Biking to Running

I did my first workout so far where I went directly from biking (ok, spin) to running. I thought I would be fatigued and it would be tough. But, it was actually a different kind of tough than I was expecting. Aerobically, it was fine, no biggie. But, since you use different leg muscles to bike, the running was really strange.

I did 45 minutes of spin which totally kills my quads and hamstrings and then went right into a 3 mile run. It took a whole mile for my legs to loosen up. I was really having trouble turning them over. I didn't want to run fast for obvious reasons. But, I also didn't want to just "jog" the whole three either. At the end of the first mile, my legs didn't feel as bad and I was able to pick up the pace and finish the other two miles at a nice average clip.

I'm curious though... I'm hoping that the more I do this, the less that transition affects me. If it takes me a mile to get started "running" in the race, that's gonna be a problem. I'm over 3 months away from the race though... so I've got plenty of time to find that out.

My First Spin Class...

The thought in my head was that spin class was gonna be difficult, beat the heck out of my legs, and be a little intimidating.... check, check, check. All that said, it was really fun. I can't say that I've ever done anything like it. It's the first time in my life I've even taken a group cardio class of any sort. So, that was weird in itself. But, I definitely see spin classes being a part of my new routine.

Also, until it gets warmer outside, I'm gonna depend on spin class to supplement my biking for a while. I don't intend this to be the answer for my training. But, I really don't think it will matter until I start my actual training program (maybe early March). So... I better get used to this sore butt. I'm sure it comes with the territory.

Bar Harbor... (Warning: Long entry)

In looking back over the last week, I can hardly believe that we packed so much into so little time. As planned, I went running, biking, kayaking, hiking and sight-seeing. It was action packed and I had little time to even digest everything that was going on. Here's an attempt to piece the week together...

My wife, daughter and I drove up to Boston on Friday night (6 hours of driving). I woke up the next morning and did a 5 mile tempo run before heading out the door for the final 5 hours of driving into Bar Harbor. The driving wasn't that bad on the way there (more about that later).

Then, we arrived on Saturday around 3 o'clock in Bar Harbor and really just had a relaxing first night. The most challenging run of the week was Sunday morning. It's really difficult to fit a long run in on vacation. But, I figured I'd get it out of the way early and then have more time to spend with the family. I did three loops around a shore trail and town to get acclimated with my new surroundings. Check out the view down on the shore trail. This was some easy running as a result of the awesome view.

Later that day, the whole family went to the "beach" at Lake Echo. The water was great and the view was pretty good too. It was a little different being at the beach at a lake. But, without the waves, it was actually pretty perfect for the little ones. They had a blast.

Then, Monday was an off-day for running and we went and biked the trails in Acadia National Park. They were really pretty, but we picked a really hilly course which didn't work that well for my sister and brother in-law (or me and Melissa truth be told).

Because we were unable to do the complete trail the day before, Melissa and I went out again on Tuesday for another go at it. I ran 3 miles while Melissa biked with Sophia (in our cool new bike seat, see above). Then, I ran back to the car and grabbed my bike for another 3.5 miles of biking with Sophia and Melissa. It was fun, but all the activity was already starting to catch up to me.

Wednesday was an easy 3 miles (supposed to be 5, but I was wooped). Not to mention, I had kayaking to do. Me, Melissa, my sister Kristina and brother-in-law Kevin all went out. My parents took the kids so that we could have a fun day out and about. It was certainly that... We saw seals and got to see a pretty uninhabited part of the island. It was pretty amazing that there was that much wilderness without houses and commercialism. Almost the entire side of the island that we kayaked along was free of anything but trees, sand and rocks. Very cool...

Thursday included a trip to Cadillac Mountain. I've done a bit of traveling in my day and have seen my share of pretty views, but I have to say that this is the most breathtaking I've seen. The pictures don't really do the view justice (do they ever?).

We also spent part of Thursday at Bar Island. It's a neat little island off Bar Harbor that is actually connected by a sandbar during low tide. So, we went out there at about 2:30 when we knew low tide would make the sandbar available. It was awesome. I'm pretty sure that we had more fun then Sophie. Melissa and I were wading in the water and collecting sea items (shells, urchins, crab shells, etc.). Sophie was throwing rocks... which she really enjoys, but I think she could have done that in a lot of places.

We enjoyed that trip to Bar Island so much we drug my sister's family out the next day. We also had a rockin dinner as our farewell to Bar Harbor. We went to a brewery/barbeque place called the Atlantic Brewing Company. I had a Coal Porter and Kevin (my brother-in-law) and I ordered a huge sampler that had chicken, ribs, shredded pork and hot sausage. It was very good (and so was the beer).

Then, finally, we made the trip home on Friday night. We chose to drive through the night so that Sophia could sleep. Unlike the way up, we weren't stopping. So, it was supposed to take 12 hours. A flat tire and crazy tired driving later, it actually took about 15. I was ready to fall over when we got home. But, it was a fantastic trip! So happy to be home, dreading work tomorrow....

Day of Fitness...

Man, today was packed full from the time I woke up. I got up early so that I would be able to ride my bike into work (or at least my normal "part way"). I got out the door and got a nice ride in. Because I am directionally challenged and I strayed a little from my regular route, I turned a 5.05 mile ride into a 6.24 mile ride. Nice... (shaking head).

Then, I got a run in over lunch... It was a good hard workout. I did a 40 minute tempo run. I warmed up for 10 minutes then ran about 8:15 pace for 25 minutes and then cooled down for 5 minutes (accidentally at about 8:30 pace). I guess I had a hard time revving down after a tough workout.

Run recap- 4.71 miles, 40:00, 8:30 pace (10 minute warmup, 8:14, 8:12, 7:57, 5 minute cooldown)

Then, right after my run, I did the first day of the Hundred Pushup plan. I was supposed to do (notice, I say "supposed") 10, 10, 8, 6, max (or 7 minimum). Well, I could only manage 10, 10, 8, 5, and 3. Not a great start and it looks like I'll probably be doing week one again. But, you gotta start somewhere right?

Then, I wasn't able to ride home because of a downpour. So, Shanelle at work drove me to my car and I will drive it home tomorrow to ride in and out on Friday.

You could cut the tension with a knife...

I am patiently (not really) waiting to get the call.... The bike shop is supposed to have my bike ready today and I am really excited to see how it rides. Unfortunately, I'm going to get the bike at some point today and I won't be able to ride it to work until Friday... I would love to just ride it all the way home today. But, since I've never done the ride before, I think that's probably a bad idea (plus, I need my car for a meeting for work tomorrow anyway). Drats...

All wound up about bike commuting...

So, I've spent A LOT of time thinking about bike commuting over the last two days. In fact, I couldn't sleep last night because I couldn't get my mind off it. What route am I going to take? What equipment will I need? What am I going to do about a bike? And so on... and so on...

Well, I might have answered one of those questions today. My buddy Jerry (who was in town from Arizona for a couple days) took in some of my ideas on bike commuting. In the process, he realized he had a 10 year old bike that was actually very nice ($1200 nice) when he first bought it. It's just been wasting away in his dad's garage for all that time. So, he gave it to me. I tried to offer him money, but like a true friend, he wouldn't take it. Hint hint... Jerry can expect a nice gift certificate to take his girlfriend out to dinner in the near future. He doesn't know that yet though.

So... it's actually in pretty darn good shape for the amount of time it has sat. I will definitely be taking it in for a tune up and to get some gear that is more commute oriented than fitness oriented (some sort of rack to carry stuff, bike light) as well as the necessary gear (a couple pair of biking shorts). But, other than that, it looks like it is doing alright.

On another topic... I think I've also figured out a way to work it into my schedule more often too. I hadn't considered driving my bike to within 10 miles of work and riding to and from my car and work before and after. That way, I could do a total of 20 miles and not have to do it all at once. I wouldn't waste as much sleeping and I could pull off about 60-100 miles a week this way (not from the start obviously, I'll have to work up to that). At that rate, you will actually start to see some savings (contrary to my original conclusion). At 400 miles a month, you will save over $50. Still not in the realm of "sole reason" to do it. But, $50 is $50.

And finally... I'm not far from doing it. I'm going to try and go to the bike shop tomorrow to drop her off and buy some gear. If all goes well, I might be doing it on Friday morning. How's that for impulsive (I mean motivated). Whatever...

One last thing... I found a very cool bike commuting site that is actually pretty comprehensive if I am striking a nerve with anyone else out there. Check it out, it's called Paul Dorn's Bike Commuting Tips.

Bike commuting??

Yeah yeah... great idea, right? How about if I live 25 miles from work (which I do)? At a decent clip, it would take me just over 2 hours to get to work. My thought is that I would ride to work and drive my bike home at night twice a week. I would save 50 miles a week and get some added fitness.

Downsides? I'm not really saving that much money. And, I'd lose an hour to an hour and a half of sleep twice a week.

Upsides? The earth would love me. My gut would love me. My pocket would be a little fatter (not much by initial calculations).

From what I can tell, this isn't really a financial decision as much it is a eco/fitness decision. If I could do this all year long (which isn't likely living in the northeast), I would save $800. Enough money to be a nice side benefit. But, not enough money to make a decision solely on the dollars... What does everyone think? Anyone else do this?

Instant Karma...

I worked later than I should have tonight and Melissa was really in need of a break from Sophia (I could hear it in her voice when I called on my way home). Anyhow, I decided I was going to let Meliss go to the gym and I would watch Sophie. So, I was going to sacrifice a chance to work out so that my wife could blow some steam.

So, we made our way over to the Adamstown Y and I planned to play with Sophie in the "play room" downstairs. As soon as I walked in with Sophie, the girl who runs the Y (Jessie) asked if I wanted to go work out. She said that she would watch Sophie. She has watched her on many occasions in the past as part of the Y's babysitting program. So, I felt totally comfortable with the idea. One good turn deserves another I guess. I was going to watch Sophie and sacrifice a work out. Instead, Jessie watched Sophie while we went upstairs to get a work out in. Boy, I could have hugged her.

As a result... I got the opportunity to go for 20 minutes on the bike and lift a bit (one bicep exercise and one tricep exercise). Then, so as not to ruin the good karma, I hustled downstairs to retrieve my daughter. I know that there is about a .0000000001% chance that Jessie would ever run into this post. But, I'm gonna thank you here anyway. Thanks Jessie. Awesome!!!

It's January, right?

I went out for a bike ride yesterday and couldn't believe how nice it was (the weather and the ride). Turns out I don't hate bike riding as much as I thought. I just hate bike riding in the cold. I don't have as much tolerance for biking as running, but that is to be expected. But, I think the weather has a lot to do with my disdain for biking (and the endless wedgy). There definitely was a point in the ride where I considered going for a full hour. But, I did get tired of riding before then. So, I only went for 45 minutes. But, that's not too shabby.

Bike recap- 9.25 miles, 44:57, 4:52 pace

Circuit workout

So, I took cymrusteve's advice and did a variation of his circuit workout. It was pretty tough and fun. I did 8 exercises total (3 bicep, 3 tricep, situps and pushups). I did them with increasing reps and, when needed, decreasing weights. Like Steve suggested, I did 10, 11, then 12 reps. It was fun to do something different at the gym. Although, after all the different exercises, I wasn't able to complete 10 pushups after the first circuit. After I completed the circuit, I did 20 minutes on the bike. All in all, not a bad work out.

Biking at the gym

I went to the gym yesterday and put in 20 minutes on the bike. I had every intention of doing 30 minutes, but my wife was waiting for me downstairs with my daughter and biking is boring (I'm sure I've mentioned that before). So, I got a pretty hard workout in.... but not terribly long. If biking has to be my only cardio workout, I'll make it work. But, I'm not there yet....

That brings me to my next update. I went to the doc this morning to talk to him about my foot/heel problems I've been having. I was much more impressed with him today then I was the previous visit. I think the main difference was that he had time for me. I guess being a doctor is just like any other job. If you are too busy, it's tough to do a good job. The only difference (in my mind) is that people's life/health are on the line if you don't take the time as a doctor.

Anyhow, good news and bad news. First, the doc told me to run. Interesting... And, he ordered blood work to rule out anything biological (rheumatoid arthritis... and some other things that I don't remember). So, I have to go get blood work done and then go back to the doctor in 2 weeks. In the meantime, it's alright if I run as long as I'm not hurting myself.
Then, if the blood work is negative, I will go to a physical therapist to look at my foot strike and see if I need an orthotic.

I'm encouraged and confused all at the same time. If I go running and get sidelined for a long period of time, I'm gonna be upset. But, it sounds like I have a green light from the doc. Ugh... I can't wait until I get this blood work so that I can go to the physical therapist.

Can you feel it??

If you can, that makes one of us. On the last two long rides I've been on (50 and 55 minutes), two of my toes on each foot have gone numb. I'm guessing it has something to do with the stress fracture, but I'm gonna bring it up at my doctor's appointment on Monday. Both times, it took about 20-30 minutes until I had feeling back. The first time I actually soaked my feet in warm water until it got better.

Anyhow, I got another long ride in today... Officially, it was 53:54 and a total of 10.65 miles (5:04 miles). That was faster than a couple of my shorter rides this week. So, I'm pretty happy with that. And, almost eleven miles is nothing to sneeze at.

So, that is the end of another biking week. Today actually wasn't that bad. My schedule for next week is 30, 40, 30, 40, 60 minutes... I did two consecutive 4 day weeks and would really like to fit in 5 day weeks. So, I'll try again.

Cold, cold and more cold

As if it's not bad enough that it is cold outside... It becomes even more cold once you starting riding 20 miles per hour downhill on a bike. The wind was pretty powerful at times today and really slowed me down. I'm starting to think I'm going to need to start using the eliptical trainer through the colder months (unless I start running soon).

I rode for a total of 36:22 and 6.73 miles for an average of 5:24 miles. That was pretty slow, but the wind was tough and it was a pretty hilly ride.

Stubborn biking??

With the foot injury keeping me off the roads, I had to do something. I was going a little stir crazy. So, I decided to see how my foot would react to a bike ride. I didn't go out for terribly long. I was just trying to get back in the saddle (pun intended). But, I managed to go out for 23:18. Not bad. That is the first bit of cardio I've had since the race and it felt good to get out there. My foot got a little tired by the end, but not too much pain. I'm going to try and emulate my running plan through biking... Hopefully I'll get 5 rides in this week... 20, 30, 20, 20 and 50 minutes. Maybe this will hold me over until I can start running again. We'll see...