7 Mile Run at Five Rivers
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Originally planned to go up to Thacher today, but decided to save some driving and go to Five Rivers instead... also I was a bit worried I'd get back to the car after sundown at Thacher and find myself trapped behind the gates until morning!
A good run today. Hip didn't ache too badly, and I got to run some pretty trails. The sun even put in a brief appearance toward the end! My legs aren't as shot this evening either - maybe I'm getting some of my running strength back.
In 1997 I started running, initially to try to run the Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska, as a fundraising for the Leukemia Society of America (now the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) Team in Training program. (OK, the real reason was to get a trip to Alaska... we all saw some benefit in the end!) Somewhere along the line I discovered a liked running, and kept going. Then I started hearing about trail running, which sounded really fun - running in the WOODS and other CRAZY PLACES.
I started trail running in the fall of 1997. My first trail run was along a stretch of the Appalachian Trail just outside of Great Barrington, MA. I was hooked right from the start. Late that fall I bought my first pair of trail shoes and went for a run in Mt Washington State Forest, seemingly straight up the side of a mountain. I absolutely loved it. And I've been a trail runner, on and off, ever since.
Today as I was running through the woods, sweating because I'd overdressed slightly, the leaves swishing and crunching under my feet, breathing heavily in the cool autumn air - I was reminded of those first trail runs, 9 years ago. I've run trails in every season and in 4 different states (6, if you count the snowshoe race in Vermont last December and the 8 miles stretch of dirt road we ran on as part of the Alaska marathon in 1997.) Some runs have been magical experiences that I loved and others have just been hard work. But I guess autumn holds a special pull for me - because that's when I first hit the trails to run them, nine years ago.
And I plan to keep running them for as long as I possibly can!
JMH
Saturday, October 21, 2006
WHEN YOU CAN'T RACE... RIDE!
30 Mile Ride on the Canalway Trail
Schoharie Crossing to Sprakers
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Since going to Rochester was out, and today was sunny (albeit cold and windy!) I decided to give the new bike (the one I crashed back in August!) a real shakedown and see how it handles as a "riding" (as opposed to "racing" - I have the Dawes for that) bike. So after running a couple of errands I hit the road for Schoharie Crossing, west of Amsterdam.
Schoharie Crossing is kind of an interesting place, as it's where the old Erie Canal used to cross Schoharie Creek right near the Mohawk (before the Mohawk became part of the canal.) It's also one of the few locations where all three versions of the canal ran right near each other, and now there's a historic site to display that. There are also the remains of a cool aqueduct that used to run across the creek, until parts fell down and parts were dismantled to help with ice jams in the creek and river. For more info, check out the Schoharie Crossing page of a rather informative site on the Erie Canal.
Parked the car, geared up, and hit the bike path, which is mostly stone dust in this section (there's a paved stretch running back a couple of miles toward Amsterdam.) I discovered quite rapidly that the wind was blowing predominantly toward me... in other words, I had to pedal fairly vigorously to maintain any slow forward motion, even on the downward sloping stretches. When you are a rider often THE WIND IS NOT YOUR FRIEND! Thankfully it was sunny - otherwise it would have been very cold and very miserable. But while it wasn't the carefree easy cycling I would have preferred, it was still a nice day and it felt good to be out doing something. Even with the constant traffic noise from the Thruway off to my right...
Didn't see to many other nuts... oops, fellow riders... along the trail, probably due to the cold and wind. After a while I started to get into it and thought I might actually make it to Canajoharie, for a total ride of about 35-40 miles. Then about 10 miles along I noticed a wobble in my rear wheel - a loose spoke. And guess who left the spoke wrench at home? Aargh. Tightened it as best I could with my fingers, and decided that (1) it wasn't that bad a wobble, and the stone dust masked the effect somewhat, and (2) I really wanted to bike past the Noses (Little Nose and Big Nose, two cliffs that overlook the Thruway and the river between Fultonville and Canajoharie.) So I rode another 5 miles, stopping in Sprakers.
On the way back - wonder of wonders, I had a tailwind and the riding was GOOD. A bit chillier, too, since the sun was disappearing, but I was able buzz right along at a nice clip. (On the way out, my average speed was 11.6 mph... not bad with a headwind. It was 13.4 mph on the way back!)
The wobble worsened on the return trip, and my front wheel picked one up too. (Note to self - pack the dang spoke wrench in the tool kit! And get another one for use at home!) So I decided to end the ride at Schoharie Crossing instead of heading down the paved path toward Amsterdam. Just as well - it was getting pretty chilly and probably would have been dark by the time I got back to the car had I continued on.
So - it wasn't the Black Diamond Du - but it was a pretty nice ride all the same, and the longest distance I've ridden all year. Now I've just got to figure out how to keep those blasted spokes tightened...
JMH
30 Mile Ride on the Canalway Trail
Schoharie Crossing to Sprakers
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Since going to Rochester was out, and today was sunny (albeit cold and windy!) I decided to give the new bike (the one I crashed back in August!) a real shakedown and see how it handles as a "riding" (as opposed to "racing" - I have the Dawes for that) bike. So after running a couple of errands I hit the road for Schoharie Crossing, west of Amsterdam.
Schoharie Crossing is kind of an interesting place, as it's where the old Erie Canal used to cross Schoharie Creek right near the Mohawk (before the Mohawk became part of the canal.) It's also one of the few locations where all three versions of the canal ran right near each other, and now there's a historic site to display that. There are also the remains of a cool aqueduct that used to run across the creek, until parts fell down and parts were dismantled to help with ice jams in the creek and river. For more info, check out the Schoharie Crossing page of a rather informative site on the Erie Canal.
Parked the car, geared up, and hit the bike path, which is mostly stone dust in this section (there's a paved stretch running back a couple of miles toward Amsterdam.) I discovered quite rapidly that the wind was blowing predominantly toward me... in other words, I had to pedal fairly vigorously to maintain any slow forward motion, even on the downward sloping stretches. When you are a rider often THE WIND IS NOT YOUR FRIEND! Thankfully it was sunny - otherwise it would have been very cold and very miserable. But while it wasn't the carefree easy cycling I would have preferred, it was still a nice day and it felt good to be out doing something. Even with the constant traffic noise from the Thruway off to my right...
Didn't see to many other nuts... oops, fellow riders... along the trail, probably due to the cold and wind. After a while I started to get into it and thought I might actually make it to Canajoharie, for a total ride of about 35-40 miles. Then about 10 miles along I noticed a wobble in my rear wheel - a loose spoke. And guess who left the spoke wrench at home? Aargh. Tightened it as best I could with my fingers, and decided that (1) it wasn't that bad a wobble, and the stone dust masked the effect somewhat, and (2) I really wanted to bike past the Noses (Little Nose and Big Nose, two cliffs that overlook the Thruway and the river between Fultonville and Canajoharie.) So I rode another 5 miles, stopping in Sprakers.
On the way back - wonder of wonders, I had a tailwind and the riding was GOOD. A bit chillier, too, since the sun was disappearing, but I was able buzz right along at a nice clip. (On the way out, my average speed was 11.6 mph... not bad with a headwind. It was 13.4 mph on the way back!)
The wobble worsened on the return trip, and my front wheel picked one up too. (Note to self - pack the dang spoke wrench in the tool kit! And get another one for use at home!) So I decided to end the ride at Schoharie Crossing instead of heading down the paved path toward Amsterdam. Just as well - it was getting pretty chilly and probably would have been dark by the time I got back to the car had I continued on.
So - it wasn't the Black Diamond Du - but it was a pretty nice ride all the same, and the longest distance I've ridden all year. Now I've just got to figure out how to keep those blasted spokes tightened...
JMH
The Year of the Crashed Turtle - Race#13
Black Diamond Off Road Duathlon (DNS)
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Black Diamond Off Road Duathlon info
As much as I looked forward to doing this race again (it was a blast last year!) apparently it just was not in the cards, since this week it became clear that it just wasn't practical to make to drive out to Rochester for it.
Sigh. Maybe next year.
JMH
2006 event totals
snowshoe - 3 miles, 59.5 min
running - 105.2 miles, 26 hr 9 min
riding - 52.4 miles, 4 hr 8 min
Black Diamond Off Road Duathlon (DNS)
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Black Diamond Off Road Duathlon info
As much as I looked forward to doing this race again (it was a blast last year!) apparently it just was not in the cards, since this week it became clear that it just wasn't practical to make to drive out to Rochester for it.
Sigh. Maybe next year.
JMH
2006 event totals
snowshoe - 3 miles, 59.5 min
running - 105.2 miles, 26 hr 9 min
riding - 52.4 miles, 4 hr 8 min
Friday, October 20, 2006
COMMUTING BY BIKE
Friday, October 20, 2006
This has been one of THOSE weeks, when time has been at a premium and running and riding ended up not getting done... for the most part.
When school started back up I decided I wanted to try something different this year, and either walk or ride to work three or four (or even five!) times a week. At first I was limited to walking (recovering from The Crash) but as September progressed I was able to get back on the bike and cut my transit time by a third (amusingly, I can typically ride to school in slightly less time that it takes me to drive there.) Also, there's just something I find unbelievably cool about showing up for work on my bike, even though it means I have to cart the bike up to my third floor office and change into proper working attire.
This week I encountered chilly mornings (3), an afternoon when it was raining quite a bit, an afternoon when it was sunny but a bit chillier than I expected (fortunately the ride's only 10 minutes!) and one beautiful warm sunny afternoon where I really wished I had more time and energy to keep riding.
One thing that really stood out was the morning when I was riding down a quiet side street and was suddenly struck by how much I wished I could just keep riding. Let's face it - 10 minutes is just enough to start to warm up and whet your appetite. I've thought about leaving earlier and taking a longer route... but I haven't been feeling quite that motivated.
Of course, today I planned to ride in despite the rain - and then overslept, making it necessary to drive. I missed my morning hop on the bike... but as I drove home through the downpour and flooded streets - maybe it was for the best!
JMH
Friday, October 20, 2006
This has been one of THOSE weeks, when time has been at a premium and running and riding ended up not getting done... for the most part.
When school started back up I decided I wanted to try something different this year, and either walk or ride to work three or four (or even five!) times a week. At first I was limited to walking (recovering from The Crash) but as September progressed I was able to get back on the bike and cut my transit time by a third (amusingly, I can typically ride to school in slightly less time that it takes me to drive there.) Also, there's just something I find unbelievably cool about showing up for work on my bike, even though it means I have to cart the bike up to my third floor office and change into proper working attire.
This week I encountered chilly mornings (3), an afternoon when it was raining quite a bit, an afternoon when it was sunny but a bit chillier than I expected (fortunately the ride's only 10 minutes!) and one beautiful warm sunny afternoon where I really wished I had more time and energy to keep riding.
One thing that really stood out was the morning when I was riding down a quiet side street and was suddenly struck by how much I wished I could just keep riding. Let's face it - 10 minutes is just enough to start to warm up and whet your appetite. I've thought about leaving earlier and taking a longer route... but I haven't been feeling quite that motivated.
Of course, today I planned to ride in despite the rain - and then overslept, making it necessary to drive. I missed my morning hop on the bike... but as I drove home through the downpour and flooded streets - maybe it was for the best!
JMH
Monday, October 16, 2006
RIDING IN THE DARK
18 Miles Along the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Path
Monday, October 16, 2006
With the Black Diamond Duathlon coming up next weekend, I knew I needed to put more time in on my mountain bike - so after work I headed over to Railroad Station Park in Niskayuna (along the Mohawk River) and took the path over the Colonie Town Park (about a 10 mile round trip.) Chilly but nice riding. For one short stretch I passed a rollerblader and then had him drafting off me for about a quarter of a mile - at least, I assume that's why he stayed right behind me as I hammered my way up the slight rise! (Or maybe he wanted to race...)
By the time I got back to the park, my lights were necessary, more to make me visible to others than for me to see. I was feeling pretty decent and having a good time, so I decided to head over to the base of the old landfill, about another 8 miles round trip. The further I went, the more my light became necessary... riding in the dark takes some getting used to! Of course, it helps to be on a wide, paved path. Stopped to grab a drink at the turn around - and discovered that my headlight's low battery warning was on. (That's what I get for not changing the batteries before I left!) So I hustled back to the car, hoping the whole time the light wouldn't die on me (it didn't.)
Riding at night can be somewhat nerve-wracking but at the same time, it is very peaceful and on a clear night, quite beautiful. Here's hoping I can get in a few more night rides before ice makes the bike path too hazardous!
JMH
18 Miles Along the Mohawk-Hudson Bike Path
Monday, October 16, 2006
With the Black Diamond Duathlon coming up next weekend, I knew I needed to put more time in on my mountain bike - so after work I headed over to Railroad Station Park in Niskayuna (along the Mohawk River) and took the path over the Colonie Town Park (about a 10 mile round trip.) Chilly but nice riding. For one short stretch I passed a rollerblader and then had him drafting off me for about a quarter of a mile - at least, I assume that's why he stayed right behind me as I hammered my way up the slight rise! (Or maybe he wanted to race...)
By the time I got back to the park, my lights were necessary, more to make me visible to others than for me to see. I was feeling pretty decent and having a good time, so I decided to head over to the base of the old landfill, about another 8 miles round trip. The further I went, the more my light became necessary... riding in the dark takes some getting used to! Of course, it helps to be on a wide, paved path. Stopped to grab a drink at the turn around - and discovered that my headlight's low battery warning was on. (That's what I get for not changing the batteries before I left!) So I hustled back to the car, hoping the whole time the light wouldn't die on me (it didn't.)
Riding at night can be somewhat nerve-wracking but at the same time, it is very peaceful and on a clear night, quite beautiful. Here's hoping I can get in a few more night rides before ice makes the bike path too hazardous!
JMH
8 Mile Run Along the Mohawk-Hudson Bikeway
Sunday, October 15, 2006
A grey, chilly day, but I wanted to run near water so I headed over to Lock 8 west of Schenectady to run on the bike trail. One plus to the weather - almost no one else was on the trail! Initially I saw two folks walking, but the rest of the time I mostly had the path to myself. Toward the end of my run there were a few other folks out walking, but that was it.
I had originally hoped to run from Lock 8 all the way to the railroad crossing at Scrafford Lane (about 9.5 miles total) but by the time I reached the drainage bridge next to the old Erie Canal in Rotterdam Junction, it was clear that the last 1.5 miles were going to be beyond me (my hip was starting to ache a bit.) So I headed back from that point instead. Can't say that I'm all that disappointed - 8 miles is still the furthest I've been able to run since The Crash, and I maintained a fairly steady pace for the whole run. And for where I'm at right now, running 8 miles in 1 hr 45 min is definitely OK.
Still, it would be nice to run in some actual sunshine soon...
JMH
Sunday, October 15, 2006
A grey, chilly day, but I wanted to run near water so I headed over to Lock 8 west of Schenectady to run on the bike trail. One plus to the weather - almost no one else was on the trail! Initially I saw two folks walking, but the rest of the time I mostly had the path to myself. Toward the end of my run there were a few other folks out walking, but that was it.
I had originally hoped to run from Lock 8 all the way to the railroad crossing at Scrafford Lane (about 9.5 miles total) but by the time I reached the drainage bridge next to the old Erie Canal in Rotterdam Junction, it was clear that the last 1.5 miles were going to be beyond me (my hip was starting to ache a bit.) So I headed back from that point instead. Can't say that I'm all that disappointed - 8 miles is still the furthest I've been able to run since The Crash, and I maintained a fairly steady pace for the whole run. And for where I'm at right now, running 8 miles in 1 hr 45 min is definitely OK.
Still, it would be nice to run in some actual sunshine soon...
JMH
Saturday, October 14, 2006
The Year of the Crashed Turtle
THE WEEKEND OF MISSED RACES
Saturday & Sunday, October 14-15, 2006
Originally, this was going to be one of the big weekends of the fall racing season.
My first plan was to do the Pinnacle Challenge Double Duathlon in New Hampshire - road running, mountain biking, road biking, and trail running, all in one race. What a blast that must be!
Then I switched plans and decided to try the Mount Desert Island Marathon along the coast of Maine. Between the pictures and the descriptions, it sounds like a challenging but absolutely beautiful course! Now I've got it on the calendar for next year...
I actually registered for the Ridgewalk & Run 14 mi Trail Run out in Wellsville, in hopes that I'd be sufficiently recovered to do it... no such luck. Of course, with all the snow out that way late last week, I'm not even sure they were able to hold the event!
It's been a difficult weekend, having to miss all these cool events. On the plus side, I was able to attend the semi-annual breakfast where rank certificates are given to the folks who've tested for black belt ranks in the last six months, and see my student Kyle get his certificate. I'm glad I was able to be there for that. But it still bums me out that I wasn't able to do one of those races...
Oh, well. There'll be other years.
JMH
THE WEEKEND OF MISSED RACES
Saturday & Sunday, October 14-15, 2006
Originally, this was going to be one of the big weekends of the fall racing season.
My first plan was to do the Pinnacle Challenge Double Duathlon in New Hampshire - road running, mountain biking, road biking, and trail running, all in one race. What a blast that must be!
Then I switched plans and decided to try the Mount Desert Island Marathon along the coast of Maine. Between the pictures and the descriptions, it sounds like a challenging but absolutely beautiful course! Now I've got it on the calendar for next year...
I actually registered for the Ridgewalk & Run 14 mi Trail Run out in Wellsville, in hopes that I'd be sufficiently recovered to do it... no such luck. Of course, with all the snow out that way late last week, I'm not even sure they were able to hold the event!
It's been a difficult weekend, having to miss all these cool events. On the plus side, I was able to attend the semi-annual breakfast where rank certificates are given to the folks who've tested for black belt ranks in the last six months, and see my student Kyle get his certificate. I'm glad I was able to be there for that. But it still bums me out that I wasn't able to do one of those races...
Oh, well. There'll be other years.
JMH
Friday, October 13, 2006
THE DARK SEASON BEGINS...
7 Mile Run in the Albany Pine Bush
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
From mid-October to March, the bulk of my running is by necessity after dark. Last year that meant most of my running in the fall and winter months was over in the Pine Bush, since that's one of the few places where I can legally run the trails after dark. Since I've added some pavement running this year, I may manage a bit more variety this season.
Tonight was the first night run of the season. Sometimes running at night can be almost magical, as I chase my bubble of light down the trail. Sometimes it can be both exciting and unnerving, like last year when I heard the coyotes howling. Tonight was a little of both, as I made my way along the darkened trails and caught glimpses of glowing eyes off in the darkness (deer, mostly, though there was one pair that seemed a bit too low to the ground to be deer.)
The run started well - a number of minor aches, but at times during the first hour it almost felt like a run from before my crash. Then reality set in and my right hip did its best to seize up, eventually slowing me to a painful shuffle for the last 20 minutes or so.
Still, a run is a run, and being out in the woods beats sitting at home!
Even in the dark season...
JMH
7 Mile Run in the Albany Pine Bush
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
From mid-October to March, the bulk of my running is by necessity after dark. Last year that meant most of my running in the fall and winter months was over in the Pine Bush, since that's one of the few places where I can legally run the trails after dark. Since I've added some pavement running this year, I may manage a bit more variety this season.
Tonight was the first night run of the season. Sometimes running at night can be almost magical, as I chase my bubble of light down the trail. Sometimes it can be both exciting and unnerving, like last year when I heard the coyotes howling. Tonight was a little of both, as I made my way along the darkened trails and caught glimpses of glowing eyes off in the darkness (deer, mostly, though there was one pair that seemed a bit too low to the ground to be deer.)
The run started well - a number of minor aches, but at times during the first hour it almost felt like a run from before my crash. Then reality set in and my right hip did its best to seize up, eventually slowing me to a painful shuffle for the last 20 minutes or so.
Still, a run is a run, and being out in the woods beats sitting at home!
Even in the dark season...
JMH
Monday, October 09, 2006
A WEEKEND OF RIDING AND RUNNING
23 Mile Ride Saturday, October 7, 2006
7 Mile Run Sunday, October 8, 2006
20 Mile Ride Monday, October 9, 2006
Well, after a week of not being able to do a whole lot, it felt good to get out in the fresh air again!
With the Black Diamond Offroad Duathlon only 2 weeks away, it was time to get in some miles on my mountain bike, so late Saturday afternoon I headed out on my New Scotland loop - over to New Scotland Ave, out past Five Rivers, and then down Krumkill and back into Albany. Managed to maintain a decent speed, but crawled up the hills; that is one HEAVY bike, especially after riding my lightweight road bike for the past few weeks! Should have dressed a little bit warmer - started with a jacket, then went to short sleeves (chilly!) then back to the jacket as the sun dropped lower and lower. I was glad I had my red blinker light for the last few miles - should have brought my orange safety vest too! But made it home, safe, sound, tired, and cold. And the views toward the Helderbergs and back to Albany from the top of the hill on Krumkill - spectacuar!
Sunday was run day, so I headed down to Five Rivers to run the trails and use up the film in my camera from the Autumn Classic Du. What a great day for a run... the woods were muddy and beautiful with the late day sun streaming through the trees. The pace was slow but the running felt good enough that I ran the trails back to the start, rather than finishing on the service road loop. Tired and sore, but a good tired and sore. And I should have some nice pictures.
Monday I took the bike over to the bike path between Schenectady and Rotterdam Junction. That was the warmest day of the three, and even though my legs were tired from the previous two days, it felt great to be riding along the river and the old Erie Canal. Headwind all the way out was a bit annoying, but the tailwind coming back was definitely sweet!
There's something about getting out on a sunny autumn day... the colors, the crackle of the leaves under foot or under the tires, the crispness in the air as the day progresses... I miss the long days of summer, when I can start a run or ride at 7 PM and still finish in the last bit of daylight, but autumn is definitely a special time to run and ride. (Of course, I could say the same about every season!)
Yesterday would have been a great day to run the Monroe Dunbar Brook trail race again... I'm sorry I had to miss it this year. And the pictures I've seen from the Canandaigue Fifties on Saturday - I have got to run that ultra someday!
JMH
23 Mile Ride Saturday, October 7, 2006
7 Mile Run Sunday, October 8, 2006
20 Mile Ride Monday, October 9, 2006
Well, after a week of not being able to do a whole lot, it felt good to get out in the fresh air again!
With the Black Diamond Offroad Duathlon only 2 weeks away, it was time to get in some miles on my mountain bike, so late Saturday afternoon I headed out on my New Scotland loop - over to New Scotland Ave, out past Five Rivers, and then down Krumkill and back into Albany. Managed to maintain a decent speed, but crawled up the hills; that is one HEAVY bike, especially after riding my lightweight road bike for the past few weeks! Should have dressed a little bit warmer - started with a jacket, then went to short sleeves (chilly!) then back to the jacket as the sun dropped lower and lower. I was glad I had my red blinker light for the last few miles - should have brought my orange safety vest too! But made it home, safe, sound, tired, and cold. And the views toward the Helderbergs and back to Albany from the top of the hill on Krumkill - spectacuar!
Sunday was run day, so I headed down to Five Rivers to run the trails and use up the film in my camera from the Autumn Classic Du. What a great day for a run... the woods were muddy and beautiful with the late day sun streaming through the trees. The pace was slow but the running felt good enough that I ran the trails back to the start, rather than finishing on the service road loop. Tired and sore, but a good tired and sore. And I should have some nice pictures.
Monday I took the bike over to the bike path between Schenectady and Rotterdam Junction. That was the warmest day of the three, and even though my legs were tired from the previous two days, it felt great to be riding along the river and the old Erie Canal. Headwind all the way out was a bit annoying, but the tailwind coming back was definitely sweet!
There's something about getting out on a sunny autumn day... the colors, the crackle of the leaves under foot or under the tires, the crispness in the air as the day progresses... I miss the long days of summer, when I can start a run or ride at 7 PM and still finish in the last bit of daylight, but autumn is definitely a special time to run and ride. (Of course, I could say the same about every season!)
Yesterday would have been a great day to run the Monroe Dunbar Brook trail race again... I'm sorry I had to miss it this year. And the pictures I've seen from the Canandaigue Fifties on Saturday - I have got to run that ultra someday!
JMH
Saturday, October 07, 2006
THE WEEK OF THE CRASHED COMPUTER
(hopefully there will only be one!)
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Woke up Monday morning sneezing... hoped it was allergies but as Monday progressed it became clear it was a cold. At least it waited until after the Autumn Classic Du... took some cold medicine and went to bed very early. Ah, drug-induced slumber!
Woke up Tuesday when the cold meds wore off... 4 AM. Gah. Couldn't get back to sleep with my sinuses raging so I went to the computer to do some work... and found it unresponsive. Repeated reboots informed me that the boot volume could not be mounted - in other words, there was a major problem with my primary hard drive, which not only runs the computer but also stores all my work and personal documents. Fortunately, I knew I'd backed the docs up sometime after purchasing the most recent hard drive (a 300GB monster) of the collection of 4 that lurk inside my overworked Dell Dimension 4500. So all (!) I needed was a new drive, plus many hours of work re-installing Windows XP, the varous security programs I run, and (eventually) about a billion other things.
One trip to CompUSA and one-slightly-more-expensive-than-I'd-been-hoping-for Maxtor HDD later, and several hours of installing the necessities and getting the basics the work, and I once again had access to my remaining three drives, including the backup I made back in... sigh... February. Yup, that would be 7-8 months of stuff lost if I couldn't get it off the dead drive. (For those of you who back up regularly - yes, I'm one of those idiots who didn't. Though I've become a major convert to the weekly backup plan.)
Didn't look good initially - the 'pooter recognized the old drive but didn't seem able to access anything on it. But Saturday night I hit on the clever idea of running chkdsk on it first and letting it try to fix the errors. Several hours later - success! I was able to transfer a huge number of files from the old drive, including what appears to be most of my documents (though some might be corrupted - I won't know until I try opening them. The few I've opened so far do seem to be OK.)
So I've gone from planning to cry much of the weekend to dancing the Snoopy happy dance. Still have a ton of work to do to get the beast back to where I want it to be. Oh, yeah, and I have a backup to run tomorrow night...
JMH
(hopefully there will only be one!)
Saturday, October 7, 2006
Woke up Monday morning sneezing... hoped it was allergies but as Monday progressed it became clear it was a cold. At least it waited until after the Autumn Classic Du... took some cold medicine and went to bed very early. Ah, drug-induced slumber!
Woke up Tuesday when the cold meds wore off... 4 AM. Gah. Couldn't get back to sleep with my sinuses raging so I went to the computer to do some work... and found it unresponsive. Repeated reboots informed me that the boot volume could not be mounted - in other words, there was a major problem with my primary hard drive, which not only runs the computer but also stores all my work and personal documents. Fortunately, I knew I'd backed the docs up sometime after purchasing the most recent hard drive (a 300GB monster) of the collection of 4 that lurk inside my overworked Dell Dimension 4500. So all (!) I needed was a new drive, plus many hours of work re-installing Windows XP, the varous security programs I run, and (eventually) about a billion other things.
One trip to CompUSA and one-slightly-more-expensive-than-I'd-been-hoping-for Maxtor HDD later, and several hours of installing the necessities and getting the basics the work, and I once again had access to my remaining three drives, including the backup I made back in... sigh... February. Yup, that would be 7-8 months of stuff lost if I couldn't get it off the dead drive. (For those of you who back up regularly - yes, I'm one of those idiots who didn't. Though I've become a major convert to the weekly backup plan.)
Didn't look good initially - the 'pooter recognized the old drive but didn't seem able to access anything on it. But Saturday night I hit on the clever idea of running chkdsk on it first and letting it try to fix the errors. Several hours later - success! I was able to transfer a huge number of files from the old drive, including what appears to be most of my documents (though some might be corrupted - I won't know until I try opening them. The few I've opened so far do seem to be OK.)
So I've gone from planning to cry much of the weekend to dancing the Snoopy happy dance. Still have a ton of work to do to get the beast back to where I want it to be. Oh, yeah, and I have a backup to run tomorrow night...
JMH
Friday, October 06, 2006
Iaido Training
Friday, September 6, 2006
A fairly nice class tonight - low-key, with plenty of practice time. We reviewed some sword terminology, in both English and Japanese, then split up to practice katas. The men spent the bulk of the time practice yin- and yan-no-kata, both of which are performed from seiza (kneeling position) -- not one of the more popular sets to do, since it's torture on the legs and knees. Fortunately, we took frequent breaks to practice u-ken and sa-ken. Those actually felt like they were flowing fairly well at times, and even yin-no kata and yan-no-kata felt OK by the end of the evening.
JMH
Friday, September 6, 2006
A fairly nice class tonight - low-key, with plenty of practice time. We reviewed some sword terminology, in both English and Japanese, then split up to practice katas. The men spent the bulk of the time practice yin- and yan-no-kata, both of which are performed from seiza (kneeling position) -- not one of the more popular sets to do, since it's torture on the legs and knees. Fortunately, we took frequent breaks to practice u-ken and sa-ken. Those actually felt like they were flowing fairly well at times, and even yin-no kata and yan-no-kata felt OK by the end of the evening.
JMH
Sunday, October 01, 2006
The Year of the Crashed Turtle - Race#12
Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon
Sunday, October 1, 2006
2006 Autumn Classic Duathlon F1 results
Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon information
2006 Autumn Classic Duathlon photo slideshow
Now THAT was a great race!
Compared to last year, I didn't do all that great - 2:51:38, compared to 2:33 in 2005. But finishing time isn't everything...
When I crashed my bike 6 1/2 weeks ago, it wasn't clear how soon I'd be able to get back to running and riding. I finally got back on the bike 2 1/2 weeks ago, and started running again a little over a week ago. The bike has been pretty comfortable, except for my hill legs being shot. Running has been more problematic - the injuries in my hips and groin have been healing slowly, and the best I've been able to do has been 5-6 miles at about a 15 minute pace. So it wasn't at all clear if I'd even be able to finish the Formula 1 course (2 mi/10 mi/2 mi/10 mi/ 2mi), though I was fairly certain I'd make it to the end of the Supersprint (the first three legs of the long course.) And if I did make it to the end of the long course, I estimated a finishing time at somewhere around 3 hours.
Add in predictions of cold and rain for today and you have the makings of a pretty miserable
race. So much so that Saturday night after Ann's ambulance banquet, I headed to Wal-mart to pick up a rain jacket (despite it being 10:30 at night... with the alarm set to go off at 5:30 AM.)
Woke up to fairly heavy rain... not a good sign. When I hopped in the car, the rain had stopped, and there were even hints of sun peeking through the clouds off in the east. Arrived at Mendon Ponds park and found - clouds and sun! Granted, more clouds than sun, but still better than rain.
It felt great to be back at a race again. Said hi to a few volunteers that remembered me from the other 3 Rochester Classic Du's I've done, and wandered around getting set up, snapping a few pictures, and smiling because I was just happy to be there. After a short pre-race talk about the course being wet and being careful - Boots' sounded the air horn and off we went.
At this point the Classic Du course is an old friend... one that treated me well during the first run. Overall, it felt good, and I managed to run 2 miles in 25 minutes... almost last, but 5 minutes faster than I was expecting. Very cool. Hopped on the bike, and found that to be very cool too - of the "dang it's cold!" variety. Fortunately I warmed up as the 10 miles rolled along, though the headwind for the first 3.5 miles didn't help. Halfway through the ride the bike course turned onto Rt 65, and I had a pleasant surprise - fresh pavement! That was sweet riding, let me tell you! Turned back into the park, and pounded up the long mostly uphill slog back to transition at the beach lot at 43:36.
The 2nd running leg was tough - walked for the first few minutes trying to get my legs to loosen up - it hurt, but not too badly. Gradually regained something resembling my running legs, and finished in a slow 27:50. The 2nd bike leg went much like the first, even down to the time (43:12), and at transition I had a pleasant surprise - Ann had made it, as had one of my previous students, Katie, who is now at Syracuse University and had driven to Rochester on a project for her advertising class. It was nice to have my very own cheering squad!
Hobbled out of transition - my hip was really tight and hurting by then - and took a little longer to start running, but eventually passed the person who had started out in last place and overtaken me on the biking legs. Asked her how she was doing and was told that the run was doing her in, because she doesn't ordinarily run! (Wow - someone even crazier than me!) Crested the final hill and got to look across the field to the finish line - what a great sight. There weren't many people around - they were giving out the awards up at the lodge - but Ann and Katie met me at the finish, and Boots welcomed me across the line. This is one race where finishing felt GREAT!
There were lots of good moments during the race - I spent a lot of it smiling - but one stands out, about 4 miles into the 1st bike leg. Crested a hill and the sun came out, bathing me in warmth and turning the field of brown cornstalks into gold. Absolutely beautiful.
As always, the folks at Yellowjacket Racing were phenomenal - at no point did I feel like I was lower than everyone else because I was so slow. Everyone was very positive and supportive - I couldn't have picked a better event for my first one back after the crash.
Next up: the Black Diamond Offroad Duathlon. A pair of 2 miles running loops through Fishers Park and a ride along the Auburn and Lehigh Valley Rail Trails. Last year it was 45 degrees and raining - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for nice weather this year!
JMH
2006 event totals
snowshoe - 3 miles, 59.5 min
running - 105.2 miles, 26 hr 9 min
riding - 52.4 miles, 4 hr 8 min
Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon
Sunday, October 1, 2006
2006 Autumn Classic Duathlon F1 results
Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon information
2006 Autumn Classic Duathlon photo slideshow
Now THAT was a great race!
Compared to last year, I didn't do all that great - 2:51:38, compared to 2:33 in 2005. But finishing time isn't everything...
When I crashed my bike 6 1/2 weeks ago, it wasn't clear how soon I'd be able to get back to running and riding. I finally got back on the bike 2 1/2 weeks ago, and started running again a little over a week ago. The bike has been pretty comfortable, except for my hill legs being shot. Running has been more problematic - the injuries in my hips and groin have been healing slowly, and the best I've been able to do has been 5-6 miles at about a 15 minute pace. So it wasn't at all clear if I'd even be able to finish the Formula 1 course (2 mi/10 mi/2 mi/10 mi/ 2mi), though I was fairly certain I'd make it to the end of the Supersprint (the first three legs of the long course.) And if I did make it to the end of the long course, I estimated a finishing time at somewhere around 3 hours.
Add in predictions of cold and rain for today and you have the makings of a pretty miserable
race. So much so that Saturday night after Ann's ambulance banquet, I headed to Wal-mart to pick up a rain jacket (despite it being 10:30 at night... with the alarm set to go off at 5:30 AM.)
Woke up to fairly heavy rain... not a good sign. When I hopped in the car, the rain had stopped, and there were even hints of sun peeking through the clouds off in the east. Arrived at Mendon Ponds park and found - clouds and sun! Granted, more clouds than sun, but still better than rain.
It felt great to be back at a race again. Said hi to a few volunteers that remembered me from the other 3 Rochester Classic Du's I've done, and wandered around getting set up, snapping a few pictures, and smiling because I was just happy to be there. After a short pre-race talk about the course being wet and being careful - Boots' sounded the air horn and off we went.
At this point the Classic Du course is an old friend... one that treated me well during the first run. Overall, it felt good, and I managed to run 2 miles in 25 minutes... almost last, but 5 minutes faster than I was expecting. Very cool. Hopped on the bike, and found that to be very cool too - of the "dang it's cold!" variety. Fortunately I warmed up as the 10 miles rolled along, though the headwind for the first 3.5 miles didn't help. Halfway through the ride the bike course turned onto Rt 65, and I had a pleasant surprise - fresh pavement! That was sweet riding, let me tell you! Turned back into the park, and pounded up the long mostly uphill slog back to transition at the beach lot at 43:36.
The 2nd running leg was tough - walked for the first few minutes trying to get my legs to loosen up - it hurt, but not too badly. Gradually regained something resembling my running legs, and finished in a slow 27:50. The 2nd bike leg went much like the first, even down to the time (43:12), and at transition I had a pleasant surprise - Ann had made it, as had one of my previous students, Katie, who is now at Syracuse University and had driven to Rochester on a project for her advertising class. It was nice to have my very own cheering squad!
Hobbled out of transition - my hip was really tight and hurting by then - and took a little longer to start running, but eventually passed the person who had started out in last place and overtaken me on the biking legs. Asked her how she was doing and was told that the run was doing her in, because she doesn't ordinarily run! (Wow - someone even crazier than me!) Crested the final hill and got to look across the field to the finish line - what a great sight. There weren't many people around - they were giving out the awards up at the lodge - but Ann and Katie met me at the finish, and Boots welcomed me across the line. This is one race where finishing felt GREAT!
There were lots of good moments during the race - I spent a lot of it smiling - but one stands out, about 4 miles into the 1st bike leg. Crested a hill and the sun came out, bathing me in warmth and turning the field of brown cornstalks into gold. Absolutely beautiful.
As always, the folks at Yellowjacket Racing were phenomenal - at no point did I feel like I was lower than everyone else because I was so slow. Everyone was very positive and supportive - I couldn't have picked a better event for my first one back after the crash.
Next up: the Black Diamond Offroad Duathlon. A pair of 2 miles running loops through Fishers Park and a ride along the Auburn and Lehigh Valley Rail Trails. Last year it was 45 degrees and raining - I'm keeping my fingers crossed for nice weather this year!
JMH
2006 event totals
snowshoe - 3 miles, 59.5 min
running - 105.2 miles, 26 hr 9 min
riding - 52.4 miles, 4 hr 8 min
Thursday, September 28, 2006
An Incredibly Thoughtful Gift
Thursday, September 28, 2006
This is very cool. One of the students from my AP Physics class last year, Paul, has really gotten into doing triathlons, and was talked into doing the Musselman Half Ironman Triathlon out in Geneva this past July. We talked about it a bit at the start of the school year (he loved it and apparently did quite well!) and I commented on a Frazz cartoon on some of his schwag. Turns out Jef Mallett (the cartoonist who does Frazz) was the guest speaker at Musselman this year (he's a triathlete) and the T-shirts featured a Frazz cartoon. I commented on how I thought that was pretty darn cool and left it at that.
Today Paul came up to me, said he'd learned that they had a bunch of extra shirts left over after the race, and gave me a long-sleeved T and a Frazz book that he'd gotten for me. I can't even begin to describe how much that touched me. All I could say at the time was "Wow" and "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" He was apologetic that Mallett hadn't autographed them, but that really doesn't matter to me. The fact that one of my students was willing to go to that kind of effort for me - well, "wow" and "thank you" barely begin to cover it.
Sometimes I shake my head at the things my kids do... teenagers are just so darn stupid sometimes! Thanks, Paul, for thinking of me and reminding me that there are some really great kids are there. Wow. Thank you!!!!!
JMH
Thursday, September 28, 2006
This is very cool. One of the students from my AP Physics class last year, Paul, has really gotten into doing triathlons, and was talked into doing the Musselman Half Ironman Triathlon out in Geneva this past July. We talked about it a bit at the start of the school year (he loved it and apparently did quite well!) and I commented on a Frazz cartoon on some of his schwag. Turns out Jef Mallett (the cartoonist who does Frazz) was the guest speaker at Musselman this year (he's a triathlete) and the T-shirts featured a Frazz cartoon. I commented on how I thought that was pretty darn cool and left it at that.
Today Paul came up to me, said he'd learned that they had a bunch of extra shirts left over after the race, and gave me a long-sleeved T and a Frazz book that he'd gotten for me. I can't even begin to describe how much that touched me. All I could say at the time was "Wow" and "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" He was apologetic that Mallett hadn't autographed them, but that really doesn't matter to me. The fact that one of my students was willing to go to that kind of effort for me - well, "wow" and "thank you" barely begin to cover it.
Sometimes I shake my head at the things my kids do... teenagers are just so darn stupid sometimes! Thanks, Paul, for thinking of me and reminding me that there are some really great kids are there. Wow. Thank you!!!!!
JMH
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
12 Mile Ride Along the Hudson
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
A little chillier than I'd expected (long sleeves would have been nice!) but still a beautiful sunny fall day. Rode from the downtown end of the Corning Preserve out to Schuyler Flatts Park in Watervliet. Pushed hard on the Corning Preserve path, took it easy looping through Schuyler Flatts (and enjoyed the sunshine!)
What do I remember best about the ride? The crunch of fallen leaves under my tires. Ducks snoozing in the sun. A heron lurking on a small island near the start.
The Autumn Classic Du gets closer every day...!
JMH
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
A little chillier than I'd expected (long sleeves would have been nice!) but still a beautiful sunny fall day. Rode from the downtown end of the Corning Preserve out to Schuyler Flatts Park in Watervliet. Pushed hard on the Corning Preserve path, took it easy looping through Schuyler Flatts (and enjoyed the sunshine!)
What do I remember best about the ride? The crunch of fallen leaves under my tires. Ducks snoozing in the sun. A heron lurking on a small island near the start.
The Autumn Classic Du gets closer every day...!
JMH
Monday, September 25, 2006
ANOTHER SLOW RUN
5-6 Miles in the Albany Pine Bush
Monday, September 25, 2006
Definitely a good evening for a run - cool and sunny. As I made my way down the trails I was struck by how much I love running in the woods and how much I've missed it since the crash.
Tonight was better than Friday. I tried something a little different - since I was only doing 5 or 6 miles, I only walked when I hit a particularly steep or rugged bit, thinking that maybe part of the problem the other day was my injured muscles stiffening up when I walked. Whatever the reason, I managed to keep to a pretty consistent pace the whole time, I'm guessing about a 15 minute mile. Had the usual aches and pains at various points but nothing I couldn't manage.
Maybe there's hope for my completing the Autumn Classic long course on Sunday... but I will definitely need to resist the temptation to go too fast and run my own race, at the pace that will get me to the end. It's going to be a long morning on the trails and roads...
JMH
5-6 Miles in the Albany Pine Bush
Monday, September 25, 2006
Definitely a good evening for a run - cool and sunny. As I made my way down the trails I was struck by how much I love running in the woods and how much I've missed it since the crash.
Tonight was better than Friday. I tried something a little different - since I was only doing 5 or 6 miles, I only walked when I hit a particularly steep or rugged bit, thinking that maybe part of the problem the other day was my injured muscles stiffening up when I walked. Whatever the reason, I managed to keep to a pretty consistent pace the whole time, I'm guessing about a 15 minute mile. Had the usual aches and pains at various points but nothing I couldn't manage.
Maybe there's hope for my completing the Autumn Classic long course on Sunday... but I will definitely need to resist the temptation to go too fast and run my own race, at the pace that will get me to the end. It's going to be a long morning on the trails and roads...
JMH
Saturday, September 23, 2006
20.5 Mile Bike Ride Out New Scotland Avenue
Saturday, September 23, 2006
After a long morning and early afternoon teaching karate and then working on getting the school ready for the colored belt testing next Wednesday, I came home and convinced myself to get out on my bike for a ride. (Especially since it's supposed to rain tomorrow.) Headed over the New Scotland Ave and out toward the Helderbergs. There's a fair amount of traffic along that road, but the shoulders are moderately wide, for the most part. Did the loop off on Fisher to Orchard and down past Five Rivers. As I was going past the ponds, I caught a glimpse of a heron right near the roadside dam - if not for the hill I was facing immediately after that, I'd have stopped to get a better look at him.
It got a bit dark toward the end, which was a bit nerve-wracking - at least I had on my reflective orange safety vest. I also noticed on the hazards of city riding as I returned to Albany - 8" curbs just inches away from my right pedal! With cars zipping by on the left, it took a lot of concentration to stay well away from those curbs and not crash!
But I made it home without mishap and I'm glad I went riding... it's a lot less stressful than running right now, and I've got 20 miles of hills to ride next Sunday at the Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon!
JMH
Saturday, September 23, 2006
After a long morning and early afternoon teaching karate and then working on getting the school ready for the colored belt testing next Wednesday, I came home and convinced myself to get out on my bike for a ride. (Especially since it's supposed to rain tomorrow.) Headed over the New Scotland Ave and out toward the Helderbergs. There's a fair amount of traffic along that road, but the shoulders are moderately wide, for the most part. Did the loop off on Fisher to Orchard and down past Five Rivers. As I was going past the ponds, I caught a glimpse of a heron right near the roadside dam - if not for the hill I was facing immediately after that, I'd have stopped to get a better look at him.
It got a bit dark toward the end, which was a bit nerve-wracking - at least I had on my reflective orange safety vest. I also noticed on the hazards of city riding as I returned to Albany - 8" curbs just inches away from my right pedal! With cars zipping by on the left, it took a lot of concentration to stay well away from those curbs and not crash!
But I made it home without mishap and I'm glad I went riding... it's a lot less stressful than running right now, and I've got 20 miles of hills to ride next Sunday at the Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon!
JMH
Friday, September 22, 2006
RUNNING AGAIN (ALBEIT SLOWLY...)
5 Mile Run in the Albany Pine Bush
Friday, September 22, 2006
With the various broken and battered bits of me feeling gradually better over the past week or two, I decided it was finally time to try running again. After all, the Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon is only a little over a week away...
Started out slow and stayed slow the whole time... probably about 15 minute miles on average. The first few miles weren't too bad... a bit uncomfortable, but the pain was manageable and MUCH improved over my Labor Day shuffle at Five Rivers.
Unfortunately, about halfway through the run my right leg started stiffening up and aching a bit. I'm guessing that the place where my hip smashed into the ground (which initially had a pretty substantial dent in the muscle and later had a huge bruise) suffered a good deal of damage and now I'm working against the scar tissue in the muscles. The last parts were not a whole lot of fun... a slow, somewhat painful shuffle. But I did finish the 5 miles "running" rather than walking.
So this leaves me a bit concerned for the long course on the duathlon... guess I'll have to play it by ear and if necessary drop down to the short course after the 2nd run. I would really like to complete the long course - feels like that would be a major accomplishment, given that I've spent much of the last 5 weeks on the partially-disable list.
The longer trail races I was hoping to do (Monroe Dunbar Brook, Ridgewalk & Run, and After the Leaves Have Fallen) will probably be out of the question... maybe After the Leaves is a possibility, if I make a LOT of progress over the next month. But right now it looks like I'll focus on duathlons and maybe a shorter race or two.
Oh, well.
JMH
5 Mile Run in the Albany Pine Bush
Friday, September 22, 2006
With the various broken and battered bits of me feeling gradually better over the past week or two, I decided it was finally time to try running again. After all, the Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon is only a little over a week away...
Started out slow and stayed slow the whole time... probably about 15 minute miles on average. The first few miles weren't too bad... a bit uncomfortable, but the pain was manageable and MUCH improved over my Labor Day shuffle at Five Rivers.
Unfortunately, about halfway through the run my right leg started stiffening up and aching a bit. I'm guessing that the place where my hip smashed into the ground (which initially had a pretty substantial dent in the muscle and later had a huge bruise) suffered a good deal of damage and now I'm working against the scar tissue in the muscles. The last parts were not a whole lot of fun... a slow, somewhat painful shuffle. But I did finish the 5 miles "running" rather than walking.
So this leaves me a bit concerned for the long course on the duathlon... guess I'll have to play it by ear and if necessary drop down to the short course after the 2nd run. I would really like to complete the long course - feels like that would be a major accomplishment, given that I've spent much of the last 5 weeks on the partially-disable list.
The longer trail races I was hoping to do (Monroe Dunbar Brook, Ridgewalk & Run, and After the Leaves Have Fallen) will probably be out of the question... maybe After the Leaves is a possibility, if I make a LOT of progress over the next month. But right now it looks like I'll focus on duathlons and maybe a shorter race or two.
Oh, well.
JMH
Sunday, September 17, 2006
The Year of the Crashed Turtle - Race#11
The Adirondack Marathon (DNS)
19 Miles Along the Mohawk-Hudson Bikepath
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Adirondack Marathon information
A few years back (2001, I think) I made plans to run the Adirondack Marathon and cancelled on the morning of the race for a variety of very good reasons.
As I began my Year of Long Distance, it was only natural to plan to make the Adirondack Marathon a part of the fun. As of mid-August I was on track with training and really looking forward to finally completing the race. Unfortunately, my bike crash on August 17 demolished those plans by leaving me unable to run or ride for almost 4 weeks after the crash and 0/2 for the marathon.
The Adirondack Marathon was today. I think it would have been a good run - a bit hot perhaps, but up in the Adirondacks the weather might have been just right. Kind of a bummer, all told.
I did manage to get out on my bike today for the longest and fastest ride yet. Rode along the Mohawk River west of Schenectady, from Schenectady County Community College to just past Rotterdam Junction. It was a great day for a ride, and the bike path wasn't too crowded, to boot. Riding the short section of path west of Rotterdam Junction, I saw turtles sunning on a log and some pretty big fish splashing in the shallows. The fallen leaves on the path were a reminder of the chilly weather we've had recently and an indication that autumn is close - a great season for running and riding (though, as the days get shorter, it gets tough to run and ride in the daylight!)
I should be in reasonable riding shape for the Autumn Classic Duathlon in Rochester in two weeks... it remains to be seen how well my pelvic injuries will handle the running.
JMH
2006 event totals
snowshoe - 3 miles, 59.5 min
running - 99.2 miles, 24 hr 48 min
riding - 32.4 miles, 2 hr 32 min
The Adirondack Marathon (DNS)
19 Miles Along the Mohawk-Hudson Bikepath
Sunday, September 17, 2006
Adirondack Marathon information
A few years back (2001, I think) I made plans to run the Adirondack Marathon and cancelled on the morning of the race for a variety of very good reasons.
As I began my Year of Long Distance, it was only natural to plan to make the Adirondack Marathon a part of the fun. As of mid-August I was on track with training and really looking forward to finally completing the race. Unfortunately, my bike crash on August 17 demolished those plans by leaving me unable to run or ride for almost 4 weeks after the crash and 0/2 for the marathon.
The Adirondack Marathon was today. I think it would have been a good run - a bit hot perhaps, but up in the Adirondacks the weather might have been just right. Kind of a bummer, all told.
I did manage to get out on my bike today for the longest and fastest ride yet. Rode along the Mohawk River west of Schenectady, from Schenectady County Community College to just past Rotterdam Junction. It was a great day for a ride, and the bike path wasn't too crowded, to boot. Riding the short section of path west of Rotterdam Junction, I saw turtles sunning on a log and some pretty big fish splashing in the shallows. The fallen leaves on the path were a reminder of the chilly weather we've had recently and an indication that autumn is close - a great season for running and riding (though, as the days get shorter, it gets tough to run and ride in the daylight!)
I should be in reasonable riding shape for the Autumn Classic Duathlon in Rochester in two weeks... it remains to be seen how well my pelvic injuries will handle the running.
JMH
2006 event totals
snowshoe - 3 miles, 59.5 min
running - 99.2 miles, 24 hr 48 min
riding - 32.4 miles, 2 hr 32 min
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
'ROUND & 'ROUND HE GOES...
13 Mile Ride at Colonie Crossings
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Colonie Crossings trail map
Colonie Crossings information
Before heading to the school to teach karate classes, I took my bike over to the Crossings of Colonie - a fairly nice park located in Colonie near the airport. Having been there previously, I knew that it isn't the most exciting place to ride - but it met my criteria of paved trails with few hills. The only drawback is that there are only about 5 miles of trails, so riding 10 or 15 miles means going around and around like a hamster in a cage...
A pleasant sunny day meant there were a lot of folks walking, running, and riding at the park... but it was still good riding. One of the coolest sights was a heron wading in near the edge of the main pond, by the park lodge.
Had a few minor twinges from my ribs but nothing all that bad, which reinforces that I can continue riding, assuming I can avoid crashing (that would be a disaster at this point...)
JMH
13 Mile Ride at Colonie Crossings
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Colonie Crossings trail map
Colonie Crossings information
Before heading to the school to teach karate classes, I took my bike over to the Crossings of Colonie - a fairly nice park located in Colonie near the airport. Having been there previously, I knew that it isn't the most exciting place to ride - but it met my criteria of paved trails with few hills. The only drawback is that there are only about 5 miles of trails, so riding 10 or 15 miles means going around and around like a hamster in a cage...
A pleasant sunny day meant there were a lot of folks walking, running, and riding at the park... but it was still good riding. One of the coolest sights was a heron wading in near the edge of the main pond, by the park lodge.
Had a few minor twinges from my ribs but nothing all that bad, which reinforces that I can continue riding, assuming I can avoid crashing (that would be a disaster at this point...)
JMH
Sunday, September 10, 2006
BACK ON THE BIKE - REALLY!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
So after 24 days, I got to ride one of my bikes again. Outside. In the fresh air and sunshine. Actually going someplace. What a concept...
The new bike (the one I crashed) is still on the trainer until I get a few parts for it and do some tune-up work. Besides, if all goes well, I'll be riding the Dawes in the Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon in 3 weeks, so I need to get some time in on it. So I packed it up and headed down to the Corning Preserve for a short ride.
Weather was a bit chilly, especially in the shade (and in the late afternoon there's lots of shade along that path.) I was glad I wore a long-sleeved jersey. Kept the pace pretty relaxed - between 10 and 11 mph much of the time - and felt only minor aches from the ribs, if I hit a particularly hefty bump in the pavement. Rode from the boat launch to the end of the path in Watervliet, and when I stopped there to stretch found out that there is another park just across I-787 from the Watervliet parking lot. So I took the tunnel under the highway and rode a short path down to the Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park.
Apparently the area in the park was the site of an Indian summer encampment, and later the homestead of the Schuyler family from 1692 until 1910, the Schuyler Flatts served as a staging area during the Revolutionary War. It became an archaelogical site in 1971 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993 (more info can be found here, which is also where I got much of the precedding!) A portion of the original Erie Canal also passes through the park, which currently features a series of paved paths, multi-purpose fields, and a number of informative signs about the features and history of the area. (For pictures of the park, check this section of the Village of Menands website... there are three pages of photos.)
So I rode around the park, then headed back down to the river and along the path through the Corning Preserve back to the boat launch. Back and ribs took it all OK, but my bruised/strained/pulled groin was aching a bit by the time I was done. This ride left no doubt in my mind that it was my body that destroyed the bike seat during the crash (and the bike seat which did some damage to me!) - the spot that's injured is exactly where I come into contact with the edge of the seat.
All in all, while it was a very slow ride (an hour to go 10 miles) it was still great to get out on a bike again and be doing one of my favorite activities outdoors. Assuming I don't wake up in agony tomorrow, I definitely want to get out for some easy riding later this week.
JMH
Sunday, September 10, 2006
So after 24 days, I got to ride one of my bikes again. Outside. In the fresh air and sunshine. Actually going someplace. What a concept...
The new bike (the one I crashed) is still on the trainer until I get a few parts for it and do some tune-up work. Besides, if all goes well, I'll be riding the Dawes in the Rochester Autumn Classic Duathlon in 3 weeks, so I need to get some time in on it. So I packed it up and headed down to the Corning Preserve for a short ride.
Weather was a bit chilly, especially in the shade (and in the late afternoon there's lots of shade along that path.) I was glad I wore a long-sleeved jersey. Kept the pace pretty relaxed - between 10 and 11 mph much of the time - and felt only minor aches from the ribs, if I hit a particularly hefty bump in the pavement. Rode from the boat launch to the end of the path in Watervliet, and when I stopped there to stretch found out that there is another park just across I-787 from the Watervliet parking lot. So I took the tunnel under the highway and rode a short path down to the Schuyler Flatts Cultural Park.
Apparently the area in the park was the site of an Indian summer encampment, and later the homestead of the Schuyler family from 1692 until 1910, the Schuyler Flatts served as a staging area during the Revolutionary War. It became an archaelogical site in 1971 and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993 (more info can be found here, which is also where I got much of the precedding!) A portion of the original Erie Canal also passes through the park, which currently features a series of paved paths, multi-purpose fields, and a number of informative signs about the features and history of the area. (For pictures of the park, check this section of the Village of Menands website... there are three pages of photos.)
So I rode around the park, then headed back down to the river and along the path through the Corning Preserve back to the boat launch. Back and ribs took it all OK, but my bruised/strained/pulled groin was aching a bit by the time I was done. This ride left no doubt in my mind that it was my body that destroyed the bike seat during the crash (and the bike seat which did some damage to me!) - the spot that's injured is exactly where I come into contact with the edge of the seat.
All in all, while it was a very slow ride (an hour to go 10 miles) it was still great to get out on a bike again and be doing one of my favorite activities outdoors. Assuming I don't wake up in agony tomorrow, I definitely want to get out for some easy riding later this week.
JMH
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