Catching Up on Mileage

So this week was the first in a little over a month where I didn't get on the bike at all Monday-Friday.  No opportunity to commute even once (so of course this was the week I see the blog post: 13 Reasons You Should Start Biking to Work--mocking me!) and no time to run any bike errands.  This put my streak of 40+ mile weeks in jeopardy, so I would have to catch up this weekend to keep the streak alive.  Got several errands done by bike Saturday, including a Plowboys run for veggies and a recycling run--figured out a nice way to use the bike trailer to take in even more bottles and cans by strapping a plastic garbage pail in...much to the embarrassment of the family, who said I looked like "one of those crazy people."  But still, that only got me 8-1/2 miles.  31-1/2 to go.    Fortunately, we planned to make up most of that on our weekly long ride Sunday morning.  This week, we were headed from our house up and around Lake Elsinore.  A nice 28.3 mile loop that always featured a great breakfast stop about 3/4s of the way around at Annie's.  I managed to augment the mileage a bit as well by dropping my helmet mirror and having to cycle back to find it.  In the end, we had a great ride with beautiful weather, relatively light traffic, and little wind.

Here's a picture of my lovely riding partner along our favorite part of the loop:

 And then there's one with me...no, not in pain, just squinting to see the viewfinder:

Note to self--stay out of the pictures!

So pretty good mileage for the weekend, but doing the math at dinner Sunday night, I'm still a little over 3-1/2 miles short of 40.  That's when I got inspired to cast my vote tonight--my flaming-pinko-commie-education-supporting vote--by riding to the post office.  Not my favorite thing to do in the dark considering the poor/inconsistent street lighting on our side of town, but I figured it was quick, direct--and with my front light and rear flasher I'd be ok.  Fortunately, there was little traffic and no hidden road hazards, and I was able to both participate in our democratic system and get another 4.6 miles in.  Bringing me in at just under 42 miles for the week.  Next week, I think I'll try to spread things out a bit.

Here's some totals for this week:

• 41.8 miles biking
• 7 miles walking
• 500  yards swimming
• 2 workouts (missed the Wednesday workout)

Here are the planned workouts and meals for the week:

Workouts

Monday, 10/29

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 sit ups
• 15 air squats

Workout (3 rounds):

• 20 Russian Swings
• 20 toes-to-bar or leg lifts

Wednesday, 10/31

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 rolling v-sits
• 10 mountain climbers
• 10 fire hyrdrants
• 10 twist lunges

Workout (3 rounds):

• 15 push ups
• 10 split lunges

Friday, 11/2

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 sit ups
• 15 air squats

Workout (2 rounds)

• 15 ball slams
• 15 upright rows 
• 15 dips

Meals

Monday, 10/29

 

Asian-marinated crockpot beef spareribs (didn't have these Sunday as planned)

Tuesday, 10/30

 

Smoked hot wings with collard greens

Wednesday, 10/31

 

Cheeseburgers on a bed of lettuce

Thursday, 11/1

 

Eating Out--TBD

Friday, 11/2

 

Spicy meatballs with bacon-blue cheese Brussels sprouts

Saturday, 10/27

 

Tri-tip with grilled asparagus

Sunday, 10/28

 

Pumpkin Curry chicken on cauliflower rice

Getting Competitive

I often tease Michelle because she is so competitive.  My favorite example was when we did the un-timed, noncompetitive Bike the Bay ride in San Diego the summer before last.  During this race, the Coronado Bridge is closed to allow bicycle traffic--the only time each year this occurs.  The views are spectacular, and most cyclist slowed down or even stopped to enjoy the unique vantage point.  Not so Michelle.  As I looked over to comment on the amazing view as we crested the bridge, she was long gone, head down, weaving through the slowing cyclist, determined to get ahead of them.  I really gave her a hard time for that, though I shouldn't, because it is what really drives her to succeed in the various racing endeavors she participates in, including her current triathlon efforts.  But it's something that rarely motivates me when it comes to sports and recreation.  For example, I always loved playing a fun game of tennis, but as soon as I joined a doubles league and things got seriously competitive, it kind of spoiled the sport for me.  I've never wanted that to happen with cycling, which I love, so I really am not interested in doing any bike racing.  So it was a bit of a surprise when I found my competitive juices flowing on my commute home from work on Wednesday....

I was headed home on the bike a bit late, having done a late afternoon training session.  I hurriedly changed into shorts, t-shirt and sandals for the ride home...definitely not any sort of competitive riding attire, and headed out.  On my touring/commuter bike, with a backpack containing my laptop over my shoulders and pannier stuffed with my work clothes and shoes on the rack, I was designed for anything but speed.  However, as I headed up Adams, I caught sight of another cyclist in my helmet mirror.  He was about 100 yards behind me as I started up the one fairly steep hill just south of Ivy.  There was no mistaking, even in the tiny 1" square view of my mirror, that he was on a racing bike and that he was fully decked out in lycra racing jersey and shorts--the bright (I would say gaudy) colors stood out even in the reflection.  I had no business competing with someone so geared and attired, but something primal kicked in, and I became determined not to let him catch me before I got to the top of the hill.  I kicked it into gear and pushed hard.  I did not look back until I crested the hill--only then did I check the mirror see that while he had gained slightly, he was still a good 50-75 yards back.  Not satisfied, I decided to make it to Ivy without being passed.  I shifted into a higher gear and pedaled hard down the hill, only slowing as I approached the intersection.  Though I could see the other rider pedaling hard, he had still gained only 10 yards or so.  So of course, Juniper became the new goal.  I cranked the pedals furiously and made it just as he caught up...suddenly feeling a little sheepish for so clearly working to prevent being passed in my commuter rig.  When he turned east on Juniper, I continued home at my usual leisurely pace, sweaty, but inwardly quite satisfied with myself.  My only disappointment is that I was concentrating and working too hard to take any pics.

Am I ready to start racing?  Absolutely not.  But I do have a little more appreciation for those racers out there and the rush they get from competitive cycling. Still, you won't catch me in my lycra any time soon, something that no doubt comes as a relief to the general public.

Here are the workouts and meals for the week:

Workouts

Monday, 10/22

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 sit ups
• 15 air squats

Workout (3 rounds):

• 20 Russian Swings
• 20 toes-to-bar or leg lifts

Wednesday, 10/24

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 rolling v-sits
• 10 mountain climbers
• 10 fire hyrdrants
• 10 twist lunges

Workout (3 rounds):

• 15 burpees
• 10 split lunges

Friday, 10/26

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 sit ups
• 15 air squats

Workout (2 rounds)

• 15 ball slams
• 15 upright rows

Meals

Monday, 10/22

Smoked Chicken Leg Quarters with Buffalo cauliflower

Tuesday, 10/23

Smoky Bacon Chili

Wednesday, 10/24

Grilled Pork Chops with Asparagus

Thursday, 10/25

On the road--TBD

Friday, 10/26

Meatza Pizza with salad

Saturday, 10/27

Ribeye steak with collard greens

Sunday, 10/28

Asian-marinated crockpot beef spareribs

Work Outs and Meals for the Week of October 15, 2012

This week, I didn't get on a long weekend bike ride--was only able to find time for a 14-miler with Michelle.  However, I was able to compile just under 40 miles for the week by commuting 2 days (10 miles round trip) and running several errands by bike.   The Surly Nice Rack has come in handy, as has the trailer I used to use to pull Eoin around when he was younger.  Was able to make some trips to the recycling center by bike using this to haul the cans and bottles.  Other than getting hit in the lip by a bee, it was a great way to go!

By far, my favorite option is commuting.  Here's me on the way in last Wednesday:

As you can see, it was overcast and cool, which made for a great ride to work.  Had me feeling good and energized all day.  Even the ride home where I battled a headwind for a couple miles was great.  Instead of arriving home exhausted and brain dead, I felt renewed...ready to play with Eoin, get some dinner going, walk the dogs, and do some evening work.  Best of all, it never feels like exercise!

Also enjoyed some great, easy meals.  I did do the Smoky Bacon Chili, which was a bit involved...but the leftovers for lunch and over eggs for breakfast make it worth it!  But our weekly burgers, last night's mixed grill with collard greens, and tonight's slow cooked grassfed tri-tip took no time at all and were terrific.  One of my favorite things I've been doing is riding to Plowboys for some fresh veggies just before dinner.   Adds nicely to both the meals and my mileage.

 Here are the workouts and meals for the week.

Workouts

Monday, 10/15

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 sit ups
• 15 air squats

Workout (3 rounds):

• 15 ball slams
• 15 upright rows

Wednesday, 10/17

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 rolling v-sits
• 10 mountain climbers
• 10 fire hyrdrants
• 10 twist lunges

Workout (3 rounds):

• 15 burpees
• 10 split lunges

Friday, 10/19

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 sit ups
• 15 air squats

Workout (2 rounds)

• 20 Russian Swings
• 20 air squats
• 20 toes-to-bar or leg lifts

Meals

Monday, 10/15

Grassfed beef cheese burgers  on bed of lettuce and tomatoes

Tuesday, 10/16

Meatballs and Italian Sausage in Red Sauce over Spaghetti Squash with steamed green beans

Wednesday, 10/17

Grilled Carne Asada tacos

Thursday, 10/18

Brats & hot dogs with Buffalo cauliflower

Friday, 10/19

Meatza Pizza with salad

Saturday, 10/20

Mixed grill--chicken thighs, sausage, and shrimp with collard greens

Sunday, 10/21

Slow-cooker pot roast

Workouts & Meals for Week of 10-8-12

Made a few changes to last week's meal plan thanks for a delivery of grassfed beef that I forgot I had ordered.  We are well-supplied for the next few months!

Enjoyed some terrific carne asada last night--beef was so good my simple olive oil-lemon juice-garlic marinade was just enough for great tasting tacos (or in my case, taco salad).  Am looking forward to tomorrow night's blue cheese burgers!

Logged some solid miles on my bike (and saved some gas along the way!) by commuting to work one day, running several errands, and taking it on short trips to watch Siobhan play volleyball at school and at the club.  With my long ride Saturday morning, I totaled 47 miles for the week this way. 

I added a Surly Nice Rack to my LHT today:

With my panniers, this should make commuting and errand running even easier.  Am hoping to pick up a grocery bag pannier soon so I can do all or most shopping errands by bike.  Still prefer to keep most of this to the western end of Murrieta just because I like to avoid traffic as much as possible, but this still enables me to get to Plowboys, Ralphs, Barron's, and the carniceria on two wheels.  Would like to ride over to Fresh and Easy, but Murrieta Hot Springs is not a bike-friendly route.  Too bad they never opened the one on our side of town!

Here's the workouts and meals for the week:

Workouts

Monday, 10/8

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 sit ups
• 15 air squats

Workout (3 rounds):

• 30 Russian Swings
• 10 split lunges

Wednesday, 10/10

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 rolling v-sits
• 10 mountain climbers
• 10 fire hyrdrants
• 10 twist lunges

Workout (5 rounds):

• 15 ball slams
• 15 upright rows

Friday, 10/12

Warm Up (2 rounds):

• 15 min walk
• Samson stretch
• 15 sit ups
• 15 air squats

Workout (2 rounds)

• 20 Russian Swings
• 20 air squats
• 20 toes-to-bar or leg lifts

Meals

Monday, 10/8

Grassfed beef bacon-blue cheese burgers  on bed of lettuce and tomatoes

Tuesday, 10/9

Slow-cooked barbecued hot wings with rapini and salad

Wednesday, 10/10

Smoky bacon chili

Thursday, 10/11

Gryo greek salad from Siggy's

Friday, 10/12

Dinner out in San Diego

Saturday, 10/13

Mixed grill

Sunday, 10/14

Slow-cooked barbecued tri-tip with asparagus and salad