16 Days...
Had a pretty good workout day yesterday. I hit the gym (Phyz Ed, in Waterbury), since showers were forecast (although it never did rain). Started off with s 15 minute warm-up on the super stairmaster machine, which kicks a**. Also, there is extra calorie burning at this gym, because there is no AC!! After 15 mintues I was completely drenched. I downed some water and retreated to the relative comfort of the "spinning room", which has a small AC unit in the window. The thermometer on the AC said it was 83, and it felt cool, so I'm thinking the main gym was around 90. Killer. I elected to spend some quality time with Coach Troy, so I spent a few moments perusing my options. Muscle Breakdown? Suffer-O-Rama? I seriously considered Recovery and Technique, but in the end I chose Big Gear Strength, a 1 hour workout that spends just about the entire time in "Big Ring/12", with lots of standing. Great workout, and as promised by Troy in the beginning of the video, by the end my legs were shaking. Good stuff!
Well, today it will be a ride at Saxon Hill here in Essex (see link in my last post), followed by a bit of a bachelor party for our buddy Phil. Should be a fun time...
Grambo
Thursday, July 27, 2006
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
17 Days!!
Well, yesterday I made an attempt at my least favorite hike, Hunger Mtn. I'm not sure why, but I really don't like that mountain. But, it is convenient (close by), and I haven't been up it yet this year, so I figured I'd give it a go. The first part went well, but after 15 minutes or so I hit the "staircase", which just climbs up and up. Not a lot of fun. But, I was feeling OK and making good time, when after about 40 minute I heard the first rumble of thunder. I wasn't sure where or how far away it was, so I continued up for another 15 minutes or so, but eventually it sounded like it was coming closer. Since Hunger and the Worcester range are pretty much the highest points around, and considering we've had some crazy wind/rain/lightning storms this summer, I decided to call it. I blasted down pretty quick, making it down in about 30 minutes what had taken me almost an hour to climb. Some good downhill trail running, and I beat the rain.
However, I had my heart set on at least a 2 hour workout, and I wasn't feeling quite satisfied. So, since it wasn't raining yet when I got home, I downed some Gatorade and went for a 30 minute run. Pretty slow, with a bit of walking in there, but after that I was feeling good about the workout. I think it will be some Coach Troy this afternoon, and some outdoor ridin tommorrow, maybe on the Saxon Hill trail in Essex...
Grambo
Well, yesterday I made an attempt at my least favorite hike, Hunger Mtn. I'm not sure why, but I really don't like that mountain. But, it is convenient (close by), and I haven't been up it yet this year, so I figured I'd give it a go. The first part went well, but after 15 minutes or so I hit the "staircase", which just climbs up and up. Not a lot of fun. But, I was feeling OK and making good time, when after about 40 minute I heard the first rumble of thunder. I wasn't sure where or how far away it was, so I continued up for another 15 minutes or so, but eventually it sounded like it was coming closer. Since Hunger and the Worcester range are pretty much the highest points around, and considering we've had some crazy wind/rain/lightning storms this summer, I decided to call it. I blasted down pretty quick, making it down in about 30 minutes what had taken me almost an hour to climb. Some good downhill trail running, and I beat the rain.
However, I had my heart set on at least a 2 hour workout, and I wasn't feeling quite satisfied. So, since it wasn't raining yet when I got home, I downed some Gatorade and went for a 30 minute run. Pretty slow, with a bit of walking in there, but after that I was feeling good about the workout. I think it will be some Coach Troy this afternoon, and some outdoor ridin tommorrow, maybe on the Saxon Hill trail in Essex...
Grambo
Monday, July 24, 2006
19 Days!!
Whoa, less than 20 days to The Bitter Pill! It's coming up fast! Got in a decent training hike on the Hump Saturday with Justin. We didn't get quite as far quite as fast as we had planned due to some back problems, but we don't want to push it and put one of us out of commission. Great views, though, and we made it up before the rain started (although we got pretty well soaked on the way down). Training is moving into high gear, though, with just about every day spent either at the gym, on the trail, or on a bike. We'll have to get out, maybe next week, and practice our rappelling...
Grambo
Whoa, less than 20 days to The Bitter Pill! It's coming up fast! Got in a decent training hike on the Hump Saturday with Justin. We didn't get quite as far quite as fast as we had planned due to some back problems, but we don't want to push it and put one of us out of commission. Great views, though, and we made it up before the rain started (although we got pretty well soaked on the way down). Training is moving into high gear, though, with just about every day spent either at the gym, on the trail, or on a bike. We'll have to get out, maybe next week, and practice our rappelling...
Grambo
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Team Runs with Scissors
This is what happens when you run, or ride rather, with Team Runs with Scissors.
As promised, here's a photo of the worst of the biking injuries from yesterday. I have to tell you, it doesn't do it justice and the swelling, fortunately, has gone down a great deal in the last 12 hours. I've got some lovely trail/rock and dirt rash on my right shoulder, arm and leg. And, when I woke up this morning, my eyes were goopy because of the dirt in them. Apparently, I couldn't get it all out in the shower. (Please ignore the bugger in my nose.)
Due to some prolonged symptoms, I went to see the Doc. today. After describing the incident he ordered a CT scan and it fortunately confirmed that although I had a "moderate" concussion, there was no bleeding. That means all systems are go for running, treking, paddling and the gym. He did, however, note that I should not bike, or do anything with a substantial risk of head injury, until I have 3-4 symptom free days. He also recommended that I tighten my helmet strap. Good point, Doc!
At least it's not as bad as the time I fell off my long board. Rock on!
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Team Runs with Scissors
Here are some photos from the 8-Miler from last week.
In the first one, I was flashing another photographer the international sign for I run with scissors...didn't realize there was another photog across the street...it was near mile 5.
The other two are from the finish. I think I forgot to mention in the last post that I intentionally started last, dead last in the race. It was fun, because I got to pass people the entire race.
I'm already looking forward to my next road race.
JG
PS--We're only a few weeks away from The Bitter Pill 12hr! And I hit my head REALLY hard today when I flipped my mtn. bike on a training ride with Graham, so I think I'm going take tomorrow off from training to see if the swelling on the right side of my head goes down. Maybe I'll take a picture of my face and shoulder and post it? Back to the ice bag...
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Team Runs with Scissors
Represented TWRS at the Stowe 8-Miler in Stowe, Vermont. It was awesome.
Finished in 70 minutes, 10 seconds and 435th out of 689 runners. That's about 8 minutes 47 seconds per mile. I'm very pleased with that.
It was about 80 degrees at 9 a.m. At the finish it was 88 degrees and rising. The course, with the exception of much of Barrow's road, is in the sun. Special thanks go to the folks who staffed the water stations, and those who hauled their garden hoses out to the road to spray runners--I can't tell you how key that was.
And big shots out to the Beastie Boys, the various artists of Monsters of Rock, Vol. I and Toby Keith for keeping me motivated for 70 solid minutes.
I'll post some pictures when they're available.
Woo-hoo! It was awesome.
Represented TWRS at the Stowe 8-Miler in Stowe, Vermont. It was awesome.
Finished in 70 minutes, 10 seconds and 435th out of 689 runners. That's about 8 minutes 47 seconds per mile. I'm very pleased with that.
It was about 80 degrees at 9 a.m. At the finish it was 88 degrees and rising. The course, with the exception of much of Barrow's road, is in the sun. Special thanks go to the folks who staffed the water stations, and those who hauled their garden hoses out to the road to spray runners--I can't tell you how key that was.
And big shots out to the Beastie Boys, the various artists of Monsters of Rock, Vol. I and Toby Keith for keeping me motivated for 70 solid minutes.
I'll post some pictures when they're available.
Woo-hoo! It was awesome.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Team Runs with Scissors
GETTING DOWN TO BIZ-NESS
I'm not sure how it happened, but Biz's addition to the team may have unfolded something like this:
TWRS: You thirsty?
BIZ: Yes
TWRS: Wanna get some beers?
BIZ: Yes
TWRS: Wanna get some more beers?
BIZ: Sure. Shots?
TWRS: Uh...ah, okay.
(Due to potentially graphic content, this portion of our hypothetical transcript has been deleted.)
TWRS: Uh, (gulp), uh, you should run a leg in the marathon with us, man. (Gulp, gulp.) Who's up next on the pool table?
BIZ: Otis, can I have another round of beers, please?
TWRS: Great, welcome aboard!
***
When we said he could be the anchorman, I think he had something else in mind...
GETTING DOWN TO BIZ-NESS
I'm not sure how it happened, but Biz's addition to the team may have unfolded something like this:
TWRS: You thirsty?
BIZ: Yes
TWRS: Wanna get some beers?
BIZ: Yes
TWRS: Wanna get some more beers?
BIZ: Sure. Shots?
TWRS: Uh...ah, okay.
(Due to potentially graphic content, this portion of our hypothetical transcript has been deleted.)
TWRS: Uh, (gulp)
BIZ: Otis, can I have another round of beers, please?
TWRS: Great, welcome aboard!
***
When we said he could be the anchorman, I think he had something else in mind...
29 Days!!
Had a great recovery day yesterday, J and I rode around Waterbury for about 1.5 hours or so. Found some great rocks in back of the Coffee Roasters complex which we played around on. Good times, followed by a frosty PBR at Waterbury Wings. This weekend, I am planning a 10 mile hike/7 mile ride at Camel's Hump on Saturday, and J has an 8 mile running race in Stowe Sunday. Justin, meanwhile, is somewhere in Quebec on a canoe trip. Looks like it's gonna be a scorcher this weekend, should be interesting hiking/riding/running in 90+ degree heat.
In other news, we've officially added the Stowe Marathon to our schedule. Looks like we'll be indoctrinating a new member of Team Runs With Scissors as our buddy Biz joins us for a leg (it's a 4 person team). He's been a sort of semi-member, as he always joins us for hikes and drinks, but participating in the race will make him a full fledged member. Welcome aboard, Biz!
Grambo
Had a great recovery day yesterday, J and I rode around Waterbury for about 1.5 hours or so. Found some great rocks in back of the Coffee Roasters complex which we played around on. Good times, followed by a frosty PBR at Waterbury Wings. This weekend, I am planning a 10 mile hike/7 mile ride at Camel's Hump on Saturday, and J has an 8 mile running race in Stowe Sunday. Justin, meanwhile, is somewhere in Quebec on a canoe trip. Looks like it's gonna be a scorcher this weekend, should be interesting hiking/riding/running in 90+ degree heat.
In other news, we've officially added the Stowe Marathon to our schedule. Looks like we'll be indoctrinating a new member of Team Runs With Scissors as our buddy Biz joins us for a leg (it's a 4 person team). He's been a sort of semi-member, as he always joins us for hikes and drinks, but participating in the race will make him a full fledged member. Welcome aboard, Biz!
Grambo
Thursday, July 13, 2006
30 Days!!
Well, yesterday it was a nice, although overcast, day, all day long. Until, that is, I got out of work, at which point the heavens opened and we returned to monsoon season. So, no bike ride, but I did go for a run in the rain. Much better than my Monday run in the humidity, and this time, I made the entire 5 K (3.2 miles) without stopping. I think I am getting better at pacing myself, so I don't tire out in the first 10 minutes. In any case, I was psyched to run the entire way. The only downside was the fact that I wore a techwick shirt, which, when wet, acts like a piece of sandpaper. So, it's the old chafed, well, lets just say 2 points on my upper chest are raw. Still, a great run. Looks like we may shoot for the Stowe Marathon in Sept. as a team, although it's as yet undetermined who the 4th will be. Should be fun.
Well, if the rain holds, it will be a ride this afternoon it Waterbury. It's been over a week since I've been on the bike, and I'm itchin'...
Grambo
Well, yesterday it was a nice, although overcast, day, all day long. Until, that is, I got out of work, at which point the heavens opened and we returned to monsoon season. So, no bike ride, but I did go for a run in the rain. Much better than my Monday run in the humidity, and this time, I made the entire 5 K (3.2 miles) without stopping. I think I am getting better at pacing myself, so I don't tire out in the first 10 minutes. In any case, I was psyched to run the entire way. The only downside was the fact that I wore a techwick shirt, which, when wet, acts like a piece of sandpaper. So, it's the old chafed, well, lets just say 2 points on my upper chest are raw. Still, a great run. Looks like we may shoot for the Stowe Marathon in Sept. as a team, although it's as yet undetermined who the 4th will be. Should be fun.
Well, if the rain holds, it will be a ride this afternoon it Waterbury. It's been over a week since I've been on the bike, and I'm itchin'...
Grambo
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
31 Days til The Bitter Pill!
As J mentioned below, we are kicking it into high training gear, with a 12 hour race only a month away. We did live high on the hog for a bit there (somehow it seems like we stretched the 4th of July into 2 weeks of debauchery), but now it's all business. I did a 3 mile run Monday, then yesterday I blasted up Camel's Hump. After my less than spectacular performance during the run (I nearly died, although it was extremely hot and humid), I was psyched to shoot up the 3.4 miles on the Monroe trail to the summit in 1hr 45 minutes. 2 miles per hour up a mountain is a good speed for me. I also got great looks at a Black Throated Blue Warbler and a Black Throated Green Warbler on the way up. Very nice. And, I had the summit to myself, which is always nice.
On the descent I tried for the full Scissors Speed, but it had just rained, and after tweaking a knee and an ankle on wet rocks, I slowed to a more stately "Gramboni Mosey". Not as quick as a Turtulian amble or a J blast, but it eats up the ground and got me down the mtn at a speed of around 3 miles per hour. Not too bad. For the rest of the week, it will be a ride in Waterbury this afternoon (if the weather cooperates), a run tommorrow, probably a ride Friday, then a big 10 mile hike/6 mile ride Saturday. Yee Haaa...
Grambo
As J mentioned below, we are kicking it into high training gear, with a 12 hour race only a month away. We did live high on the hog for a bit there (somehow it seems like we stretched the 4th of July into 2 weeks of debauchery), but now it's all business. I did a 3 mile run Monday, then yesterday I blasted up Camel's Hump. After my less than spectacular performance during the run (I nearly died, although it was extremely hot and humid), I was psyched to shoot up the 3.4 miles on the Monroe trail to the summit in 1hr 45 minutes. 2 miles per hour up a mountain is a good speed for me. I also got great looks at a Black Throated Blue Warbler and a Black Throated Green Warbler on the way up. Very nice. And, I had the summit to myself, which is always nice.
On the descent I tried for the full Scissors Speed, but it had just rained, and after tweaking a knee and an ankle on wet rocks, I slowed to a more stately "Gramboni Mosey". Not as quick as a Turtulian amble or a J blast, but it eats up the ground and got me down the mtn at a speed of around 3 miles per hour. Not too bad. For the rest of the week, it will be a ride in Waterbury this afternoon (if the weather cooperates), a run tommorrow, probably a ride Friday, then a big 10 mile hike/6 mile ride Saturday. Yee Haaa...
Grambo
Friday, July 07, 2006
Team Runs with Scissors
Broken Chain = Angry Turtle & The Stowe 8-Miler
Went for a great ride yesterday in Essex/Jericho with Justin. We were about 2.5 hours into it, and just about to set off on our way back to the Casa de Sonnick when it happened...somehow, Justin's derailer got mangled and everything on his rear tire was fu...well, messed up.
We tried to fix it, but he had to walk most of the way home. I took off to grab the car and meet him. It was a great ride nonetheless. Note to riders: Mobb Valley is in good shape, Arcana is WAY too wet.
On a completely different topic, I signed up for the Stowe 8-miler next weekend. Should be fun. Hopefully the weather will be good.
JG
Broken Chain = Angry Turtle & The Stowe 8-Miler
Went for a great ride yesterday in Essex/Jericho with Justin. We were about 2.5 hours into it, and just about to set off on our way back to the Casa de Sonnick when it happened...somehow, Justin's derailer got mangled and everything on his rear tire was fu...well, messed up.
We tried to fix it, but he had to walk most of the way home. I took off to grab the car and meet him. It was a great ride nonetheless. Note to riders: Mobb Valley is in good shape, Arcana is WAY too wet.
On a completely different topic, I signed up for the Stowe 8-miler next weekend. Should be fun. Hopefully the weather will be good.
JG
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Team Runs with Scissors
HUNGER--Feast or Famine?
Blasted Hunger Mountain today after work today. It's 4.4 miles roundtrip. Not too far, right? Wrong. I think it could be the longest 4.4 miles around. It's basically 4.4 miles on a bumpy, rocky, wet, stairmaster...with the last .2 a steep scramble. Great hike.
On another note, TRWS has been livin' large for the last month. Now our focus is turning toward The Bitter Pill, a 12-hour race right here in our back yard (Not to be confused with THE Backyard). Check out the link posted in our schedule to learn more about this race. It should be really cool, this year's includes a 70' rappel and some swimming, in addition to the usual trekking, biking and paddling.
Let the count down begin!
jg
HUNGER--Feast or Famine?
Blasted Hunger Mountain today after work today. It's 4.4 miles roundtrip. Not too far, right? Wrong. I think it could be the longest 4.4 miles around. It's basically 4.4 miles on a bumpy, rocky, wet, stairmaster...with the last .2 a steep scramble. Great hike.
On another note, TRWS has been livin' large for the last month. Now our focus is turning toward The Bitter Pill, a 12-hour race right here in our back yard (Not to be confused with THE Backyard). Check out the link posted in our schedule to learn more about this race. It should be really cool, this year's includes a 70' rappel and some swimming, in addition to the usual trekking, biking and paddling.
Let the count down begin!
jg
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