Now that's what I'm talkin' about...
None of that finger strengthening video game stuff - oh no, we are talking really working those micro-muscles in your legs and core, and having fun doing it.
Ok not as much fun as a real bike ride or trail run, but this is going to be awesome on bad weather days, or winter training, or just couldn't fit a regular workout in.
Did ya ever wonder if you were doing those yoga poses right? How about those lunges? You know what I mean, right? This little gizmo watches your balance for these exercises and makes sure you're not doing something stupid that might actually hurt you rather than help you.
It doesn't stop there of course. There are all kinds of coolio balance games that really strengthen those legs up. I do believe I will have far fewer injuries as time marches on if I keep playing with this new toy on a semi-regular basis.
And why not? It's fun and my wife and I take turns (wouldn't it be nice if we could play at the same time?!!).
Ok, I've only used it a few times, and if I wasn't doing a 24 hour race in 2 days, I would probably be slaloming down the virtual slopes right now. But rest assured, I will be a stronger racing dude in the coming years because of this new gizmo.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
muddy legs and smiling faces
I did an Xterra trail run on Wednesday night. I think that is my first official Xterra race - loads of fun. My legs were really heavy from so much biking lately, so I wasn't running great, but it was still really neat.
I started with a run across a field to a trail in the woods. The kid next to me cut me off right at the start - he was confused. By the time I ran 400 meters I was totally out of breath and had to pull back a bit as we ran up hill. About a mile in we ran across another field into the mud - about 100 meters of it - it was slippery and sloppy and you really couldn't avoid it. There were a few wood bridges that got slippery with the mud. Then came some rocky uphill and down hill climbs. A steep decent straight to a river and a short, hard to find trail along the river. Under fallen trees and over rocks and logs. Then there was a steep climb where my legs just gave up and I was almost walking and got passed. The last half mile was a repeat of the mud trail to the finish.
22 minutes for a 5K and I actually came in 9th place out of about 100 racers! Fun stuff. I was just glad my ankles and knee held strong.
The finish was cool. Everybody had a big smile on their face and mud on their feet and legs. You could tell who wiped out in the mud. Pizza and prizes at the end. Yum.
I started with a run across a field to a trail in the woods. The kid next to me cut me off right at the start - he was confused. By the time I ran 400 meters I was totally out of breath and had to pull back a bit as we ran up hill. About a mile in we ran across another field into the mud - about 100 meters of it - it was slippery and sloppy and you really couldn't avoid it. There were a few wood bridges that got slippery with the mud. Then came some rocky uphill and down hill climbs. A steep decent straight to a river and a short, hard to find trail along the river. Under fallen trees and over rocks and logs. Then there was a steep climb where my legs just gave up and I was almost walking and got passed. The last half mile was a repeat of the mud trail to the finish.
22 minutes for a 5K and I actually came in 9th place out of about 100 racers! Fun stuff. I was just glad my ankles and knee held strong.
The finish was cool. Everybody had a big smile on their face and mud on their feet and legs. You could tell who wiped out in the mud. Pizza and prizes at the end. Yum.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Cancelled: ITU Long Course World Championship in Holland
I decided to withdraw from the ITU Long Course race. I'm a bit burned out on racing long course triathlon and my heart isn't into it. I'm still looking forward to the 24 hour adventure race at the end of the month, the Philly Triathlon and the JP Morgan Chase 3.5miler in Central Park in mid June. Beyond that, I'll get to see some family in July in Chicago, move my daughters into College in the fall, and get caught up on the house, cars, bikes, yard, etc.
Saturday, May 10, 2008
70 mile bike ride
I haven't been putting in the long miles on the bike, but made up for it today, riding with 5 solid riders at a good clip. It was the first time in a long time where I actually couldn't keep up with a couple of guys on the ride. My legs were fried about 30 miles in - then we did some big hills, including Shed road. I hung on, but couldn't really push the pace in the second part of the ride like I usually do. Glad to have that under my belt - I think riding like that will definitely make me stronger, but I should probably have a different bike for those big climbs.
off road weekend
Last weekend was a cool off-road weekend.
On Saturday I ran with a friend and his dog for 90 minutes. At one point we a 'Deliverance' moment when we lost the trail and ended up at the end of a long dirt road leading to the home of a serious red neck. There was so much crap in this guys yard, it was hard to believe. A huge man with plad flannel shirt, overalls and gray beard came out yelling after we had passed his house - thank God he wasn't carrying a shot gun. A hundred yards later was his sheep farming neighbor and his son, smiling to themselves at the situation, but clearly trying to stay out of it. Anyway, it's a shame that was the highlight of the run. It was a beautiful day on a nice trail with plenty of climbs.
On Sunday, I met up with Chris and Brett at French Creek. We each did a different orienteering trail, followed by mountain biking and then paddling. A long day, but very relaxing.
On Saturday I ran with a friend and his dog for 90 minutes. At one point we a 'Deliverance' moment when we lost the trail and ended up at the end of a long dirt road leading to the home of a serious red neck. There was so much crap in this guys yard, it was hard to believe. A huge man with plad flannel shirt, overalls and gray beard came out yelling after we had passed his house - thank God he wasn't carrying a shot gun. A hundred yards later was his sheep farming neighbor and his son, smiling to themselves at the situation, but clearly trying to stay out of it. Anyway, it's a shame that was the highlight of the run. It was a beautiful day on a nice trail with plenty of climbs.
On Sunday, I met up with Chris and Brett at French Creek. We each did a different orienteering trail, followed by mountain biking and then paddling. A long day, but very relaxing.
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