Monday, January 31, 2011

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.

Saturday, January 29, 2011

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.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

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.

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

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.

Monday, January 24, 2011

"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.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

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.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

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?

Thursday, January 6, 2011

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.

Monday, January 3, 2011

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?

Saturday, January 1, 2011

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.