So I've determined to be thinner, faster, leaner and stronger for 2008. I've started cross training. Yes, that means freeweights twice a week. It's not alot, but it hurt nevertheless. I'm also being pretty consistent with Spin class. At least twice a week. Throw in some snowshoeing and a few hours of Snowboarding weekly and I'm pretty much sore non-stop.
I'm hoping that having a bit more upper body muscle tone and general fitness will translate into a more prepared race body come April or so.
The next test will be the 24 Hrs of Old Pueblo in Tucson, AZ. Only a few weeks away and I have a cruise between now and then. I'm not sure that's the best pre-race training regiment, but hey I'll try anything at this point. I've already committed to myself that I'll get up and spin every morning on the Cruise, do you believe me? I'll report back as to how well I did. I will do some snorkeling and Scuba diving, so it won't all be midnight buffets and margaritas.
Speaking of determination, it's funny how focused you become when reality whacks you in the head. Sure everyone SAYS they want to be fit, healthy, happy. But do we really do what it takes to become so? After losing Sharon I could rationalize that it really doesn't matter how in-shape you are, fate can deal you an unexpected blow, but I know this, Sharon lived her life to the fullest because she was so healthy and active. I don't want to regret not doing my best in anything. So I'm going to sell insurance and thus pay the bills and I'll do it well. I'm going to get in shape and race to the best of my ability, within reason, since I also have a job, family and a half dozen other responsibilities. Ahh reality, so sobering, so forceful in it's method, the only thing to do is embrace it and then do your best not to let it trash your dreams, your will, or your hope.
So it's a new year, hence time for a new you. Are you capable of taking on reality? It's a tough responsibility. New body? reality is, work out, eat better. Money to pay the bills? realilty is, work hard, great customer service. I have many more, but I won't bore you. I wish you luck with facing your goals!
Updates and news of Keith; Husband, Father, Mountain Biker, Team Manager, and so forth...
Friday, January 18, 2008
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
24 Hrs of Moab
Everyone has their own take on this one-of-a-kind event, I figured I'd share mine for the amusement of those who may stumble upon my blog.
For me, the race itself is only part of the experience. Of course the anticipation of going to Moab for this race is a large part of my personal motivation to do the other things I must do in life. All year I look forward to Moab and when it finally arrives I try to savor every minute.
Traditionally I arrive early, usually sometime Wednesday. Two reasons; 1. As the team manager I feel obligated to be the one who stakes out and guards our highly desired plot of grass, weeds, ants and sand which we will call home for the weekend. 2. The solice of the desert is, as many know, very therapeutic and it gives me a chance to unwind, de-stress and think only of one thing, riding.
Of course it's not quite as simple as that due to the dynamics of the race and the scope of our team. This year we fielded 5 teams and 1 solo rider. Nevertheless, we have plenty of help which makes it easier to focus on the race and enjoy the experience and for that I'm grateful. I can't imagine doing it any other way.
I suppose the baseline of the race is that it's not just up to you. It's not and hour or two of hard riding and then you go home, it's about consistencey, of not only your riding, but of that of your teammates. It's about hope; hoping that you do well, that your friends do well, that you have no mechanicals or crashes and when you or your buddy have completed a lap, that you all can do it again in short order. In this regard a 24 hour event is more like life than any event in which I've participated. We build a microcosm of a community out in the desert, divide responsibilities and work hard to accomplish our goals, we revile one another near the campfire with our successes and failures, with our close calls and seemingly heroic or daring feats of cycling prowess. We commisserate with those who have defeats but encourage them knowing that the next lap can result in success. Even our competitors become our friends as we recognize our shared pains, our shared experience.
The 24 Hrs of Moab, is, for me, bliss. It lacks the complication of life's varied focuses. It allows us to strive, bond, struggle, hope, dream and ride like no other time during the year. For many of those who attend, it is Mecca, and the highlight of the season. I am just glad to be able to go each year and I already anticipating the next time I can spend a few days in the desert on my bike with my friends.
For me, the race itself is only part of the experience. Of course the anticipation of going to Moab for this race is a large part of my personal motivation to do the other things I must do in life. All year I look forward to Moab and when it finally arrives I try to savor every minute.
Traditionally I arrive early, usually sometime Wednesday. Two reasons; 1. As the team manager I feel obligated to be the one who stakes out and guards our highly desired plot of grass, weeds, ants and sand which we will call home for the weekend. 2. The solice of the desert is, as many know, very therapeutic and it gives me a chance to unwind, de-stress and think only of one thing, riding.
Of course it's not quite as simple as that due to the dynamics of the race and the scope of our team. This year we fielded 5 teams and 1 solo rider. Nevertheless, we have plenty of help which makes it easier to focus on the race and enjoy the experience and for that I'm grateful. I can't imagine doing it any other way.
I suppose the baseline of the race is that it's not just up to you. It's not and hour or two of hard riding and then you go home, it's about consistencey, of not only your riding, but of that of your teammates. It's about hope; hoping that you do well, that your friends do well, that you have no mechanicals or crashes and when you or your buddy have completed a lap, that you all can do it again in short order. In this regard a 24 hour event is more like life than any event in which I've participated. We build a microcosm of a community out in the desert, divide responsibilities and work hard to accomplish our goals, we revile one another near the campfire with our successes and failures, with our close calls and seemingly heroic or daring feats of cycling prowess. We commisserate with those who have defeats but encourage them knowing that the next lap can result in success. Even our competitors become our friends as we recognize our shared pains, our shared experience.
The 24 Hrs of Moab, is, for me, bliss. It lacks the complication of life's varied focuses. It allows us to strive, bond, struggle, hope, dream and ride like no other time during the year. For many of those who attend, it is Mecca, and the highlight of the season. I am just glad to be able to go each year and I already anticipating the next time I can spend a few days in the desert on my bike with my friends.
Friday, August 10, 2007
Overcommited
Ever have that feeling that you've perhaps, just maybe, might have bitten off more than you can chew. This unique sense of dread and impending doom comes only in those particular instances when you find yourself facing what seems at the moment, to be a utterly hopless situation. Like when you are flying down a trail, but it's been raining and you are pushing the limits of what bike and rider can safely navigate in such conditions, and then it happens, you round a corner only to discover that all the traction you once had in your favorite tires has been replaced by a slick, gooey coating of fresh mud which has adhered to the tires like a spoonful of peanut butter to the roof of your mouth. In that instant you know you are headed for trouble, in an flash of an eye you think a dozen thoughts like, what could I have done differently?, Should I have eased up on the speed?, how can I limit the damage?, do I throw myself from the speeding train now or ride it out?
For risk takers this is an all too common feeling. I think I'm relatively conservative on my bike, but I do like to ride some downhills on the edge of my ability level. However, I more often find myself with this feeling of dread in regards to other decisions I make, such as this year's challege of organizing and promoting a bike race. Sure the motive was good, it seems well organized, I've put in lots of time and energy as have other friends, but one week away and I can't help but think, this is going to be bad. I had such high expectations and worked so hard to get to this point, but I tend to worry about outcomes when the tires seem to be slipping and I'm not sure if I can hold the line.
Oddly enough in many of these instances, things don't go so bad, the certain crash doesn't occur, but instead you somehow are able to regain control, get your feet down, and come to a stop without going over the bars. Sure you heart rate spikes a bit and you take it a bit easy for the next little while, but the crisis has been averted and you have survived.
I enjoy the thrill of new challenges, great downhills and doing something that benefits others, but often wonder to myself, does anyone else care about this, is it worth the risk? the effort?, the time?, the energy? Perhaps it doesn't really matter as long as no matter what happens, I get back on my bike and keep riding, which is exactly what I'll do.
For risk takers this is an all too common feeling. I think I'm relatively conservative on my bike, but I do like to ride some downhills on the edge of my ability level. However, I more often find myself with this feeling of dread in regards to other decisions I make, such as this year's challege of organizing and promoting a bike race. Sure the motive was good, it seems well organized, I've put in lots of time and energy as have other friends, but one week away and I can't help but think, this is going to be bad. I had such high expectations and worked so hard to get to this point, but I tend to worry about outcomes when the tires seem to be slipping and I'm not sure if I can hold the line.
Oddly enough in many of these instances, things don't go so bad, the certain crash doesn't occur, but instead you somehow are able to regain control, get your feet down, and come to a stop without going over the bars. Sure you heart rate spikes a bit and you take it a bit easy for the next little while, but the crisis has been averted and you have survived.
I enjoy the thrill of new challenges, great downhills and doing something that benefits others, but often wonder to myself, does anyone else care about this, is it worth the risk? the effort?, the time?, the energy? Perhaps it doesn't really matter as long as no matter what happens, I get back on my bike and keep riding, which is exactly what I'll do.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
'07 Team Gear
The new team gear finally came in today. So after organizing everyone's order I decided to go on a short ride in the new duds. They are bit darker than I expected, but I think they stand out really well. I like the mountain motif and the flow of the jersey into the short design. Nate really did a good job, considering he doesn't design jerseys full time. Be sure to thank him next time you see him.
Scott and I rode the BST above Orem/Lindon, just a short 45 min loop, but it was nice to get the lungs working for a bit. Scott graciously acted the photog part simply because he didn't want to change into his new gear and have the pictures taken of him I think.
So now I just have to get the team t-shirts ordered and then work on the other dozen things I have on my list and then perhaps in November I can relax a bit.
A couple other photos:
Monday, April 23, 2007
Lazy Blogger
Ok..So I haven't been the most diligent of Bloggers. Sure I have plenty of excuses, work, family, scouts, organizing a bike team (two, sort of) and of course training. Everyone has demands on their time, right? (except Chris and KC apparently, just kidding).
So I'm resolving to do better, to get a digital camera even - my wife won't let me use hers. I WILL start making updates to this blog. Why? Good question, I suppose because there are a few people out there who might actually click a link from someone elses blog and find what I have to say interesting, informative, perhaps even pathetic, hence making them feel better about their own life of quiet desperation (yes that's borrowed).
So I'll have Adam give me some lessons on posting and graphic design and you'll see an improvement. Sometime soon. In the near future. I promise.
Aside from that little confession and resolution here's the current state of affairs:
The Mad Dog Team is looking good this year. We have alot of good riders, many people who believe in the cause and are willing to help us achieve our goals of community awareness and involvement. We will hopefully, be better prepared and advertise more effectively this year.
We will hold monthly guided rides open to the public, we will have two trail maintenance days and we will put together a race for the community this August. Alot of work ahead of us, but I think it can be done and will be helpful to the cycling community.
More updates to follow.
So I'm resolving to do better, to get a digital camera even - my wife won't let me use hers. I WILL start making updates to this blog. Why? Good question, I suppose because there are a few people out there who might actually click a link from someone elses blog and find what I have to say interesting, informative, perhaps even pathetic, hence making them feel better about their own life of quiet desperation (yes that's borrowed).
So I'll have Adam give me some lessons on posting and graphic design and you'll see an improvement. Sometime soon. In the near future. I promise.
Aside from that little confession and resolution here's the current state of affairs:
The Mad Dog Team is looking good this year. We have alot of good riders, many people who believe in the cause and are willing to help us achieve our goals of community awareness and involvement. We will hopefully, be better prepared and advertise more effectively this year.
We will hold monthly guided rides open to the public, we will have two trail maintenance days and we will put together a race for the community this August. Alot of work ahead of us, but I think it can be done and will be helpful to the cycling community.
More updates to follow.
Monday, September 11, 2006
LOTOJA - aka "Ride for the Mentally Unstable"
So this past weekend, Chris, KC, Eric Lex and I rode the LOTOJA race. For those of you who are not familiar with this acronym, that's Logan TO Jackson. A one day, 206 mile race over the mountains and through the woods of Utah, Idaho and Wyoming.
This is my 4th LOTOJA ride and while it was not the hardest for me, it was certainly tough and is just one of those experiences you think will be a profound, life-altering accomplishment but in reality is just a very hard day of riding that you suffer through the best you can and immediately afterwards say to yourself, "NEVER AGAIN!"
The more enjoyable aspect to this event is the experience of riding with friends and spending the weekend with them, travelling, joking, talking, eating and yes..riding ALOT.
It wouldn't be the same experience without those I rode with and who supported us. Thank you very much Dave and Sherry.
Not that every big event has to be an analogy for some aspect of life, but it seems to me that this sort of experience does teach you something about what's most important. When you are suffering most, it's your friends and family you turn to, and in the absence of them, anyone with similar objectives will do. The cooperative spirit is strong when everyone wants to just make it in. Words of encouragement and praise for efforts made are honest and most appreciated. Additionally, like most things, it's more mental than physical. Sure there are people who just cannot continue at some point, however for many of us, the determination to finish can override the fatigue, pain and mental dullness brought on by such an effort. I appreciate those who, when suffering most, keep a positive outlook and do their best to encourage and assist others along the way.
Here are some photos from the Day 'o Sufferin'
In the early AM
Rest Stop in Afton
Arriving in Alpine
The crew departing Alpine for Snake River Canyon
This is my 4th LOTOJA ride and while it was not the hardest for me, it was certainly tough and is just one of those experiences you think will be a profound, life-altering accomplishment but in reality is just a very hard day of riding that you suffer through the best you can and immediately afterwards say to yourself, "NEVER AGAIN!"
The more enjoyable aspect to this event is the experience of riding with friends and spending the weekend with them, travelling, joking, talking, eating and yes..riding ALOT.
It wouldn't be the same experience without those I rode with and who supported us. Thank you very much Dave and Sherry.
Not that every big event has to be an analogy for some aspect of life, but it seems to me that this sort of experience does teach you something about what's most important. When you are suffering most, it's your friends and family you turn to, and in the absence of them, anyone with similar objectives will do. The cooperative spirit is strong when everyone wants to just make it in. Words of encouragement and praise for efforts made are honest and most appreciated. Additionally, like most things, it's more mental than physical. Sure there are people who just cannot continue at some point, however for many of us, the determination to finish can override the fatigue, pain and mental dullness brought on by such an effort. I appreciate those who, when suffering most, keep a positive outlook and do their best to encourage and assist others along the way.
Here are some photos from the Day 'o Sufferin'
Friday, September 01, 2006
Jansen Max Payne
So here's your official announcement of the name of child #3. Jansen Max Payne. Wanted to post a few more pictures for you to see and I will endeavor to keep other photos of family and events posted here.
Sept and Oct are looking to be very busy months with a new baby, work, LOTOJA next week, Zion Hiking Trip, 24 Hours of Moab and a few other trips and activities on the schedule.
Sierra and Jansen
Kohl and Jansen
Jansen
Kohl and Jansen
Sept and Oct are looking to be very busy months with a new baby, work, LOTOJA next week, Zion Hiking Trip, 24 Hours of Moab and a few other trips and activities on the schedule.
Monday, August 14, 2006
New Arrival
Welcome, er..what's his name?
So it's not a new bike, apparently I have enough of those...for the moment. It's much better. It requires much more maintenance, makes alot more noise and is a bit more complicated to fix.
Gail delivered our 3rd child this morning at 10:16 a.m. Everything went quite well. The nurses said it was the fastest inducement they had seen. The DR. broke her water at 8:10 and by 10 a.m. the baby was ready to come out. Only a few pushes by Gail and our new "what's his name?" was here.
So we haven't fully decided on a name, but that will be remedied. We are just happy, relieved, excited that he's here now.
More news to follow.
6 lbs. 9 oz. 19.5 in long.
Hello World
Mommy and Baby
Hi
The Big Sister and Brother
So it's not a new bike, apparently I have enough of those...for the moment. It's much better. It requires much more maintenance, makes alot more noise and is a bit more complicated to fix.
Gail delivered our 3rd child this morning at 10:16 a.m. Everything went quite well. The nurses said it was the fastest inducement they had seen. The DR. broke her water at 8:10 and by 10 a.m. the baby was ready to come out. Only a few pushes by Gail and our new "what's his name?" was here.
So we haven't fully decided on a name, but that will be remedied. We are just happy, relieved, excited that he's here now.
More news to follow.
6 lbs. 9 oz. 19.5 in long.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Bike or baby?
So the Evanston race was this Saturday, but as my wife is expecting our 3rd child I was not able to attend. Instead I stayed home and did a road ride with Adam up the Alpine Loop to watch the Tour of Utah come through. We had a good ride, although we had to dodge runners coming down the Provo River trail on the way up (half-marathon). We made it to the top in good time and waited as the groups of riders approached. The climb up to Sundance and then to the summit certainly had a splintering effect on the riders and it was fun to watch multiple groups come through. I called my wife from the top and was informed she was heading to the hospital because she was having hard contractions. So after the last group went through we headed down. I was moving pretty quick and passing vehicle traffic in and effort to get down as fast as possible. Todd from Sock Tubes hooked up with me and I followed him down, when we hit Provo Canyon he asked how things were going and I told him, so he said "Let's get you down then!" He started pulling, at a reasonable rate as I'm not the strongest rider and we made good time going down. On the Parkway trail I noted we were doing 30 mph most of the time. Todd has a nice skill as well, he can whistle pretty loud without sticking his fingers in his mouth, as I would require. So he alerted other riders, peds and skaters as to our approach. We parted at the mouth of the canyon and I spent the afternoon at the hospital. The wife was sent home, but we'll have the baby on Monday morning anyway.
Here's some shots from the top of the mountain.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Opening Post
Newbie
Everyone else seems to be doing it, so why not me? I am mainly starting this blog to force myself to create somewhat of a journal of my weekly activites, including, but not limited to; cycling, snowboarding, climbing, my family, job, travels, etc.
I suppose this means I too will need to start carrying a digital camera everywhere. Well we'll see about that.
Cycling
As the season is drawing toward the end and I've not progressed as much as I would have hoped I'm re-evaluating my focus and level of determination for next year. I've also questioned the focus of the team that I manage and may make some big changes for next year, but first things first. Evanston race next week, ULCER (100 miles around Utah Lake) after than and then more road training for LOTOJA, and finally the real bonus to the whole season, 24 Hours of Moab.
Family
The main restriction on more training and hence better race results is family. Presently my wife is due to have our 3rd child sometime this month and I've been trying to be around more for her sanity as well as mine. Consequently the duration and frequency of my riding has suffered. She has been very supportive of my riding, but in these latter stages of pregnancy it has been harder to manage our overly energetic 4 and 2 year old. So my assistance is needed.
Well that should suffice for my intial posting. More updates to come.
Everyone else seems to be doing it, so why not me? I am mainly starting this blog to force myself to create somewhat of a journal of my weekly activites, including, but not limited to; cycling, snowboarding, climbing, my family, job, travels, etc.
I suppose this means I too will need to start carrying a digital camera everywhere. Well we'll see about that.
Cycling
As the season is drawing toward the end and I've not progressed as much as I would have hoped I'm re-evaluating my focus and level of determination for next year. I've also questioned the focus of the team that I manage and may make some big changes for next year, but first things first. Evanston race next week, ULCER (100 miles around Utah Lake) after than and then more road training for LOTOJA, and finally the real bonus to the whole season, 24 Hours of Moab.
Family
The main restriction on more training and hence better race results is family. Presently my wife is due to have our 3rd child sometime this month and I've been trying to be around more for her sanity as well as mine. Consequently the duration and frequency of my riding has suffered. She has been very supportive of my riding, but in these latter stages of pregnancy it has been harder to manage our overly energetic 4 and 2 year old. So my assistance is needed.
Well that should suffice for my intial posting. More updates to come.
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