Back on the Bike!
I’m tellin’ ya. If you are exercising regularly, don’t stop! I was doing very well with my diet, hiking and biking in March and April until my business trip to Las Vegas in mid April. It knocked me out of my routine and I allowed myself to stay out of my routine… until today.
I’ve been eating right again (for the most part) all week, but this morning was the first day back on the bike. I love where I live. Right across the street from Pusch Peak, so I am able to do a somewhat intense 4 mile ride from my front door. The first two miles (and about 20 minutes) is uphill. Pretty brutal today! Intense even when I am in shape. The second two miles (about 10 minutes) is back downhill! The reward :-) It is fun!
I had my two cups of coffee first thing this morning and two eggs on whole wheat bread. A couple of hours later I pumped up the tires on my mountain bike and hit the road. I was just before 9am and already 90 degrees! Seeing as how we are already over 100 (it’s 10:57am right now) 90 isn’t so bad :-)
Honesty, the first part of the climb wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Don’t get me wrong, I was breathing hard at the half way point where I stop to catch my breath and drink some water. But I was happy that my legs were holding up well.
The second half of the climb is the toughest and I considered quitting, but I pressed through. By the time I got home I was hurting! I almost thought I was gonna lose my breakfast, but I got past it. An hour and a half later I feel pretty good :-)
My endurance is definitely what I have lost the most. My leg strength some, but it’s my heart and lungs that need to catch up the most. I guess more hiking and biking is in order!
Stars!
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What a game! I drove back from Dad’s last night. I knew I would get home (Lord willing) before 7:00. I was hoping that would be early enough to catch some of Game 6 between the San Jose Sharks and the Dallas Stars. Dallas had taken a 3-0 lead in the series only to give back two games to the Sharks. Game 6 was going to be huge because if Dallas lost they were heading back to San Jose for Game 7. Not a good idea. Dallas needed to close the deal.
I was very happy to discover that it was 0-0 at the first intermission when I dropped my bags on the floor and found the remote. Great! Lot’s of good hockey to come. Little did I know how much lots!
Dallas scored in the second. San Jose scored in the third. 1-1 and we were heading to overtime! It was their 4th overtime game out of the 6 and in all 5 previous games the team to score 1st, LOST!
In the 1st overtime the Shark goalie had an amazing save. His glove, and the puck, were on the goal line, but the puck didn’t cross. No goal. In the 3rd (maybe it was the second) overtime, Marty Turco and the Shark Goalie both had amazing saves to keep the game dragging on.
By now it was 11pm here, 1am in Dallas! In the 4th Overtime the announcers said it was the 10th longest game in Stanley Cup Playoff history! The players were beat, but still playing their hearts out! It was an amazing game, especially because Dallas FINALLY Won! In the 4th overtime, on a power play goal, Dallas poked in the winner. It was like 11:15 pm and I had already taken a nap during the previous intermission. I was worn out watching the game. I can’t imagine how the players felt. Probably sleeping in today.
Next stop Dallas at Detroit. Detroit is REALLY good this year, but the Stars are surprising everyone. I guess we’ll see what happens! I wonder what the odds are of getting tickets while I’m in Dallas next week? :-)
The Extra Mile
When does 340 feet feel like a mile? When it’s almost straight up!
I did my usual part way up Pusch Peak hike yesterday. Since I had the day off, I decided that I had time, and just enough extra water, to climb to the next “saddle.” My normal hike starts at 2,682 feet at the parking lot on Linda Vista. I then hike about a mile and a half up to the “first saddle” on Pusch Peak. That’s about 3,670 feet, so just short of 1,000 feet vertical. It’s a really fun and challenging hike, although you have to be careful coming down. It is steep and the loose rock can help you to fall!
Once I made it to the “first saddle,” I rested and looked up to the next one. It’s very vertical, and according to Google Earth, it’s 4,010 feet above sea level. That’s another 340 feet. So up I went. I’ve just started hiking and biking again, so I’m not nearly in my best shape. I had to rest several times on my way up. However, Once I got up there, the view is AWESOME! Here’s a look at my apartment complex taken from the “second saddle” in July of last year:
Now the entire hike all the way to the top of Pusch Peak from Linda Vista is 2,679 feet (vertical), which means the “second saddle” is over half way up!
This is really good to know, because I may have found a more direct, although much steeper, way to the top of Pusch Peak! The last time Michael and I climbed to the top, it took over 6 hours round trip! Of course, now that I think about it, I was out hiking 3 hours yesterday.
My legs are sore. That’s a good thing!
Back on the Bike
It’s been too long. I FINALLY took my favorite bike ride for exercise. I have a used mountain bike that I bought from a friend. It’s nice. The gears aren’t as smooth as they should be, but otherwise really nice for a used mountain bike. I like to ride it “up the hill.”
From the apartment it’s just a few blocks to West McGee and heading east that climbs right up to the trailhead for Pima Canyon. It’s a bit over a mile and a half and a pretty decent climb. The first part is gentle, but quickly gets steep up to the just past half way point. There is a stop sign and a little place to park. That’s where I rest and drink some water until I get in better shape. Then I can just keep right on going. Right now, not so much.
The rest of the way is actually more difficult. It’s not as steep, but it’s a loooong steady climb. Since I’m already tired from the first part, this is where the fight is, and therefor, most of the benefit! After huffing and puffing it’s Pima Canyon Trailhead! Here I drink some more water and actually walk back and forth balancing on the curb as I recover. I’m hoping that will help my balance!
Then it’s the big payoff. Downhill! I don’t have a speedometer, but I imagine I get up to about 35 or 40 mph. It’s why I bought a helmet. I resisted getting one at first, but after wondering what would happen if I hit a rock wrong or something…
Then it’s the final show off part. Near the bottom of the hill I almost always hit the red light at Oracle. It’s still slightly downhill here. So, I shift into a low gear and wait for the green. I then race the cars behind me down the block. I usually win :-) It’s just a bit of speed work at the end of a good work out. It’s good to be back on the road!
Gravity of the Situation
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I just heard on the news, today, January 21st, is the most depressing day of the year. Apparently this British researcher says the reason is that three weeks from the new year is when most people break their New Year’s Resolution. The weather is gloomy and cold. The credit cards with the Christmas spending are due. Etc.
I haven’t started my New Years Resolution(s) yet! So I’m good there. the weather is sunny and cool. I’d prefer snow, but the weather is fine. My credit card is maxed, so that’s not good. Bottom line is, I feel pretty good! If today is as depressing as it gets this year, that will be just awesome :-)
Now. Starting my New Year’s Resolution. I have to stop eating whatever whenever. I need to start fighting gravity to defy gravity. Let me explain.
My favorite exercise is to hike 1,000 feet up Pusch Peak which is located across the street from the apartments here. To mix things up I like to ride my bike up a mile and a half hill on West McGee to the Pima Canyon Trailhead. Both workouts are intense and FUN! I was hiking and/or biking 5 days a week at the end of the Summer. My legs were getting stronger and my gut was getting smaller. So why not just jump right back into it?
Part of the problem has been the sunset time in the Winter. Not enough time to hike or bike after work. That is slowly changing. The major reason for the lack of activity? I’m LAZY! A couch plopper. My clothes aren’t fitting so well and I’m not feeling as well as I should. Time for the excuses to go. If I fight gravity now I can defy it as I grow older!!!
Seattle at Green Bay
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Cold and snow. The forecast for today’s game. Perfect Packers weather. But wait. Last time the Seahawks and Packers played a snow game it was in Seattle and the Seahawks won! That was last year during the regular season.
It should be a great game this afternoon. Seattle has a decent offense and a great defense! Green Bay has a good defense and great offense! and, of course, Brett Favre. I like both teams, but the Seahawks are my team! It’s tough to win in Green Bay in the snow, but I hope the hawks find a way. If not, I’ll pull for the Packers the rest of the way.
Wouldn’t it be great if the Giants could upset the Cowboys?! The dream scenario has NY traveling to Seattle for the NFC Championship Game! That would be awesome.
On the NFC side you have to believe that the Colts and Patriots are on a collision course for the AFC Championship. It’ll be nice to see New England finish out the perfect season perfectly. However, if Seattle or Green Bay makes it to the Super Bowl I’ll probably have to root against the Patriots.
I guess we’ll find out over the next few weeks! They gotta play the games. I get to watch!
NFL Playoffs – Redskins at Seahawks
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Playoffs start in a little more than a half hour. The Washington Redskins travel to Seattle to take on the beloved Seahawks. Washington has won something like 5 straight to make it to this game. The Redskins are playing for their teammate, Sean Taylor, who was shot and killed earlier this year. After Taylor’s death I watched the press conference with Coach Joe Gibbs. Turns out that Sean had turned his life over to the Lord and his life was turning around. That happens, you know! It’s very sad that Sean was killed like he was. From what I understand, Sean’s sister invited some of her friends over to a party she had at Sean’s house. Turns out they cased the joint at the party and later broke in and stole some stuff. When they broke in a second time a few weeks later they were surprised by Sean and shot him.
So. It’s hard for me not to feel for the team. I’ve never really liked the Redskins, but with coach Gibbs being a strong Christian and the situation with Sean Taylor I can’t say I dislike ‘em anymore.
Of course, the Seahawks are my team! That’s not something to take lightly :-) Yeah, I know. It’s only a game. It won’t ruin my whole day if Seattle loses. However, I don’t think they will. Seattle is 7-1 at home. They have been playing much better in the second half of the season. AND Seattle has it’s own Christian contingent. Sean Alexander is a strong Christian and great running back! He has been struggling as a runner this year, but he has mad skills and can bust it anytime. Coach Holmgren is also a believer. His wife was on a mission trip while he was coaching in the Super Bowl a couple of years ago.
It’s supposed to rain in Seattle today. For the Seahawks there are no “fair weather” fans. :-) You’re either all in or not. I have been a Seahawk fan since they came into the league and that ain’t gonna change. If Seattle can play well today and get hot after that, it’s possible that they could make it too the Super Bowl. Dallas looks like the team to beat in the NFC, but they way Tony Romo played a couple of weeks ago, it’s not impossible.
So, I’m getting ready to pop some corn and settle in to some Seattle Seahawk playoff football. GO SEAHAWKS!!!
Tech with OK Win!
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More than OK! Texas Tech beat 4th ranked Oklahoma last night in front of the whole country on ABC Prime Time! Great win for Tech, but I feel a sorry for Oklahoma. Same kinda deal with Oregon. The Oklahoma quarterback got a concussion in the 1st quarter and didn’t return. Oklahoma’s offense struggled until late in the 4th quarter. What was different than the Oregon game, Tech was in the game when the injury occurred, where as Arizona was not. Still, you have to believe the way Oklahoma came back in the end that maybe they would have won with their starting QB. He is the most accurate thrower in College Football this year! Still, injuries are part of the game (unfortunately) and Texas Tech becomes the 11th unranked team to beat a team in the top 5 this year! Pretty amazing.
What a Rip
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Thursday night college football in Tucson, Arizona. Number 2 Oregon and the under .500 Arizona Wildcats on national TV. Four other number 2 teams had fallen to unranked teams already this year, and yes, it happened again. In the first quarter, after already scoring a touchdown and looking very impressive, Dennis Dixon tried to make a hard cut and crumpled on the turf. Game over, season over, national championship hopes. over. MRI shows torn ACL. Dixon is done for the year, and probably the Ducks too. It was good run! My heart and prayers go out to Dennis. It takes awhile to get over that kind of disappointment.
I have a nice zipper on my right knee thanx to a torn ACL. My story is a bit less dramatic! Sure, I was a football star in Jr, High :-) and a track star in high school too. Unfortunately, I didn’t stay in shape much past my early 20′s. So, when I was approaching 40 and playing basketball with my friends at work, it probably was predictable what would happen! When I was a teen, I had ups! At 5’4″ I could leap to near the rim. I was quick too. (just ask me, I’ll tell you) I used to lay back until they passed to my guy, and then steal it. This would continue until the other team figured out that I was pretty much gonna steal it every time they passed it to my guy, so they would stop :-)
Fast forward to my Saturday game with my friends, most 10 or more years younger than I was. I could still steal the ball, although not every time. As for ups, well. no. Too chubby! It’s amazing how hard it is to get an extra 30 pounds off the ground. It led to my downfall. I had the ball, and was driving to the basket at the free throw line. I jumped too high and finger rolled the ball in the bucket. Yes, I scored, but when I landed, my knee rocked. I knew immediately, my day was done. “See you guys later!” I was outta there. It was a Saturday, but I had to go into work. About an hour after my injury, I was hobbling around the newsroom and my knee was seriously swollen.
Did I see a doctor? Of course not! That’s why God gives men wives, to tell them to go to the doctor. I had no wife and little sense. I toughed it out and eventually, my knee felt better. Since I wasn’t that physically active, I was able to do just fine for a couple of years. However, it still would bug me. I noticed my knee was “loose.” My phone would ring and I’d feel my leg flopping around as I jogged down the hall to answer it, for example.
FINALLY, two years later I got the MRI. Torn meniscus and possible torn ACL. Doc went in with the scope to fix the meniscus and check the ACL. If it was indeed torn, they’d open up my knee and finish the job. Yeah. I have a zipper on my knee. It’s much better now! I can run, but since I’m still chubby, I don’t do much jumping :-) My knee will pop now and then, so it’s not 100%, maybe 90. I’ll take it.
The scar looks pretty cool too!
More Texas Tech Drama
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Apparently, Mike Leach went ballistic about the officiating of the Texas game. The story is here. Basically, Coach Leach is upset that an official who lives in Austin was allowed to ref the Texas Tech – Texas game in Austin! There must have been some bad calls, at least in Leach’s mind. One Tech TD was called back in the third quarter for holding. I didn’t see the game, so I can’t say if it was a bad call. Apparently Mike thinks it was! There must have been others too for him to risk a fine and being suspended for the Oklahoma game next week.
Then there’s the Oregon State game last night against Washington. I went to bed at half time (it was already past 10pm here). The Beavers were already ahead 16-0. Apparently a very bad call went against OSU in the final two minutes that could have cost them the game. Not as bad as last year when the Oklahoma Sooners would have beaten the Oregon Ducks if it weren’t for a very bizarre call on an onside kick! I DID see that play and it was obvious to anybody watching on TV the ball did not go ten yards before being touched by a Duck. You can see how they might miss it on the field, but when the reply official blew it?! That has to be the all time bad call ever, and I’m a Duck fan! Worse than the officiating at the Super Bowl that might have cost the Seahawks the title a couple of years ago.
Hey, officiating is a difficult and thankless job. They overwhelmingly do a good job. Every once in awhile though, you wonder. How on Earth did they miss that?! Especially if it’s reviewed and they still miss an easy call. Life isn’t fair. As a friend of mine says, fair is where you take your pig! The best way to overcome bad officiating is outplaying your opponent enough to make even bad calls non-factors. Sometimes easier said than done.
Update: Coach Leah was given the largest fine ever in the Big 12. $10,000. He is not suspended, but warned next time he could be.
