. The return trip back up it wasn't that difficult - I felt like it was easier than the gravel road. I took my jacket off because I was sweating profusely from the climbing. I started up Woodthrush and quickly realized that my moisture wicking baselayer had indeed wicked the sweat to the outside of my jersey which was wet; so this meant COLD. I put my jacket back on and continued up Woodthrush. I rode up the entire way without walking, but I did stop a few times to catch my breath. My cardio just isn't up to par yet.
At the top of Woodthrush, I took a right and headed toward the top of Mill Mtn. I took a left at the intersection of the roads and climbed Ridgeline to the top. Had a granola bar there then back down Ridgeline to Riser to Big Sunny (Car Trail). I decided if I felt decent I'd try to climb Monument. Once I got to that trailhead, I decided to give it a try. UGH! I did manage to ride quite a bit of it, but I did have to stop and I did walk a short section. Otherwise, I did alright on it I suppose. From there I took a left and went down the road to CRL. Took a right there where I could head down to Fern Park. Again, debated riding CRL, but I was cold by now and it had started to rain.
I did enjoy my ride. Got in 13.81 miles by the time I wound my way back to the car. It took me 1:57 today. Not bad, kept a 7.1mph average which is decent for me, but it counts the downhills along with the slow, agonizing climbs. Yet again, I enjoyed my Sunday ride. This is definitely my day to ride. One more left without the hassle of schoolwork. YAY. I may try to go somewhere different next week. Mill Mountain is fine, but I'd like to go somewhere and ride with other people. If not then I'll be solo-ing somewhere. =)
Instead, I rode up the road to Woodthrush which I of course, I rode down. I wanted to see what the deal was with the new trail I spotted last week. I had heard that they built a new one from the Star Trail Parking lot up to the intersection of Star and Woodthrush. It's a short, but sweet downhill. The return trip back up it wasn't that difficult - I felt like it was easier than the gravel road. I took my jacket off because I was sweating profusely from the climbing. I started up Woodthrush and quickly realized that my moisture wicking baselayer had indeed wicked the sweat to the outside of my jersey which was wet; so this meant COLD. I put my jacket back on and continued up Woodthrush. I rode up the entire way without walking, but I did stop a few times to catch my breath. My cardio just isn't up to par yet.
At the top of Woodthrush, I took a right and headed toward the top of Mill Mtn. I took a left at the intersection of the roads and climbed Ridgeline to the top. Had a granola bar there then back down Ridgeline to Riser to Big Sunny (Car Trail). I decided if I felt decent I'd try to climb Monument. Once I got to that trailhead, I decided to give it a try. UGH! I did manage to ride quite a bit of it, but I did have to stop and I did walk a short section. Otherwise, I did alright on it I suppose. From there I took a left and went down the road to CRL. Took a right there where I could head down to Fern Park. Again, debated riding CRL, but I was cold by now and it had started to rain.
I did enjoy my ride. Got in 13.81 miles by the time I wound my way back to the car. It took me 1:57 today. Not bad, kept a 7.1mph average which is decent for me, but it counts the downhills along with the slow, agonizing climbs. Yet again, I enjoyed my Sunday ride. This is definitely my day to ride. One more left without the hassle of schoolwork. YAY. I may try to go somewhere different next week. Mill Mountain is fine, but I'd like to go somewhere and ride with other people. If not then I'll be solo-ing somewhere. =)
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
A Sunday Ride
I have looked so forward to being out of school, and I'm totally thrilled that it's warming up now. Sunday, I woke up excited about the potential to go ride my bike for as long as I wanted without any other commitments to rush home for. I left my house around noon and headed towards the Lick Run Greenway entrance near Target. I rode the LRG downtown through Washington Park and up 2nd St. Moseyed over to 1st St to Walnut Ave where I stopped to text my friend, Paula to see if she wanted to meet on Mill Mountain. She had just finished lunch and was up for the idea, so I set off to meet her at the intersection of two trails. In order to get there, I needed to climb up Fishburn Parkway to the Star Trail, ride it (SHHHHH!) over to Woodthrush's trailhead then take Woodthrush up the mountain. I had to walk my bike around the front of a car to get to the Star Trail as the two parking spaces were occupied. Got on the bike and of course around the first turn there were walkers. OOPS, sorry; but this part of the trail needs to be multi-use as there is no good way to get to Woodthrush from Fishburn. I'll make up my own rules this time. HAHA! I was kind of dreading Woodthrush as it can be a bit of a chore to climb. However, Sunday I surprised myself and rode up in good shape. I had to walk maybe a 8-10ft section, but I bet if I had geared down and stood up I could have done it.
The other odd thing about the trail Sunday was all of the "streams" on it. I crossed water in two places where I have never seen water. That's ok because that's a good sign! We've had enough rain lately. I got to the intersection where I sat down for a few minutes to wait on Paula who was climbing up from Virginia Pine. As it turned out, she had had a bit of a mechanical issue; so I ended up riding down to meet her and go back to her nearby house. I'm jealous that they live right there now! After visiting with Warren and Greta a bit, Paula and I headed out on a path that goes along the gas line and we wound up in the Hoity Toity Wellington subdivision.
Slowly ascended Yellow Mountain Road to the base of Ridgeline Trail cut across a rogue trail to Fishburn Parkway and climbed it all the way to the Discovery Center then took the sidewalk up to the Star. Pee break, then back down to ride some more singletrack - Ridgeline, Riser, Big Sunny took us back to the subdivision where we jumped across Yellow Mtn Road to Fern Park. Climbed up what we call Fern Park Trail to it's intersection with the Chestnut Ridge Loop (the trail I run on and that is off limits to bikers - SAD!)
Decided to climb up the road again and take Monument Trail back down. Great fun descending Monument. Have to be very careful as it will buck you right off and the down hill side sucks for landings! Made it safely down and decided to go ride the Roanoke River Greenway back towards Bennington. Of course the Greenway was busy and we had to share the way. I was annoyed to see signs cautioning riders to "Maintain Safe Speed" - where are the signs that say "Control your random kid" or "Control your dog leash" or "Turn your damn iPod down?" ANYWAY, I bid farewell to my friend at the AEP substation. She would make her way home one way or another (not sure what she picked). I wound up taking the Roanoke River Greenway back to 13th St then followed the Bike Route signs to pick up Tinker Creek Greenway into Vinton. Wound my way through some streets towards home.
I absolutely enjoyed my 28.75 miles and was gone from home on my bike for about 4 hours. Just what I needed. Now I'm looking forward to going and riding again this Sunday. I think I may just do the Mill Mountain thing again. =) Once things dry up more, I'll go back to the Cove. I definitely plan to head back to Montvale and Bedford to ride some. Hopefully can catch up with friends and ride Peaksview Park this spring. Sundays will become my ride day again. I owe it to myself after working 40+ hours a week and doing schoolwork!
I want to enjoy each opportunity on the bike for sure!
The other odd thing about the trail Sunday was all of the "streams" on it. I crossed water in two places where I have never seen water. That's ok because that's a good sign! We've had enough rain lately. I got to the intersection where I sat down for a few minutes to wait on Paula who was climbing up from Virginia Pine. As it turned out, she had had a bit of a mechanical issue; so I ended up riding down to meet her and go back to her nearby house. I'm jealous that they live right there now! After visiting with Warren and Greta a bit, Paula and I headed out on a path that goes along the gas line and we wound up in the Hoity Toity Wellington subdivision.
Slowly ascended Yellow Mountain Road to the base of Ridgeline Trail cut across a rogue trail to Fishburn Parkway and climbed it all the way to the Discovery Center then took the sidewalk up to the Star. Pee break, then back down to ride some more singletrack - Ridgeline, Riser, Big Sunny took us back to the subdivision where we jumped across Yellow Mtn Road to Fern Park. Climbed up what we call Fern Park Trail to it's intersection with the Chestnut Ridge Loop (the trail I run on and that is off limits to bikers - SAD!)
Decided to climb up the road again and take Monument Trail back down. Great fun descending Monument. Have to be very careful as it will buck you right off and the down hill side sucks for landings! Made it safely down and decided to go ride the Roanoke River Greenway back towards Bennington. Of course the Greenway was busy and we had to share the way. I was annoyed to see signs cautioning riders to "Maintain Safe Speed" - where are the signs that say "Control your random kid" or "Control your dog leash" or "Turn your damn iPod down?" ANYWAY, I bid farewell to my friend at the AEP substation. She would make her way home one way or another (not sure what she picked). I wound up taking the Roanoke River Greenway back to 13th St then followed the Bike Route signs to pick up Tinker Creek Greenway into Vinton. Wound my way through some streets towards home.
I absolutely enjoyed my 28.75 miles and was gone from home on my bike for about 4 hours. Just what I needed. Now I'm looking forward to going and riding again this Sunday. I think I may just do the Mill Mountain thing again. =) Once things dry up more, I'll go back to the Cove. I definitely plan to head back to Montvale and Bedford to ride some. Hopefully can catch up with friends and ride Peaksview Park this spring. Sundays will become my ride day again. I owe it to myself after working 40+ hours a week and doing schoolwork!
I want to enjoy each opportunity on the bike for sure!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Bedford County MTX Race #4
Sadly, another year of MTX has come to an end. I hate that because I really enjoy this format of racing. At least spring is around the corner (hopefully) and with the warmer weather and longer daylight comes more opportunity for riding and racing. You are probably asking yourself did you really have a race in all that rain? The answer is YES, we did!!! It was awesome too!!! Despite the 1.29" of rain Bedford got today, we were out there getting it done! The MTX format is unique in that it runs regardless of the weather, in other words POSTAL - what's the old addage, neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow will keep.... wait, my mailman failed to deliver the mail several times last winter. So, I guess we're better than postal!
As with the two previous MTX races I participated in, I had to race for 51 minutes. My biggest concern today was how to stay dry. I can't honestly say that I've ever intentionally gone mountainbiking in the rain. Sure I've been caught out in a summer thunderstorm and I've ridden in snow or post snow, but intentionally gotten dressed and headed out, NOPE. Seems like a weekend of firsts huh? My first option was my rainsuit - the problem with it is that in order to have pants long enough, I had to upsize, so the jacket is huge. This would never do in a race. I found my cycling rain jacket which hadn't seen the light of day in forever (remember I don't usually go out in the rain on a bike). I decided if all else failed, I'd wear the rain pants and this jacket. As far as my head, I grabbed a polar fleece beanie as I figured it would soak up the rain before it got to my scalp; and my feet got to be warm and dry in my GoreTex winter boots. As I was getting ready to leave home, I remembered a pair of tights that I had ordered from Performance Bike. I had debated sending them back as they weren't quite what I thought when I ordered them. Were they waterproof? I grabbed them out of the drawer and looked at the hang tag. Sure enough!!! So I went ahead and wore them. Did it work? YES! I was dry for the most part of the race. Other than my face which was obviously exposed and my gloves which got soaked before we ever started I stayed dry.
The course was about 1.25mile. We started off in front of the old nursing home, went down the big hill which was comical as it was like a boat cutting through the water - immediate soaking of the face. There were two dips which today were small streams, splash splash. Across the bridge at the bottom of the hill, left turn onto the trail..uh, stream bed, uh yea. Even more fun. Slip, sliding. Across another bridge and up a long hill to the road back to the start. The single track was awesome. I did alright despite it's slickness. If one thing I've developed from this series in my 3 years of trying it it's bike handling skills. There were several times today where I thought I'd wreck, but I stayed upright. I think I rode up the hill the first lap and a little bit each of my other 6 laps. I lost my rear brakes about halfway through the race. I don't know if debris got in them or what, but by the end of the race, I could squeeze the brake lever all the way to the bars and still pedal. HMMMM. I was hesitant to use the front brakes much because of the conditions. At one point I was trying to adjust the rear brakes while pushing the bike up the big hill. I stopped at the top because the slightest tap of the lever would lock up the rear wheel. I found a compromise that would work and kept going.
A few times on the road back to the start/finish I used the big chain ring, but it was almost too cold to ride fast. It was funny toward the end because the rain stopped. I laughed at that. The temperature dropped during the race and by the end I was pretty chilly. I was happy with my effort today. I got in 7 laps and finished 7th out of the 11 people who were there today. I guess had I not missed a race, I would have been higher in the final standings, but we'll see where I end up when they are posted.
Hopefully I'll have a picture or two to share with you soon. You won't believe the mud. =)
I had thought about racing in Danville next Sunday, but I think I'll pass. Not quite ready for a long race yet. I'm planning to do the Bedford County Mountain Bike Championships so that means I'll have plenty more racing to do in Bedford County, plus I'm now pondering the Trail Nut 10k which is in May at Falling Creek Park. I guess I really like Bedford!!!
As with the two previous MTX races I participated in, I had to race for 51 minutes. My biggest concern today was how to stay dry. I can't honestly say that I've ever intentionally gone mountainbiking in the rain. Sure I've been caught out in a summer thunderstorm and I've ridden in snow or post snow, but intentionally gotten dressed and headed out, NOPE. Seems like a weekend of firsts huh? My first option was my rainsuit - the problem with it is that in order to have pants long enough, I had to upsize, so the jacket is huge. This would never do in a race. I found my cycling rain jacket which hadn't seen the light of day in forever (remember I don't usually go out in the rain on a bike). I decided if all else failed, I'd wear the rain pants and this jacket. As far as my head, I grabbed a polar fleece beanie as I figured it would soak up the rain before it got to my scalp; and my feet got to be warm and dry in my GoreTex winter boots. As I was getting ready to leave home, I remembered a pair of tights that I had ordered from Performance Bike. I had debated sending them back as they weren't quite what I thought when I ordered them. Were they waterproof? I grabbed them out of the drawer and looked at the hang tag. Sure enough!!! So I went ahead and wore them. Did it work? YES! I was dry for the most part of the race. Other than my face which was obviously exposed and my gloves which got soaked before we ever started I stayed dry.
The course was about 1.25mile. We started off in front of the old nursing home, went down the big hill which was comical as it was like a boat cutting through the water - immediate soaking of the face. There were two dips which today were small streams, splash splash. Across the bridge at the bottom of the hill, left turn onto the trail..uh, stream bed, uh yea. Even more fun. Slip, sliding. Across another bridge and up a long hill to the road back to the start. The single track was awesome. I did alright despite it's slickness. If one thing I've developed from this series in my 3 years of trying it it's bike handling skills. There were several times today where I thought I'd wreck, but I stayed upright. I think I rode up the hill the first lap and a little bit each of my other 6 laps. I lost my rear brakes about halfway through the race. I don't know if debris got in them or what, but by the end of the race, I could squeeze the brake lever all the way to the bars and still pedal. HMMMM. I was hesitant to use the front brakes much because of the conditions. At one point I was trying to adjust the rear brakes while pushing the bike up the big hill. I stopped at the top because the slightest tap of the lever would lock up the rear wheel. I found a compromise that would work and kept going.
A few times on the road back to the start/finish I used the big chain ring, but it was almost too cold to ride fast. It was funny toward the end because the rain stopped. I laughed at that. The temperature dropped during the race and by the end I was pretty chilly. I was happy with my effort today. I got in 7 laps and finished 7th out of the 11 people who were there today. I guess had I not missed a race, I would have been higher in the final standings, but we'll see where I end up when they are posted.
Hopefully I'll have a picture or two to share with you soon. You won't believe the mud. =)
I had thought about racing in Danville next Sunday, but I think I'll pass. Not quite ready for a long race yet. I'm planning to do the Bedford County Mountain Bike Championships so that means I'll have plenty more racing to do in Bedford County, plus I'm now pondering the Trail Nut 10k which is in May at Falling Creek Park. I guess I really like Bedford!!!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Explore Your Limits 5k
Saturday was my first ever trail race. Explore Your Limits 5k/10k are held at the Explore Park off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. If it weren't for folks like Josh and Gina Gilbert, there would be very little going out there. It is truly a shame too. Today I chose to run the 5k. This was my first competitive running race in probably 7 years or so. I don't count the Drumstick Dash as it's more playtime. Today would literally be the 4th time I'd ever really run on a trail. Sure I'll hike or push a bike, but run? Nope... After battling with bad feet years ago, I had given up on running and turned to cycling. I think that's going to change. I really had a great time today. Got to see part of Explore Park I'd never seen before and tested the waters of off-road running. I had looked forward to this race for a while now, so I was a bit bummed with the prediction of rain. I guess someone was looking out for us because other than a bit of sprinkles, it never rained while we were running!The race itself has some very difficult portions and some not so difficult portions. I probably went out too hard trying to keep up with a few friends, so I felt like I hit a wall shortly after the one mile marker. I had to walk a bit especially on the hills, but managed to run fast enough to pass a few people on the flats. The final hill of the race is absolute torture. I ran a good bit of it, but probably walked half. Once it tapered off, I ran then I ran as hard as a I could nearing the finish line. I could hear several friends cheering me on (Read, Kenny and Josh). I was really surprised to see 42 minutes on the clock. This meant I had just run 5k in 32 minutes and some change (the 5k started with 10min on the clock). Pretty good for me. I was excited about that as I had set a goal of between 35-40 minutes. I also figured that I had no chance of placing in my age group since there were 11 people registered. Well.... I did get 3rd, but only by 3 or 4 seconds!!!! My friend and new teammate Kristin ran the 10k and finished strong! Bob B. and his daughter also ran the 5k, and Ron did great in the 10k. It was cool to have 4 teammates there today!
Data: 5k, 32:54, 3/11 (age group), 75/169 (overall)
Now on to Sunday's MTX finale...
And yes those are Cookie Monster boxershorts that I'm wearing!!!
ME WANT COOKIES!!!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Running and Rain
Ran 3.24 miles in 39 min 53 sec after work today. Discovered how easily accessible the Chestnut Ridge Loop is! It is so convenient to get to a good parking spot after work. I foresee a long term relationship! =) HAHAHA. Of course, I have that trail 5k Saturday and the last MTX on Sunday; and what is the weather forecast?????? RAIN. BOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
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