Finally it works

The only hotel that I've had the opportunity to have an extended visit where the actually don't disturb - and quietly slid the note under the door.

Answer

R-B survived the crossing intact.

Putting together for 1st time required about double the time of my clown bike; but then again it required a lot more reassembly as well - everything's in pieces. Beyond removing the seatpost, crank, pedals, and bottle cages - the similarities end there. For the R-B the handlebar gets removed as does its stem, the front brake, and the rear derailleur and trying to figure out how all those split cables reattach. Instead of quick releases, as on the clown bike, the R-B has bolts & clamps that need to be retightened. The downtube clamp even comes with a mini torque wrench. Minor adjustment to ensure smooth shifting, make sure it's all straight & ready to go.

I didn't even get a chance to take it out for a test ride before packing it away for this trip. So once install & calibrate the darn computer get all kitted up & I'll be on my way.

Yea but can I put it back together?

Clown bike is officially semi-retired as I travel for the first time (later today) with my new Ritchey Break-away.

I built it up with a mixture of old & new Shimano (105, Ultegra & Dura-Ace) group components.

It's packed it in a smaller hard case container (26x26x10) than the soft-sided case (8.5x26.5x 31) that comes with it - so more disassembly was required. And since this bike is a regular bike with normal sized wheels, either case wouldn't fit in the overhead bin (like I'm used to), so I'll need to either fit in in the closet (with a sympathetic "A" FA) or send it to purgatory with the rest of the baggage (which is why I've got the hard case).

Clown bike lasted me 15 years before getting really cantankerous to maintain, and it was a great ride while it lasted - and I'll miss talking it's up features and strange looks from those I'd meet (from the hotel elevators to racers in some occasional crits). Let's hope I get another 15 outta the Ritchey.

Now it takes two hands to say how old she is

The "Don't mess with..." department

... T (surprisingly a very understated official website).

Where I got the clown bike out for a decent ride - hot & breezy.

Staying in the inspiration for the Truman Show, and the next best chance for the Real Housewives of... franchise. Where patriotism is on display as a sport where the houses, businesses & city centers try to outdo each other in "My flag is bigger than your flag" contest. Where at the stop signal the elderly blue hair thought it was necessary to challenge me "Why aren't you in church?" To which I responded "Why aren't you?" "We just came from there!" very matter-of-factly. "So did I" unfazed (which wasn't a complete fabrication since I had just cut through a church parking lot a few minutes prior).


Where street signs tell it like it is.


And where bigotry may not make the best business strategy.

Did not see any of these, despite the rumor of an Executive Order from the GOV. otherwise. Where the roads are surprising free of trash though not of smashed armadillos (or the smashed turkey vulture trying to feast on same). Where good eats for a post-ride meal are guaranteed to satisfy.

I'll be back.

Happy legs

Ever since my Bend adventure at the beginning of the month I've been craving to do some fun stuff. My race season is over & it's more than time to unwind and have unstructured fun.

This last weekend I was on Kauai and did 2 rides there. Even though the few main roads on the Garden Island have an adequate shoulder, the side roads offer tranquility, time to enjoy the wonderful landscape, and frogs. Well I should say frogs & chickens. The frogs are usually pancake flat from having been squished while most of the feral chickens are skittish enough to usually fend for themselves - though not always as some clumps of feathers along the way answered that age old question.

Friday's & Saturday's rides.

Today I found myself in San Jose all day and though I was mostly in for putzing around & exploring, I found the attraction of the east foothills calling. So there I was spinning my way toward the hills and I found myself at the base of Sierra Road.

For those in the know Sierra Road has been a part of every TOC since it's inception. This May Stage 4 finished (the red portion of the map) at the top of the climb; 3.5 miles with an elevation gain of almost 1800; yielding a grade of just under 10% on average. I didn't have the luxury to share my Garmin story (data) because I (as it turns out conveniently) forgot to put it on the charger from the previous island rides. But this is the route I rode.

And try as I might to go up easily rather than make it a hammerfest - the best I can describe it was pleasant suffering. Steeper at the bottom than midway or at the top, but recovery isn't really an option as the effort takes its collective toll all the way up. Without the exact numbers I know my HR was pretty much at the limit as sweat dripped a trail like a leaky radiator all the way up. Paint from the lonely deserted summit has almost completely faded from the fans paying tribute to their favorite racers.

The descent is always the reward for the climb and I only saw 2 riders climbing up the easier grade. There are many similar climbs in the hills surrounding the south bay area (Mt Hamilton, Metcalf Rd, the numerous climbs to Skyline Blvd, etc), each with a slightly distinct flavor to them. I lived right near here while going to college here 30 years ago and I don't ever remember getting out and up this climb before.

You can be sure I will return & expend more calories here in the future.

ike Lane

4 months already

Wow has it been that long with nothing to write about?

Just returned from Bend, OR for the long weekend attending USAC's Masters Nationals. To say that everything went according to plan would be overstating things a little bit.

Having planned the majority of my season around this weekend, placing all my legs in one basket so to speak - it was an underwhelming experience, not just for me, but for our entire team. First off my training never really got on track. Family, work, and illness had their way to wreak havok on my Spring & early Summer progress. Then when race registration opened I pounced on it like it was going to fill like a Lady Gaga concert, made VRBO inquires and settled with reservations & deposits; there's plenty of time to get in shape - I'm motivated.

Six weeks out and I'm still a flatlander, with hills considered foreign territory. This is proven each time at PR when attempting the "big" hill as I gasp with each lap. Finally, with some dedicated hill intervals I start to show promise that I won't make a complete fool of myself (boy was I ever wrong).

Then in early August I mis-bid my work schedule and don't get the Labor Day long weekend off. Oh well at least it's a cushy 3-leg 3-day trip (nice long Kona & San Jose layovers, but it will leave me with that empty unfullfilled feeling.. My wife and kiddo's still plan to go to Bend, as another friend will be down that way nearby and they can visit at the Alpaca ranch.

Mid-August I come down with a sinus infection, that somehow didn't get completely cleared up with the Z-pack prescription - because I still had it at the end of August. Now armed with another prescription (that I hope isn't on the USADA prohibited list - as I self-disclose here) I call in sick for my weekend trip to join the family in Bend and see how I feel. A little dry air and relaxation will do wonders right? Maybe I can salvage this thing. Ah who am I kidding, let's just go have some fun & stay outta trouble.

Does anybody need a 13 spoke collectible boutique front wheel?



My trusty extremely lightweight LEW Sydney took a beating Friday in the Crit, as did my equally trusty Giro helmet. After getting a great position at the start to jump into 5th wheel at turn one I was keeping a steady lock mid-pack when at the 35 minute mark somebody just ahead of me rolled a tire coming out of turn four (see red dot on course) and I had nowhere to hide when trouble found me as my wheel got chewed by another racers pedal and broke 3 spokes. That wouldn't have been so bad if I hadn't landed on my left hip so hard. While several bystanders were trying to get me to limp up to neutral support to keep racing (like all the rest of my fallen comrades), a look at my damaged helmet said no way. Official race results have me finishing 8th overall in the field sprint - even though I watched the finish from the medical tent after getting my road rash souvenirs cleaned up.

Several pounds of ice and Advil later I'm on the start line (again in good position) for the Road Race late Sunday afternoon. New helmet and rented wheel and I'm ready to get going - this is what I've been looking forward to all year. Temp's are warm but not too bad, with a light cloud cover and a slight northerly breeze. My hip is still sore but I'm able to pedal without pain, but I'm more concerned with my hydration as I can't seem to get that dry mouth satisfied. I've got 2 bottles with the knowledge that the feed zone will be fully stocked if necessary.

I've done this circuit several times in years past as part of the Cascade Classic Stage Race, and am familiar with the primary obstacle - the climb up Archie Briggs. It's not real steep & it's not real long, but it's just steep and long enough to get your attention. This is what my focus was with 6 weeks to go and now it's time to suffer, we go up this thing 3 times with each having the potentail of being the decisive ascent.

And we're off like a heard of turtles - prepared to stop at the 2nd roundabout in case we encounter the 45-49 group finishing. Somebody in our pack of 75 is going to be wearing the Stars & Stripes in about 2+ hours. I'm sitting pretty as I hit the bottom of the feed zone hill (at mile 10) in 5th position and set a steady tempo up in the big ring. And begin to slide backasswards. I was anticipating losing some position on this climb but - hey wait, that can't be the end of the main group, where'd everybody go? I'm giving all I can as my HR max's and still losing ground as the main pack rides away. A few of us regroup and try to chase back on once over the top as the group is still within reach turning onto the approach to Archie Briggs 4 miles later - but they are never to be seen again. Crap - really, the feed zone hill? I certainly didn't see that one coming.

A small group of 5, sometimes 6, roll through the next lap together - as the time checks at each corner gets larger and larger. After surviving Archie Briggs again on lap 2 everybody agrees to continue for another lap to finish. But the USAC Official has other plans. Even though I scream by the right turn to start lap 3 the Official is waving us on through to the finish line back at the High School. I do a U-turn & end up with a prorated time, similar to being pulled in a local Crit. Very unsatisfying effort.

I wait & watch the finish as Metcalfe demolished the remaining field winning solo by an 87 second margin, followed by a two up sprint for a photo finish for silver & bronze a few seconds ahead of the remaining 20 racers who stayed together. NW stud (former National Champ in Park City) Kerry Farrell rounds out the podium in 5th. Metcalfe was 2nd in the Crit and the guy who took 4th in the RR was 3rd in the Crit. Some impressively strong guys to keep an eye on in future races - with go away, stay away power.

Perusing the results and talking with some guys around that weekend it looks like the teams from WA were well represented in all age groups & did themselves fairly well (though the Killer Robots were licking their collective wounds). A former domestic pro took top honors in the 35-39 RR, our WSBA Prez was smiling about a top 20, another Old Guy was looking for more laps, some guys were sick, some were hurt, some DNS, some DNF's; all were doing recon for next year.

Family enjoyed the time at the 7th Mtn resort - where swimming, putt-putt golf, pony rides, playgrounds, biking, and more swimming were favorite activities. A year-round outdoor paradise - we could definitely see moving here.

Ditch filling is underrated

Haircut day

Family pre-birthday party for twins 4th

Quandary

Fatigue

The FAA is on track to issue final rules of a NPRM later this Summer on new Flight Time/Duty Time (FTDT) rules which will for the first time take into account scientific data in the battle of pilot fatigue.

As you may surmise the ATA, which is the lobbying agent for the major airlines, is against many of the principles outlined in the proposed rules - mainly citing increased costs associated to comply, but also stating that the FAA doesn't understand the manner in which airlines operate and that it would add significant complexity.

While many of the major pilot unions (ALPA, APA, CALPA, etc.) are not entirely happy with all the proposed rules (mainly that it doesn't go far enough to address all the issues) - each see this as a very big step in the right direction.

Last August President Obama signed HR 5900 which set a timeline for implementation of the final FTDT rule to be enacted by July 31st. I fully expected that that the ATA will be screaming to high heavens to amend that date seeing as how that is a little more than 3 months away and it takes some time for the airlines to educate their affected staff as well as change their scheduling software to comply with whatever the final rule imposes.

Fatigue affects each individual differently, but nobody is immune. It is a nasty component of our industry that usually comes up only when highlighted by an accident & is insidiously cumulative depending on many factors:

Multiple time zone changes, circadian rhythm interruptions, lousy schedule, commuting to work, multiple legs in a duty day, long duty days, hotel issues, lack of proper hydration, poor nutritional choices, lack of exercise, etc.; by all means not an all inclusive listing.

This is a decades old battle for improvement - and safety for all involved demands that it be addressed.

Glutton for punishment

Trip traded a nice 3-day with a double OC (or as I prefer Red County) layovers for what seems to be the most onerous trip on the schedule.

The 1st day (last night) was one leg SEA-LAX arriving at the Hot L about midnight with lights out at 1:30AM. That was the easy part. The remainder not so much:

Tonight (actually O-to-early Friday) a 0105 departure to GDL with a scheduled return to LAX at 0925. Friday night is similar with a 2355 departure to MEX and a 0855 return to LAX Saturday morning. Saturday night is the short finale with a departure at 2100 and return to SEA at 2337.

There have been many safety complaints (nicknamed the LAX triple threat) and I am about to experience it firsthand. The pilot I traded with (who's questioning my sanity for making the request) has the seniority (juniority) that only allows him to hold this schedule, so he lives the backside of the clock flying all the time. From all the people I've talked with who've flown these - to a person say this is the worst of the worst.

This trip differs from all other backside of the clock flying that we do in that the report/departure times are later in the evening, with the corresponding arrival/release times pushed to that much later in the morning. Add to that clearing Immigration & Customs, waiting for the Hot L shuttle, and the noise and interruptions associated with and around the hotel and it adds up to a bad combination with ther potential for compounding fatigue.

Alaska Airlines decided in mid-FEB not to allow crews to layover in GDL or MEX anymore due to the increased potential for violence. This made for some initial bad ramifications with the revised schedules as they inexplicably planned a full day of flying after the all-nighter turn. This in turn lead to some zombie crews whose bodies were unable to the shift from flying all night in one duty period to then flying all day in the next. Those schedules got fixed rather quickly with the insistence of our ALPA Scheduling Committee and the assistance of the System Chief Pilot.

As I look at it this trip pairing is even worse on paper for the reasons previously described. And rather than just listen to the complaints I've made the decision to witness it myself. I will do my best to be appropriately rested when I report for duty and will let the chips fall where they may.

Why these aren't flown as turns by our LAX based brethren is confounding to me, and that may the best solution and soon change.

Beat the rain

Long EZ ride to OLM today to make payoff to kiddo's college funds with the WA GET Program before inevitable price increase takes effect on May 1st - thanks Grandma!

Forgot to recharge my Garmin after the last several rides so tried the map-my-ride app on my iPhone. 1st segment is to where I inadvertently dead-ended at the VA hospital at Gravely Lake, with the remainder getting me there & almost back before it too ran outta juice (just about the time I did) with about 10 miles remaining.

Coming across the Narrows Bridge and looking south I could see the wall of water approaching, which hit hard about 30 minutes after safely arriving home.

You gotta start somewhere

God vs Santa Claus

I post this on the day that my dear Mother-in-Law Rushie (a stanch conservative Republican) joins Geraldine Ferraro (an equally stanch liberal Democrat) on the way to the Pearly Gates.

Rushie & I often had conversations about her conservative beliefs verses my very liberal leanings during her frequent visits to our home. Some of the fun I had with her was my prankster moments of switching her TV show from FOX Noise to MSNBC (mostly to Olbermann) when she'd get distracted. When she happened to notice something amiss many minutes later, she'd quietly switch back without saying a word.

So I found this to be amusing (as I know Rushie would too) & leave it up to you to determine which party God & Santa Claus belong to.

God is an elderly or, at any rate, middle aged male, a stern fellow, patriarchal rather than paternal and a great believer in rules and regulations. He holds men accountable for their actions. He has little apparent concern for the material well being of the disadvantaged. He is politically connected, socially powerful and holds the mortgage on literally everything in the world. God is difficult. God is unsentimental. It is very hard to get into God's heavenly country club.

Santa Claus is another matter. He's cute. He's nonthreatening. He's always cheerful. And he loves animals. He may know who's been naughty and who's been nice, but he never does anything about it. He gives everyone everything they want without the thought of quid pro quo. He works hard for charities, and he's famously generous to the poor. Santa Claus is preferable to God in every way but one: There is no such thing as Santa Claus.

Fun Ball says it all

Off to where it's eternally Spring

As the full moon glows large over the Pacific NW tonight awaiting the dawn of Spring (finally); a great sadness looms over our family. My wife's Mom is very ill and likely will not last the week to enjoy what Spring traditionally offers - hope, renewal, birds chasing worms, bees pollinating new flowers, youngsters of all creatures seemingly everywhere. She's going to miss all that.

I'll miss her gentle reserved manner, our long talks, and everything she's had to offer these last dozen years - what a gracious and classy lady. We know that death is inevitable, yet we wish it never comes - and certainly never expect it when it's suddenly thrust upon us. Walk fast forward Rushie, I'll miss you terribly.

Not being a religious man I nonetheless offer up the following for I know she believes and it seems so apropos:

Each Spring, God Renews His Promise.
Long, long ago in a land far away,
There came the dawn of the first Easter Day,
And each year we see that promise reborn
That God gave the world on that Easter morn...

For in each waking flower and each singing bird,
the promise of Easter is witnessed and heard,
And Spring is God's way of speaking to men
And renewing the promise of Easter again,
For death is a season that man must pass through

And, just like the flowers, God wakens him, too...
So why should we grieve when our loved ones die,
For we'll meet then again in a "cloudless sky" -
For Easter is more than a beautiful story,
It's the promise of life and eternal glory.
~Helen Steiner Rice

Broke...

...Spoke on front wheel toward end of today's ride.

It's a 20" wheel off my clown bike and it seems true, plus there's 23 other good ones; but I am without a spare.

So the question is do I ride tomorrow without repairing it or go for a run?

Blockhead

253-304-3117

Knucklehead passenger of the last 2 days award

Just prior to descending into MZT when the FA's are going through their spiel about how to fill out the Mexican immigration forms a guy rings the call button in a bit of a panic. Seems he can't find his passport and thinks he mistakenly left it behind in the SEA (after setting it down paying for some food) after being checked in at the gate by the agent.

So we get a message off to Dispatch who tries to forewarn the agents in MZT and also informs us that the POS lost & found is closed on weekends - so if somebody found it they probably put it in the slot for the secure box.

This guy is traveling with about a dozen friends/family to come down for a number of days to celebrate his birthday (I neglected to find out if it was a milestone or not - he had other worries).

Mexican customs/immigration refused to let him in the country and the outbound flight back to SEA was already booked full - so birthday boy slept in a locked room at the airport with only his carry on luggage available to him. They fed him french fries & water and we carried him home with us this afternoon (departing 25 hours after our arrival yesterday).

I lost track of him as one of our agents was escorting him to US Immigration with the explanation. He'll be missing out on the fun as his friends/relatives apparently will have birthday celebrations with him in absentia.

Lessons...

...learned in MZT.

On nice long run on family day (Sunday) - watch out for....

...tiny yapper dogs on the beach (or anywhere else for that matter), gaggle of Mom's w/strollers hogging the beach walk, same goes for old guys on delapitated beach cruisers, same goes for vagrants (and their spot on the fence/wall/momument), same goes for well just about anybody & anything - because nobody runs in MZT ('cept me). And remember the suncreen.

Also usually are leery of walking into a restaurant and nobody else eating there - but had a great lunch at Vittore (italian) just across the street from Hot L.

Gentle reminder

Only 10 shopping months 'till Christmas.

Lab Rat

OK so when I took my annual physical in NOV the Doc ordered the vampires to pounce and the results were total cholesterol 175, HDL 44, LDL 120, & triglycerides measured 53. Overall these were considered to be good by the American Heart Assn, but I thought I could do better.

Immediately after the cleanse late last month I had voluntarily visited those same vampires & the results (which just showed up in the mail) showed my total cholesterol at 145 (a significant 30 point decrease), HDL 54 (a significant increase from low to high end of good, greater than 60 would be optimal), LDL 78 (WOW! less than 100 is optimal) & triglycerides went up to 66 (although a slight increase, still very low - with less than 150 considered very good).

Snowy day in the Harbor

Favorite Hefner quote...

...during interview on CNN last night the Playboy icon stated - "You're only as young as the girl you feel."

And when the interviewer told another guy that he was going to the Playboy Mansion with his wife for a party last year - the other guy was astonished, saying "you don't bring sand to the beach."

Too bad they don't have the Big Bunny anymore - I think that'd be my calling, could even crew it with the wife (though that might violate quote #2).

Impacting my enjoyment

OK people now you've taken this too far - first it's F1; what's next the cancellation of the Arabic language spelling B (televised on Al Jazeera), sand dune skiing, or world championship camel races?

You knew this was coming...

The recent events in the northern Mediterranean/Middle East have spurned (or spawned) the idea that perhaps a Second US Revolution should evolve here in the US - Sarah? Rand? Anybody want to jump in here and run with this? Fox Noise? Citizens United? Tea Party? Hello, I'm waiting!

No more die hards

The gentleman whose action initiated the uprising in Tunisia has lead to a number of copycats trying to get their 15 minutes of flame, er fame. Now that Hosni has left the house and acquiesced the Presidency - it's time for folks to put the gas can & matches away. Iran is not next, neither is Jordan, Syria, or Saudi Arabia.

Prudoggie that means you too. Joe's doing the best he can with what he has available at the UCI (okay it's only the WSBA), and besides he's suffering after last Sunday; give him a break.

April Fooling around

Two months from today - I'm sure the joke will be on me.

Flight 261 remembered

Last year for the 10th anniversary I was flying the exact route (PVR-SFO); this year I was on a different flight (SNA-SEA) though over the same flight path slightly later in the evening twilight with the seas eerily calm.

Bill & Ted's heroic attempt to save their crippled airliner, though doomed to fail by mechanical circumstances they couldn't comprehend could ever happen, will always be very much appreciated.

Awareness

I'll put this right on top just so you know - I've made my share of minor mistakes when out driving, much to the chagrin of those drivers that may have been affected. But I haven't had a fender bender since I was a teenager or a ticket in 25 years. You need to watch this!



I will also attest that I am a much more impatient driver on our roadways than I am when I'm aviating our airways. It think that may have to do with the fact that when I'm flying, I'm dealing mostly with other professionals - that is not the case when on the roads. Another consideration isn't what you'd think - that I've got a lot of other peoples lives in my hands when I'm flying. Whether I've got a full airplane or positioning an empty one doesn't change the way I fly. Besides one idiot doing something stupid/dangerous on the road has the chance of affecting many innocent lives as well. No, the other consideration that I can identify as to my impatience is that when I'm driving I'm not getting paid. This is my own damn time and if you're the insufferable SOB only going 60 in the fast lane on I-5; you're in my way & wasting MY time. You're probably the same clueless person who tries to enter the elevator as soon as the doors open instead of waiting momentarily to see if anybody is getting off.

Now notice I didn't say that I was an impatient unsafe driver - because I clearly draw the line between pushing the posted speed limit and safety. Just because I like to expedite things when I'm able, I do it safely. I don't tailgate, and I don't swerve or weave unpredictably, I don't pass unless well clear up the road. I feel there is definitely a time & place to be patient; around schools & in neighborhoods, near pedestrians & cyclists, giving way to emergency vehicles - or anybody more vulnerable than myself (I do this when riding my bike as well). And does anybody besides me know where their turn indicator is?

Looking at latest available data almost 100/day die on our nation's roads, including just under 500 in WA State for 2009. Though the numbers are decreasing (down 9.7% from '08), do you want to be part of that decreasing statistic? Moreover the insurance companies could point you toward why your rates aren't decreasing correspondingly - just because every accident doesn't result in a fatality or even injuries; doesn't mean that the potential isn't there. People parts cost a lot more to fix than car parts.

My expectations of drivers are higher by the choice of vehicle they're driving. When I see an upscale vehicle such as a BMW, Jaguar, or Escalade, I make certain assumptions than when I come upon somebody driving a Kia, Hyundai, VW Vanagon, or for that matter a souped up extra winged & bondo'd rice rocket. Though I'm frequently disappointed; more money (or horsepower or noise) doesn't buy common sense.

The basic tenants are - take your driving seriously, be courteous, pay attention, be aware. Putzing away in town at 16MPH when the posted limit is 25 - pull over. Changing 3-4 lanes of traffic to make that highway off-ramp - just go to the next exit and backtrack. Pulling your Suburban in that compact spot - really, you can't walk those extra 10-15 parking spots? Don't understand what right-of-way means - stay off the road. Accelerating into that intersection when the light has long been yellow - another form of Russian roulette. Swerving into oncoming traffic to avoid driving over that fallen branch in your lane (especially if you're driving a 4X4) - drive over it or use your brakes for crying out loud! Had a few & don't have (or are) a designated driver - call a cab. Braking on the downhill curve prior to the Narrows Bridge - what's that all about? Driving with your lights off after dark or in other low visibility conditions - you're in too much of a hurry, but won't be for much longer? Leaving your vehicle idling, in the line of like vehicles idling, while at the curb-side pickup next to the playground - cough, cough, shut it off. Driving around the school parking lot texting - whose kid are you willing to hit with your ineptitude??

And to all the rest of you with your heads up your arse, PLEASE PAY THE F*%K ATTENTION!! The somebody you may have spared might just be yourself.

The folks I've had-it-up-to-here with lately is those dolts slowing & creeping along, neck craning to the right, waiting & blocking obliviously (at times stopped, sometimes signaling, most times not), then quickly cutting off somebody in the right lane exiting southbound I-5 to HWY 16 (which gets pretty backed up at times - to the Tacoma Dome); and to top it all off, no wave.

For getting this far my fellow impatient readers a little treat. My secret (shhhhhh) to not waiting (at I-5/HWY 16) and being taken advantage of, and/or not resorting to being one of those taking advantage - is do this instead, it may be a bit longer distance, but I guarantee it'll take less time & aggravation. Just promise me to NOT spread the word - you're welcome.

I am Clean - Clean I am!

Day 15 - JAN 20th
152.2 #, 6.4% fat, 60.4% H2O, 1818 BMR
Zip, nada, ziltch in morning, nice rice noodle stir fry for lunch (I share) and berry smoothie for din-din.

Day 16
152.0#, 6.3% fat, 60.5% H2O, 1818 BMR
Up & off to DFW early, premix smoothie. Nuts & apple then out for spin on clown bike. Not really hungry but ate late day wild & brown rice/split pea mix. Up to market for some essentials.

Day 17
Up early but had to wait for temp's to warm a bit - mid-30's for my EZ spin around town (w/stop at Whole Paycheck). Flight back to SEA w/lunch of salad/quinoa mix. Entire flat of blueberries in PM for snack (making FO salivate); no nightly smoothie; but a lot, I mean a lot, of water.

Day 18
153.6 #, 5.6% fat, 61.5% H2O, 1850 BMR
Spousal unit informed me that she fell off the program Friday, the temptations of some irresistibles plus the presence of a visiting sister didn't help - DOH! She says she'll incorporate much of the changes she's made in the last couple of weeks - including the morning smoothies.

So I trundle along solo for the remaining days. Increased water weight noticeable on morning weigh-in. Another fine homemade berry smoothie, followed by midday lunch of spinach salad & brown rice/split pea mix. Kids in pool late afternoon - I know the body absorbs water through the skin, I wonder what the morning weigh-in will indicate. Yummie* evening smoothie.

Day 19
154.4 #, 5.0% fat, 62.9% H2O, 1871 BMR
Super hydration continues as evident in the above numbers. Morning smoothie prior to run then just an apple & some nuts after swim at Y topped off with another smoothie in the evening. It's kinda amazing on some days where the mid-day meal is missed for one reason or another that I really don't crave it; even after (or because of) a couple hours of endurance type training. The appetite certainly isn't what it used to be, nor are my bad snacking habits.

A hero of mine died today & one of my favorite quotes was, "Remember this: your body is your slave; it works for you." Of this program I'd think he'd say it was OK, "I drink 6 or 7 glasses of water a day. I also drink vegetable juice. And I have at least 5 or 6 pieces of fresh fruit everyday and 10 raw vegetables." Sounds familiar; perhaps Junger was influenced, in part, by his original raw enthusiasm for total body fitness.

Day 20
152.2 #, 5.0% fat, 63.9% H2O, 1843 BMR
Late AM berry smoothie, midday lunch of stir fry rice noodles & an apple. PM bike trainer sweat fest, followed by a late smoothie.

Day 21 - January 26th
153.2#, 5.0% fat, 63.6% H2O, 1854 BMR
Part of me kinda sorta doesn't want it to end. Another part of me wants to return to some semblance of normal - as normal as my vegetarian life was like. Though I see modifications to what the new normal might be. I can certainly foresee a lot more smoothies in my future with a lot less mindless snacking. Less gluten, may not totally gluten free...certainly less dairy, more raw foods, and incorporate the 12 hour elimination rule when & where I can. As I add certain items from the excluded list back into my diet, I'll see what kind of reaction (if any) that has.

Over the last 21 days my weight loss stabilized after the 1st week & was minimal (4#), and flucuated slightly with my hydration level; my muscle mass has remained steady (138#); and while my BMR (base metabolic rate) dipped slightly in the middle of the program it has rebounded to where it started. My percentage fat has dipped 2%, though as I've noted earlier it seems to decrease with the increase in my indicated hydration level - but that weight loss must have come from somewhere (reduced mucus?).

Overall I think the program has been a success, feeling good, was regular throughout, energy levels are high, however I'll leave to others to determine whether I glow or not.

*"Yummie" being entirely subjective I realize - as my wife seems to think some of my smoothies taste like dirt, maybe it's the hemp milk.

Why don't the faithful exhibit faith?

I've got to be careful here because I don't intend to offend anybody - especially those closest to me, but I don't understand the sorrow & the grief that people of faith go through when a loved one has died or is on their way.

Don't get me wrong I understand painfully the deepest of sorrow & grief having lost all my grandparents and both my parents - and I think of them often & miss them deeply. But I have no faith, never have and I doubt I ever will. As a matter of fact atheist, I accept that we live knowing that none of us ever get out of this alive. I'll be pushing up pretty flowers (or more likely scattered to the wind) someday as the earth continues to revolve and generations to come will never know who I was. After my demise I will live on only in the hearts & minds of my immediate loved ones, especially my children and I'm fine with that. I trust their memories will be good ones; but that'll be about as far as it goes.

I personally believe that there is no heaven or hell or purgatory or any of that which any particular religion (pick one) preaches where our soul might drift to. My matter returns to the earth from whence it came, and when it's lights out - whatever "soul" I have extinguishes as well.

So I find it a perplexing that people who do have faith and do fervently believe in such things where folks go in the afterlife aren't more comforted when a loved one is approaching (or has approached) their ultimate quest. Because of their beliefs, why aren't they looking forward to that particular day? Why isn't there more of - "you've lived a wonderful life, but this is what you've been waiting for..." (for lack of a better term) pep talk? Why is it always so gloomy & morose?

If I have a say in the matter, when my time comes - we're going to throw gloomy & morose a wrench - there's going to be some laughter & and for once I won't expect to get the last laugh. Maybe it'll start a trend.

"I tell people I can't afford to die; it will wreck my image!"

Say it ain't so Jack; you bested the best & you're an inspiration & hero to zillions with a zest for life that will continue to live on.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Clean - week 2 or weak too?

Day 8 - JAN 13th
153.4# 6.4% fat, 60.4% H2O, 1831 BMR
Feeling fine.

Day 9
Early departure so didn´t make noisy smoothie. Snacked on a few nuts & an apple. After a stop in SFO, we landed in PVR late afternoon. Would have rather gone outside but it was getting dark and didn´t want to trip on the rough pavement or uneven sidewalks so went to the Hot L workout room, scale said 70 kilos. After cleaning up I went next door to the Marina for some carrot juice & then made rice protein smoothie for dinner. With mostly liquids all day, hope the energy is there for a good workout tomorrow.

Day 10

No worries about energy - enough for an hour spin on the bike and another hour run immediately after. Got home late & didn't remember to do my olive oil prior to bed, I still strive to glow.

Day 11

152#, 6.3% fat, 60.4% H2O, 1812 BMR
Real homemade smoothie - yummy. Left home mid-morning then fly all day & into BUR late. Split Pea/quinoa/bean mix plus apple & few nuts for snacks. Officially past the halfway point in the program.

Day 12

All day in BUR on MLKJ Day. I now know what happens when you simply ignore then unplug the 5:45AM & 5:50 wake-up calls that you didn't request - you get a knock from Hot L security. This garnered a complaint to the manager. This is 2nd time in a week - what gives? Despite that lousy start to my day, I got out for a good spin around Griffith Park to the LA house. Then off to lunch at Whole Paycheck.

Day 13

150.8 #, 7.3% fat, 59.3% H2O, 1788 BMR.

Numbers a little skewed this morning - perhaps slightly dehydrated, check it against tomorrow's. Little tired in the morning as I slept until kiddo's needed to be driven to preschool. Much thanks to the wife for getting them fed & dressed - team effort.

It's a wonder what getting a real homemade smoothie into the body does for the soul. I'm not getting enough of these & missing some essence of the program by traveling so much. The shakes from the premix stuff are actually pretty tasty but they don't have the kick that the make-it-yourself ones can provide. Fresh mix of Brown Jasmine rice & beans with raw cashews for lunch. Container of organic blueberries disappeared.

Day 14

151.8#, 5.6% fat, 61.3% H2O, 1827 BMR

Weight back up as hydration increased, not sure about fat % (too much a drop in a couple days when it's been pretty steady). It seems to also be related to hydration calculation - higher hydration lower fat estimation & vice versa.

I find that as I end of week two that my energy levels are good & my appetite is satisfied - though it's hard being around home & the food we prepare for the kiddo's. I miss the pasta's, breads, and even just finishing up what they leave on their plates. So far so good on not cheating, though having any sort of enticing crap around the house isn't the best scenario (banana bread, chocolates, yogurt, other goodies).

I also find that my endurance level is good for the runs, rides and other fitness workouts that I've accomplished but I find myself purposefully holding back on hard sustained efforts, especially intervals, since I don't want to dig too deep into whatever limited energy reserves I might have due to my reduced caloric intake.

Another week to go.

Coincidence - I think not

With the hot topic of the day being the SI article on the LA related doping investigation, don't you think the real reason that Chinese President Jintao is in country is because he was subpoenaed by FDA's Jeff Novitzky over their manufacture/distribution of PED's?

Now that's a definative statement

"I'm relatively sure this sport cannot be fixed, but that's not my job, that's not my fight."

Clean - the 1st week (or am I wasting away?)

This isn't a "diet" - it's a program; takes 21 days (though may develop long lasting habits).

My primary motivation is to support my spousal unit as we take this journey together since it seems Santa shared my concern about her eating habits and overall health. This has the potential of being the most valuable gift ever. I also think this'll cause me to refocus on what I put in my body with the positive impact that'll have after the cleanse is complete.

Follow along, or better yet join in.

DAY 1 - Thursday JAN 6th
157.2 #, 7.2% fat, 59.9% H2O, 1866 BMR
Woke up earlier than usual, and perhaps the psychological angst of the 3 weeks to come were already affecting me as I snapped at the eldest daughter for lallygagging when getting ready for school. Promptly apologized & the rest of the day went oddly really well. Didn't miss eating the typical 3 squares with the penchant for snacking on whatever/whenever. Perhaps didn't drink enough - peeing often, just not once an hour (at least not yet). Olive oil before bed is going to take a little getting used to. Otherwise the program guidelines are quite simple & EZ to follow.

DAY 2
First time at work on the program & worked out fine. Brought along a home blended smoothie in cooler-bag, with some nuts & apple for flight. Went for 2+ hour ride in DFW w/water. Late lunch on return. Wasn't really very hungry, but want to get some calories in and keep energy levels up. Smoothie mix for dinner. Walked up the block to Krogers for some stuff tomorrow (fruit, more nuts, lunch, etc.).

DAY 3
Another EZ 2+ hour ride in DFW (GPS not recharged - DOH). No hunger issues. Shake, apple, nuts, blueberries, keeping the energy up. Drank coconut water on return flight, too late for smoothie by the time I got home.

DAY 4
154.2 #, 7.0% fat, 59.9% H2O, 1832 BMR
Off to Texas for another 2-day, this time to IAH (& one of our better layovers at the Marriott in the Woodlands). Brought wild rice/quinoa lentil bean mix, but forgot to bring Rice Dream, raw nuts, or smoothie mix. Restocked once I got there at Hubbell & Hudson (which is a local less expensive version of Metropolitan Market). 5 mile run on treadmill & other fitness stuff (lunges, burpees, push ups, sit ups, etc.) topped off the day.

DAY 5
All day in IAH. Despite the cold snap passing through (dreary overcast & low 40's) got out for a nice 3 hour EZ spin. Experimented with coconut water in my bottles which at 86 calories per 16 oz serving isn't up to my usual intake but serves as an OK fluid & electrolyte replacement. Late lunch of wild rice/cranberry concoction with side of organic blueberries from H&H.

DAY 6
153.0 #, 6.4% fat, 60.4% H2O, 1827 BMR
I will not be able to continue to sustain weight loss at this rate for the duration of the program - 4.2 # in 5 full days. Though I knew my caloric intake wasn't going to match my expenditure & thus some loss was inevitable, this is more than I expected at this point in the program. So we'll see whether it continues on its current pace or levels off. They do allow for additional smoothies if necessary for athletic individuals - so I might have to partake in some more to get those calories. Still peeing often though still not every hour as the program states as a goal which I seriously doubt I'll ever manage.

DAY 7
The first 3-5 days were stated as being the toughest to adapt to the program and once over that hump the rest was fairly easy to persevere for the duration. I haven't found that to be the case. In fact giving up the mindless snacking and actually putting some thought into preparing a satisfying nutritious meal once a day is sorta kinda fun. Seems as if I was on autopilot and perhaps in a rut for my food selection as of late - and if anything sticks this has, at the very least, expanded my horizon. While the limits of foods available on the inclusion/exclusion list seems somewhat restrictive - I haven't found myself going hungry or having any cravings with absolutely no urge to cheat.

I don't know why it's taken me this long in the week to rediscover a great energy gel to utilize - they even sponsor our bike team (DUH! I'm probably going to hear about this) - Chocolate #9 (which has only agave nectar & dark cocoa; both of which are on the inclusion list above).

In addition to the disappearance of the persistent cough which I acquired a month ago, I've also noticed that my sinuses are unusually clear (which I didn't realize were seemingly always partially congested until they weren't). Feeling good, light, energetic, hydrated & regular - I'm looking forward to see what additional changes may be in store during the next two weeks.

Antiblogite

This person has demonstrated a woefully neglectful blogging attitude ("because there's nothing to blog about") & has failed to post in over a month (including all of December, yes I'd call that despicable!) & has also failed to heed numerous warnings to update or face the consequences.

Therefore I call out above said blogger to formally apologize to the blogger-community-at-large & shall be banned from abstaining from the blogisphere for a term to be determined by his blogging peers. We know the creative juices are backing up waiting for an avenue of artful display otherwise it might seize up and could potentially cause an aneurysm.

Blog damn you, if not for the knowledge & amusement of others, do it for your own health - think of your kids for Christ sake (or in your case Ricky Gervais sake)!

What say you?

old & new

GPS indicates that I tracked 17 running & 97 cycling events in 2010.

Running was 117.7 miles in 15.3 hours burning 14,000 calories (4#). Cycling covered 3553 miles in 22 cities & 12 different states in 203.7 hours burning 223,300 calories (64#).

I didn't get to track everything, either due to leaving the unit elsewhere, or forgetting to charge it, the unit malfunctioning, bad signal, or simply not bringing it along for the ride/run. I hope to continue to utilize this as much as possible to track my wanderlust, workouts, and races.

New for '11 Santa brought a Tanita body composition scale which will track my fitness progression.

Beginning the new year it indicates the following - I weigh 158.8# with 6% fat, a 8 physique rating, 12 metabolic age, 1910 BMR, with 61.5% of body water & 7.4 bone mass.

More than just the actual numbers on the scale which perhaps aren't a truely accurate reflection of my actual body composition is the trend that it will hopefully indicate.

Also on tap for the new year will be a 21-day detox regime following the book Santa brought my wife as outlined in this article. I promised her that we'd embark on that journey together & will keep you posted.