Passion for life

Cosmin and Simona are my neighbors and good friends. They are from Romania and seem to embody all that I think of when someone enjoy's life to the fullest. They came from Romania 5 years ago and have made their life in America. They are what I hope to always be, full of life and full of passion. Even if the passion leads to arguments or disagreements, they rebound even higher. Charlene and I were over at their house for a while last night. Cosmin was so excited about his new cheap speakers that he had to share the music. The room erupted with noise and dancing broke out. Not the kind of dancing to get you to go home with someone at a club but, a joyful celebration of movement. A smile broke out and I was happy in the moment. Music and friends are necessary to show us life. I feel lucky to share a moment of two with them.

Sluggish morning ride

Life has been a lot busier as of late. Without my usual routine of running every day, I have been struggling to find a rhythm of riding my bike every day. My training week goes something like this. 3 days of single track rides on my singlespeed, one day of riding hills at Umstead State Park and one day of a long ride at the American Tobacco Trail. Rain really throws a monkey wrench into my plans as single track trails are closed when they are wet. I was grumpy having to get out this morning at Umstead and ride hills when I really did not want to. My bike computer seemd to be lying to me as it told me how slow I was going. I was about 2 cups of coffee down of my usual consumption and I needed the caffeine. Coming home and getting in the shower was blessed relief. I realized how lucky I am to have good health. It takes a lot of work and some days suck but, like the T-shirts say, " Life IS Good".

Giving something back

Runners can be a selfish, obsessive lot. It goes with trying to run and train hard day in and day out. I was at my worst when I was competitive and racing frequently. I was a bear on race days.  Now that my knees have bid me farewell to much running, I find myself in the odd position of wanting to give something back to the sport that has given me so much. Running created my identity, shored up my confidence and helped me excel in a tough sport. Time to help out others. I have signed up to help a beginning trail running class at a local running shoe store. This is my way to share the knowledge and joy that came from 30 years of running. If it is the beginner, or the veteran racer, maybe I can help them reach their goals. Some people need the spark to help them get to the next stage. I look forward to the challenge of it all. I still love running and would not change a step. Maybe I can help others take their next step in running and life.

One of my favorite places to be

Miwok 100

Fun footage from Miwok 100K

Sleep as the best recovery

Many years ago I read where Bill Rodgers basically sat around or napped between workouts. At the time being 15, I thought that was crazy. Running was his full time job and jsut a passion for me. The lessons learned through my own body taught me that sleep is essential. Maybe more than food, water or Ibuprofen. Over the years my body has worked best on sleeping from 9pm-6am with a nap during the day. When I work out hard is becomes necessary. The sleep helps the adrenal system recover, lets your own Human Growth Hormones restore your system and lets you get the time to dream about your next workout. Now that I bike more often, the workouts don't have the skeletal stress associated with running and as a result I seem to recover quicker.
  Life and it stresses are one more reason to get sleep. My body has followed the daylight schedules and I need less sleep during the summer but, that heat really takes it out of you. Don't feel guilty about getting the sleep your body craves, your family and workouts will thank you.

skill versus fitness

After years and years of running, it has become ingrained in my mind and body that basic fitness comes before acquiring skills. To explain. WIth running you have to develop your cardio, muscular and skeletal fitness before developing the skills to hold pace, run fast, and endure. I approached running learning speed first. That is not the usual route.

  The learning curve with single track mountain biking is steep. I have to erase all the thoughts from running and fitness. With mountain biking you have to develop skill first. Learning how to ride over roots and rocks, turn corners, climb hills, ride over obstacles comes before fitness. Without this skill development you simply cannot ride fast enough to get in a workout. Momentum is your friend in mountain biking, without it you come to a stop on every root or rock or hill.

  This new sport is an opportunity for me to improve again. To feel the challenge of mastering a new sport. Will I ever be as good at biking as I was at running? No. That time has past but, I will always push myself to learn, to develop the skills. Time to go ride and develop some more skills... Later.